I've known Colton for a decade, and for every single one of those years, I've been in love with him.

In all that time, I witnessed all his little scandals about him and his rumored girlfriends.

Then, came the 11th year, and he announced he was getting married.

To someone who isn't me.

I didn't cry, I didn't make a scene—I just quietly moved my stuff out of the Wrights' place.

Everyone assumed I was just being dramatic, even betting on whether I'd show up and try to steal the groom at his wedding.

But I didn't.

The very next day, paparazzi broke the news that me—the adopted girl of the Wrights—and Leander—the youngest son of the Labinskis—were picking out a diamond ring.

With bloodshot eyes and gritted teeth, Colton spat out, "Hillary, I won't let you be with that bastard!"

Leander stepped in front of me, smirking as he pulled out a marriage license. "Too late. We're getting married."

——

Years ago...

The Wrights were in turmoil, and my dad got caught up in a mess during that whole business conflict—no guns involved, but he ended up taking a hit just to protect Colton's dad.

Out of gratitude, Colton's dad adopted me and the family raised me like their own.

I was 16 then.

And that's when I met Colton.

He was this tall, lean young guy with sharp features and a perfect look. But his eyes—blue and deep—completely hooked me.

And me? I was just the daughter of the family's former driver.

That feeling of inferiority snuck up and planted itself in me right then and there.

But I had no idea this was only the start of our messy fate.

10 years.

I spent 10 years loving him.

I also always helped him through endless messes with one girl after another.

He'd even brag to his friends about how I was his "right-hand girl."

Everyone was used to it, even teasing us about it all the time.

"Bro, only Hillary can really put up with your BS."

"Quit tormenting other girls!"

"Just settle with her already!"

I thought I'd be there for him forever.

But then...

On his birthday, I heard the news: he was getting married.

"Getting married? What about Hillary?"

Someone blurted out the exact question that was stuck in my throat.

Colton just swirled his drink and tossed it back in one gulp. "She's just like a little sister to me."

Translation? Never in a million years, he'd marry me.

Everyone turned to look at me, waiting to see how I'd react.

I'd only just found out about the wedding myself, so I managed a bitter smile.

I slipped out under the pretense of needing the restroom, needing some air.

Just as I reached the door, about to close it, I heard voices behind me that made me freeze.

The room was dimly lit, and no one noticed I'd left the door slightly open, leaving a small gap.

"Come on, Hillary's been into you for years. Don't you feel anything for her?"

Colton just smiled it off, and every word was heart-piercing. "You wanna feel something?"

"Wow, cold. Aren't you worried she'll be heartbroken?"

"Right? Hillary's head over heels for you!"

"Bet she's in the restroom crying her eyes out right now…"

They talked and laughed, turning my feelings for him into something they could make fun of.

And Colton was right there with them, barely caring. It was like he took a knife and carved it right through my chest.

I couldn't stay in that room after that. I made up an excuse and left first.

Over the phone, I heard Colton's friends laughing in the background.

His voice sounded annoyed before he hung up with: "You know, you don't have to update me about every little damn thing."

It was then that I realized—I'd been so cheap.

The next day, Colton brought his fiancée to another party.

She was gorgeous—slim, confident, and elegant.

When she stood beside him, they looked like a perfect couple.

Everyone crowded around them, teasing her "Mrs. Wright" and complimenting her, "Oh, you look so gorgeous!"

I kept my distance, just watching them quietly.

Then Colton called my name, and the whole room went silent.

With his arm wrapped around his fiancée's waist, and introduced me to her. "This is that ‘little sister' I told you about."

She looked me up and down, then scoffed, "Just as unimpressive as I expected."

The atmosphere suddenly went tense.

Colton stroked her head and agreed, "What'd you expect? She's just a small-town girl—of course, she's nowhere near your league, babe."

His words stabbed me deeply.

I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms.

But I was numb. Couldn't even feel the pain.

"Well, aren't you going to say hi to your future sister-in-law?"

Colton stared at me, annoyed, and gave me a little push when I didn't react fast enough.

Snapping out of it, I forced a polite smile and said, "Hi… future Mrs. Wright."

"From now on, if you need anything, go to her, not me. She doesn't like me being bothered."

"That won't happen anymore."

I forced down everything I felt and gave them both a fake smile. "I'll move out of your family's place soon, so I won't bother you anymore."

And with that, I walked away as fast as I could, terrified that I'd lose control of my emotions in front of everyone.

I wandered down the street, not knowing where to go or where to turn for a moment.

Lost in thought, I accidentally bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!"

"Whoah, hey there, pretty girl! Where are you off to? How about you hang out with me instead?"

A lecherous laugh followed, and I swear it made my skin crawl!

I tried to fight, but that drunk man was a lot stronger. I couldn't shake him off!

That was when panic began to take over me.

Instinctively, I took out my phone and dialed Colton's number. But the next second... he hung up on me.

I tried to call again, but the drunk snatched my phone, and, with a nasty smirk, he slammed it onto the ground, shattering it!

Desperate, I went to kick him. But that asshole grabbed me first and trapped me!

The street was almost empty, and hopelessness started to settle in me.

I hate you, Colton!

I pushed helplessly against the drunk, but it was useless!

But then, suddenly, he let out a scream, and the filthy hand around my neck was gone.

I looked over to see him writhing on the ground in pain.

My heart was still racing as I gasped for breath, my legs giving out until I sank into a warm embrace.

"Are you alright, miss?"

The man's voice was soft and kind, and for some reason, it calmed me down right away.

I looked up, and my eyes met my savior's.

"Leander?!"

"Hillary?!"

Seeing a familiar face, the tension and fear inside me suddenly eased.

I forced myself to stand, managing a shaky smile that probably looked more like I was about to cry.

But my legs wouldn't stop trembling, and I almost fell over several times.

"Leander... thank you… for... just now."

"Nah, don't mention it."

Leander's brows furrowed slightly as he held onto me to keep me steady.

"Where are you going? I can take you there."

The dim streetlight cast a soft glow on him, making him look even gentler.

I stared at him, dazed. Without thinking, I blurted, "I have nowhere to go. Can I stay with you?"

"What about Colton?"

Leander glanced around the empty street, frowning slightly.

"He's getting married. He doesn't want me anymore."

I looked down, staring at my feet.

I could feel my bitterness rising from my chest to my throat.

When I spoke again, my voice was hoarse. "I don't want to go back to their place."

He seemed to smile a little, but maybe it was just my imagination.

After a few seconds of silence, he finally replied, "Then come to my place for now."

As soon as I walked into his living room, I spotted an old photo.

It was a picture of us from back in college.

I froze on the spot.

When I turned my head, I noticed a rare look of shyness on Leander's face.

And then, an impulsive thought suddenly crossed my mind.

Why not... just let myself go for once?

Slowly, I walked up to him, reached out, wrapped his tie around my hand a few times, and pulled him closer.

Looking up, I gazed at his face for a couple of seconds, then I stood on tiptoe and kissed him.

When he didn't respond, frustration flared in me.

I clumsily pressed harder, determined.

Leander finally broke, took control, and kissed me back—deeper and deeper.

So deep, I could barely breathe.

He left me gasping, my cheeks flushed, and my legs too weak to hold me up.

I let him hold me tightly.

And even then, my hands refused to behave.

They slid up and down his chest.

Leander caught my wandering hand, staring into my hazy eyes, and asked, "Hillary, who am I?"

"Leander."

I looked up with a sly smile and glanced at him, continuing what my hands were doing.

"Hillary... there's still time... to back out…" Leander spoke each word with restraint, struggling to hold back.

I looped my arm around his neck and laughed softly, taunting, "Leander, are you scared?"

This time, he didn't answer me with words—his actions said everything.

That night, I pretty much just moved right into Leander's place, no shame at all.

I mean, I had to leave the Wrights' place. I was flat out of options!

Just a few days ago, I tried renting an apartment. But I got scammed by a freakin' shady landlord and ended up losing both my money and a place to stay!

Almost ended up sleeping on the street!

At least I've got a roof over my head now. That's one big headache gone!

Finally, I can breathe a little.

When I turned on my phone, the group chat was already on fire.

Absolute madness!

[Hillary actually moved out of Colton's place?!]

[LOL. You can't be serious!]

[Not just that—I heard she even blocked Colton!]

[Oh snap. Looks like Hillary's really serious this time!]

[Dude, stop! Hillary blocked the youngest Wright? Nah, I don't buy it.]

[For real, dude! Everyone knows how Hillary's been head-over-heels for Colton for like forever!]

[Hey, @Colton! WRU? Get in here and set the record straight, bro.]

Finally, Colton dropped a message in the group chat: [Don't mention her in here again. My fiancée wouldn't like it if she sees this.]

Oh well.

I snapped a quick pic of Leander's back while he's cooking and sent it to the chat.

I typed out in Colton's exact tone: [Not into him anymore. Don't want anyone getting jealous.]

As soon as I sent it, the group chat exploded all over again.

But I just turned off my phone and grabbed my iPad to keep looking for a job.

Didn't even need to check the chat to know those bastards were going nuts.

Love? Sure, that can come and go. But money? Without that, my life's really over.

Money matters more now!

In that group chat, his old buddies actually dared to keep mentioning me.

[Now it all makes sense why @Hillary moved out. She's got herself a new man, huh?]

[NGL, she's got a damn good eye. Just that back view alone can kill most guys out there!]

[Facts, bro!!!]

[Hold on, since when did she start seeing anyone else?]

[You think she just hired a dude for the day? Just to stir up some drama? LMAO!]

[Well, Colton's getting married soon. We'll see if she crashes the wedding. Now that's what I call entertainment.]

Colton: [Immature.]

[Come on, bro, tell us what you think!]

[Hey, Hillary's still got that pretty face. Back in college, lots of guys would've jumped at the chance, remember?]

[Yeah, if she hadn't been tailing Colton 24/7, TBH I'd have given it a shot! LOL!]

Colton: [You've got a bad eye then.]

For a moment, the group chat went silent.

[Alright, bro, I've got a question for you—what's it like seeing your #1 ex-admirer having lunch with some other dude?]

Colton: [Just cheap tricks.]

He glared at the screen of his phone—at that pic of me with "some random dude."

Anyone looking could probably see the fury in his eyes.

He closed the pic, clicked on an old contact, and hit dial.

"Hillary. Get your ass back to my place. Now."

Colton didn't wait for me to respond—just ended the call right after he said what he wanted.

How ridiculous.

Like I'd actually listen to him?!

I scoffed and just like that, I blocked him on Telegram too.

In Colton's end, my last seen status would say [Last seen a long time ago].

Every 15 minutes, I could imagine his expression getting darker.

When he tried calling again, he'd realize I blocked him again. I bet he'd be so angry he'd want to kill someone.

Hillary, you've got some nerve!

Ignoring my calls, blocking me on Telegram?!

And still hanging out with some random dude?

What a trash!

Fine. If you want to mess around like this, then don't even think about coming back to me begging!