The anger on Rebecca's face faltered, and a flicker of guilt crossed her features. She looked like she was about to speak when Tobias gently tugged at her sleeve.

Then, she took a deep breath before saying, "Tobias and I grew up next door to each other. I won't let anyone push him around.

"Seb, stop making a scene. Just apologize to him, and this ends here."

Though Rebecca's tone softened, it still carried a commanding edge.

Boy next door, huh?

I snickered. "Is that so? Well, if you care so much about him, I'll step aside for him. Rebecca, we're done."

Having said my piece, I turned and walked away without a backward glance.

"Sebastian Grant!" Rebecca shouted after me. "Fine! Break up with me then! But don't you dare regret it! Just look at yourself. You're almost 30! Do you really think you're still some kid in his 20s?"

Her words cut deep, but I didn't slow down. I simply walked away.

Regret? The only thing I'd ever regretted in my life was meeting her.

Meanwhile, Rebecca steadied Tobias as he leaned against her, feigning weakness. She gently reassured him, but unease gnawed at her. It was as if something important was slipping away.

The look I gave her as I ended things was so calm and absolute that it left her unsettled.

…

That night, Rebecca drowned her sorrows at a bar. Her best friend, Nicole Baker, couldn't stand it anymore and snatched the glass from her hand.

"What's wrong with you, Becca? Is this really worth it over a man? Don't tell me you actually fell for Sebastian," Nicole said cautiously.

Rebecca shot to her feet like a startled cat. "What are you talking about? How could I possibly fall for that old man?"

Nicole pursed her lips, then replied, "It wouldn't be surprising if you had. He's handsome, capable, and he treats you well. Honestly, if you hadn't beaten me to him, I might have gone after him myself."

"You wouldn't dare!"

Rage surged through Rebecca at once. She grabbed a bottle from the table and sent it crashing to the floor. The sharp crack of glass echoed through the air, mingling with her ragged breaths.

The people around them jumped, staring in surprise. Even Nicole was taken aback by her reaction.

"And you say you don't have feelings for him. You're lashing out at me over a man. Is it really worth it?" asked Nicole.

She continued, "You'd better figure out who you really like, Becca. You're going to reveal the truth about that bet at your birthday party next month. Don't make a fool of yourself."

Her words left Rebecca even more unsettled. How could she possibly have fallen for me?

That wasn't possible. She had always loved Tobias, after all. Being with me had been nothing but a game. It was all for that bet.

Rebecca was convinced that I loved her too much for the breakup to be real. Besides, her birthday was approaching.

When the time came, she would stick to the plan and reject my proposal in front of everyone. Then, she'd proudly accept Tobias' confession, humiliating me thoroughly.

That had to be it.

…

Rebecca fled the bar in a flustered state, and Tobias followed her. As he watched her trembling figure, a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes.

However, he quickly composed himself before stepping forward with a smile.

"Don't be upset, Becca," Tobias said as he draped an arm around her shoulders. "My birthday's in a couple of days, and I'm thinking of throwing a party. Why don't we invite Sebastian? He'll definitely get jealous when he sees us together."

There was a comforting edge to his voice.

When Rebecca heard that she could see me, her eyes lit up, and she nodded immediately. She refused to believe that I had truly fallen out of love with her.

…

Later, Tobias did send me an invitation to his birthday party. However, the text was dripping with smugness and veiled mockery. Every sentence hinted that Rebecca had ultimately chosen him.

As I read the message, a cold smile tugged at my lips.

I wasn't someone who could be pushed around so easily. Rebecca and Tobias had played me for a fool for five years, so I'd make sure to return the favor.

…

Tobias' birthday party was held at an upscale private club. He wore a bespoke suit and stood beside Rebecca, looking every bit the confident golden boy.

However, Rebecca's gaze kept drifting toward the entrance, as if she were waiting for someone.

Of course, I didn't show up.

Halfway through the party, the massive screen at the center of the room suddenly flickered to life. A video began to play, and photo after photo flashed across the screen, each one more compromising than the last.

The man in every photo was none other than the birthday boy, Tobias. In some pictures, he was dressed to show off as he fawned over different wealthy women.

Others showed him arriving at and leaving high-end clubs. He slipped in and out of luxury cars that had come to pick him up.

Some of the photos even captured him getting intimate with older, wealthy women, with private yachts visible in the background.

In the next instant, the crowd erupted in an uproar. Guests whispered among themselves, and the looks they cast at Tobias were filled with disdain and contempt.

Rebecca stared at the screen as the color drained from her face.

"Oh, Tobias, did you like your birthday present?" I thought.