Chapter 3

Deke swallowed hard. "Let's talk about marriage later, okay?"

I hadn't actually planned on forcing him to go. His reaction told me everything I needed to know—he'd betrayed me.

I let go of his arm, shoving him back onto the bed. "Fine. Take your time being scared. I have things to do. When you figure it out, we'll go get the license."

Relief washed over his face, like a man who'd just dodged a bullet. He nodded, all obedient, then reached for my hand, voice dripping with fake affection.

"Babe, be careful out there. I love you!"

My steps faltered at the door. A sharp pain twisted in my heart.

Deke had said 'I love you ' a million times over the past three years. But right now, it felt like a joke.

I turned back, raising an eyebrow. "You love me? Deke, love isn't just words. If you really loved me, you'd be getting dressed and following me to the County Clerk's Office right now, wouldn't you?"

I put on a heartbroken expression, dabbing at fake tears.

He said nothing. Just turned his back to me, his tone going ice-cold. "Are you trying to force me into marriage?"

I didn't answer.

There was no point dragging this out. I'd made my point.

I grabbed my keys and drove straight to the sales office—a place I'd visited more times than I could count.

On the way, I withdrew my money from our joint account. Every last dollar that was mine.

Fifty-six grand. My entire savings since graduation.

Since Deke had no plans to buy a house or marry me?

Fine. I wouldn't marry him.

But I would buy a house—on my own.

To my surprise, the apartment I'd been eyeing had just dropped in price. The down payment? Sixty grand. And I could sign today.

I didn't hesitate.

With a steady hand, I signed my name.

Just as I was about to finish the last document, my phone lit up.

Deke.

Without a second thought, I declined the call and went back to reviewing the paperwork.

He must've checked the account and realized the money was gone.

Seconds later, his messages started rolling in.

[Zoey, where's the money from our joint account?]

[That's our shared property. Why didn't you tell me before transferring it out?]

[Send it back right now, or I won't forgive you!]

I ignored him.

Instead, I noticed his position was changing through locating app.

He was running all over, trying to find me.

But he'd never guess—I was out buying a house.

By the time I finished everything and headed home, Deke was still out searching.

I sat in the living room, watching my phone light up over and over. Each notification faded into silence, then started again.

And just like that, the memories hit me.

How we met. How we fell for each other. All the moments I once thought were real.

I thought we had a future. I thought we were in love.

But that post had been a brutal slap of reality, ripping the blinders off.

A notification chimed from the study, snapping me out of it.

I touched my face—wet with tears I hadn't even noticed.

Pushing open the study door, I saw Deke's computer screen. His chat app was open.

Two pinned names sat at the top.

Me.

And Anita Dickson—his first love.

***

Deke was still blowing up my phone.