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Q
The rumors were brutal.
But I knew the truth.
Jason had taken the recording to her father and given him a choice.
Protect his daughter, or end his business relationship with the Millers.
The Carter family had been struggling for years.
Most of their major deals depended on Jason’s connections.
And in the end, money won out over blood.
Her father didn’t hesitate.
Lily was out.
With her name erased from the Carter family, she became a social pariah overnight.
Her friends cut her off.
Her entire world collapsed.
For someone like her–who had always lived in wealth and admiration–it was a punishment worse than death.
The day I handed Jason my resignation letter, I told him we were done.
His face twisted in shock, like he couldn’t comprehend what he was hearing.
“Jo… why?”
His voice was raw, almost desperate.
“Everything’s finally settled! We can finally be happy again!”
He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head.
“No. I won’t accept this. I won’t let you leave me.”
I rubbed my temples.
“Jason, I’m not asking for your opinion.
“I’m telling you.”
His hands trembled as he reached for me–but I stepped back.
His fingers curled into fists at his sides.
“Jo, are you still mad about the past?”
His voice pleaded with me.
“I was blind. I was manipulated. Can’t you let it go?”
I let out a soft, humorless laugh.
“Blind?” I tilted my head, eyes locking onto his. “Or just willing to look the other way?”
His breath hitched, but I kept going.
“Every date we went on, you let Lily tag along.
“You never stopped her from clinging to you, from kissing you during games, from crossing every possible boundary.
“When I nearly drowned, you chose to save her.
“When I was sick, you left me for a dog.
“Every time she framed me, you always–always–chose to believe her.”
I inhaled slowly, my voice unwavering.
“If this hadn’t happened, can you honestly say you wouldn’t have ended up in her bed?
“Can you say, without a doubt, that your heart was never with her?”
The color drained from Jason’s face.
He staggered back, as if my words had physically hit him.
His lips parted, but no words came out.
His mind was racing, trying to find a defense, an excuse–anything.
But there was nothing.
Because it was all true.
His eyes burned red as he whispered, “Jo, I love you. Please. Just give me one more chance.”
I met his gaze. Calm. Certain. And I shook my head.
