Chapter 2

What started as a publicity move somehow turned into Lucas's unconditional devotion to her.

And then came the constant postponements of our wedding.

Holly's affairs became Lucas's top priority.

The first time Lucas stood me up for Holly was on my birthday.

The family driver had secretly told me Lucas was planning to propose that day.

Lucas wasn't exactly the romantic type.

I didn't want my life's next chapter to begin in some unremarkable setting.

So I reserved the best table at the Sunset Restaurant.

I sat in the center of that beautifully romantic restaurant, surrounded by flowers and applause, using my dinner knife to cut into an exquisite little cake.

A ring appeared, gleaming in the sweet-scented air.

I was overjoyed.

But the next moment, Holly showed up.

"Brother, I think I have a fever."

The moment he saw Holly, Lucas stopped his proposal mid-motion and walked toward her.

My smile vanished.

The "what are you doing?" on my lips met his cold stare and turned into "Should we take her to the hospital together?"

He frowned, staring at the ring as if deep in thought, then said coldly, "Sophie, be understanding. Holly's still young. What if her fever leads to complications?"

Perhaps women's intuition is especially keen.

That day, watching him leave with Holly under his protective arm, I suddenly realized Lucas didn't belong to me.

But even the strongest intuition couldn't overcome falling for him again and again.

Repeatedly falling in love, repeatedly walking through fire for love.

How many times had Lucas stood me up for Holly?

So many times I've lost count.

Just then, Holly's sharp voice cut through the entire floor.

"You know all this and you still dare to—"

I snapped back to the present and calmly interrupted her, "How is any of this your business?"

Before, not only did Lucas protect her, but he made me yield to her too.

My unconditional compliance had only fueled Holly's arrogance.

More than once, she'd stolen my performance opportunities, my dance costumes, my instructors.

And even my fiancé.

I no longer wanted to dwell on what she'd taken before.

And I no longer wanted to give way to her.

"Lucas and I have ended our engagement."

She stared at me as if she hadn't understood, dumbfounded. "W-what?"

In her eyes, I saw disbelief, and a hint of barely concealed joy.

After all, Lucas was wealthy and powerful, handsome, owned a public company, and had limitless potential.

Who would be foolish enough to leave him?

But I was willing to trade that foolishness for genuine love.

I didn't respond. My continued silence and composure spoke volumes to Holly.

Seeing I wasn't joking, her face lit up with joy. "Really? You really left him?"

Unaffected by the delight in her eyes, I looked at her steadily and spoke again calmly.

"Yes, it's over between us."

"As for you, you don't have to just call him 'brother' anymore."

The moment I finished speaking, Holly quickly threw her dance clothes to a junior dancer nearby and rushed off.

I knew she was going to find Lucas.

The junior dancers looked at me nervously. "Senior, are... are you okay?"

I shook my head, forcing my lips into a smile. "I'm fine."

—

I spent the entire morning practicing in the quiet studio.

When I finally made my way backstage, panting and drenched in sweat, a friendly girl from the next table came over and handed me a bottle of water.

I took it gratefully, thanking her, and noticed she was mumbling something while scrolling through her phone.