Chapter 1

Everyone in the office thought my boyfriend was way too harsh on the new intern. It got so bad that even our CEO came directly to me about it.

"Mandy, I really don't approve of Lucas's behavior," Mr. Vance had sighed. "I only kept him around out of respect for you, but if he keeps acting this way..."

I rushed to make excuses for Lucas, but soon realized things weren't at all what the boss had thought.

Sure, Lucas chewed her out in front of the whole team. But right after, he would stay late and mentor her one-on-one until midnight. He even went through her simplest reports word by word, leaving detailed notes and corrections.

I tried to convince myself it was just work. That was until he put a sleazy client in the hospital for trying to force a drink down her throat.

When I posted his bail at the police station, he frowned and glared at me. "What's with that look?"

That was the exact moment I finally accepted the truth: our relationship was beyond saving.

Early that morning, my boss called me into his office. Massaging his temples, he said with clear frustration, "Mandy, Lucas is being far too aggressive with the new intern.

It’s ruining team morale. I don’t like his attitude at all. I’ve kept him on because of how much I value you, but if he refuses to get it together..."

I froze for a second before scrambling to defend him. "He just holds people to high standards, that's all. Don't worry, I'll talk to him."

Leaving the executive suite, I let out a heavy sigh.

Lucas had changed.

He didn't listen to a single word I said anymore.

We had dated through all four years of college, completely in love. At graduation, he had even declared in front of everyone, "Mandy, I'm going to make a name for myself and give you the dream wedding you deserve!"

Yet three years into our careers, I had been promoted twice to department manager, while he was still stuck at an entry-level position.

He grew hyper-sensitive, convinced I was always pulling rank on him. He stopped confiding in me, and he no longer had the patience for my vulnerability. Bitterly, he would scoff, "How could a nobody like me ever help out an important department head?"

Swallowing my hurt, I had assigned the new intern to him, hoping that managing someone and getting a win under his belt would restore his confidence.

I never imagined he would take all his pent-up frustration out on her.

Walking back to my desk, I watched Lucas slam a stack of folders onto Chloe’s desk.

"How many times do I have to teach you this? Redo it!"

His bark drew every eye in the open-plan office. Chloe’s face burned bright red.

I rushed over and reached for the documents, but Lucas snatched them back before I could open them.

"I can handle my own work, thanks."

Before I could say anything, he barked at Chloe, "Get over here and watch me do it!"

Startled, Chloe blinked back tears and scurried to sit beside him.

With so many eyes on us, I couldn't say more. During lunch, I went to the breakroom to check on Chloe.

She was making tea. When she saw me walk in, she nervously hid the mug behind her back.

"Is that for Lucas?"

She nodded, the tips of her ears turning pink. "Am I pathetic? He treats me like dirt, and here I am bringing him hot tea. But..." She looked up, her gaze surprisingly fierce. "The harsher he is, the more I want his approval. I want to prove to everyone that I can do this!"

I stared at her, stunned.

For a fleeting second, I saw myself right out of college.

I used to be just like that—overflowing with drive, gritting my teeth and pushing through every failure. And back then, Lucas had stood by my side through it all. He would listen patiently to every rough day I had, pull me into his arms, and whisper softly, "It's okay, babe. I'm right here."

I gave her shoulder a gentle pat and turned to leave, only to bump into Lucas standing right around the corner. Eavesdropping.

"How long have you been standing there?" I asked.

Looking caught off-guard, he blurted out words that made my stomach drop: "I wasn't eavesdropping... Don't you think she acts a lot like you used to?"

That night, Lucas didn't come home.

I sent him three texts. He replied with three blunt words:

[Working late tonight.]

I stared at my phone in silence. In the past, I wouldn't have thought twice about it. But now, his words kept replaying in my mind.

I ended up searing a steak the way he liked it and drove down to the office.

The corporate tower was dead silent at night, lit only by dim emergency lights. It triggered memories of getting locked inside the college field house years ago. My palms broke into a cold sweat. Trembling, I hurried toward his floor while dialing his number.

Lucas never picked up.

As the phone kept ringing, I peered through the glass conference door. He and Chloe were crowded around a single desk.

"Lucas, thank you so much for staying late to teach me," Chloe said softly, sounding hesitant. "But... Mandy has been calling you nonstop. Shouldn't you answer?"

Lucas paused, ignored the phone, and went back to flipping through the pages. Then, he reached over and gently ruffled Chloe’s hair. "You did great this time."

My hand went limp, the phone dropping to my side. My heart hammered against my ribs. I desperately tried to convince myself they were just working, but I knew Lucas too well.

Back in senior year, he had roasted my thesis draft for being hot garbage, only to spend days meticulously editing it and pulling research for me. On the day I passed, I had gone to celebrate with him, only to get trapped in a dark gym after hours.

I had cried hysterically on the phone while he guided me through unlocking the exit, teasing me for being a dummy. I swore I’d kill him once I got out. But the moment the door pushed open, he pulled me into a fierce embrace, his eyes rimmed with red as he stroked my hair.

"It's over now. You did great."