Part 2When I Finally Chose Myself

Jared's voice carried through the door, sometimes clear and sometimes faint. "Does it really matter if there's no spark? We've been together this long. I'm used to her by now."

I heard a bitter little laugh. "Carolyn, you're still young. You don't have to spend all your time thinking about me. You're amazing. Plenty of people are going to like you."

By the end, his voice had gone slightly hoarse, almost as if he was reluctant to let her go.

I didn't stay to hear any more. I pulled out my phone and booked a flight. Then I opened my chat with my department head and sent a reply.

"I'll take the five-year overseas assignment. Once I get my diploma in three days, I'll leave right away."

When I got home, I opened my laptop to look for an apartment overseas.

That was when I realized I was logged into Jared's account. Right there on the screen was a booking for a trip for two to Pavrelle the following week.

It was the trip we were supposed to take together.

Two months earlier, Jared had wrapped an arm around my shoulders and lowered his voice like he was sharing a secret. "I've got our graduation trip covered, and I've planned a huge surprise for you."

I'd laughed and punched him lightly in the chest, then immediately started wondering what it was.

A ring? A proposal?

Then one night, after he'd had too much to drink, he held me close and mumbled, "Scarlett, someday I'm going to marry you at Averelle Tower."

I told him he was drunk and talking nonsense, but secretly, I'd smiled about it for days.

And now, I found out he'd booked that trip for himself and Carolyn, even paying extra to upgrade their room to a luxury couples suite.

A note on the reservation read, "One last trip while Carolyn's still single. I want her to be the happiest person in the world."

On the last day, Jared had booked a visit to the observation deck at Averelle Tower.

Another note read, "A bridal veil for Carolyn, so she can see what it feels like to be a bride and have a beautiful memory to look back on."

I stared at Jared's plans until my eyes burned, but not a single tear fell.

Then I noticed the photo of us on the nightstand. I'd only been a freshman in high school when it was taken.

Back then, Mom and Dad insisted that I bring Carolyn along everywhere I went. They said I was her older sister, so it was my responsibility to show her more of the world.

I didn't want to, but no one cared what I wanted.

Jared was the only one who ever stood up for me. The day we took that photo, Carolyn grinned and tried to squeeze into the shot.

Jared immediately held out an arm to stop her. "This is a picture of Scarlett and me. Stay out of this one."

Then he turned back to me and wrapped an arm tightly around my shoulders, his eyes full of concern.

Back then, I'd thought he was the only person in the world who was truly on my side. But now, I was the one being pushed out.

I took a deep breath and moved my flight up to that day. Then I yanked open a drawer, grabbed a couple of things to wear, stuffed them into my bag, and left.

By the time I got to the airport, it was already dark. I closed my eyes and let out a long breath.

Jared and Melissa were probably still with Carolyn, celebrating her birthday.

"Scarlett!"

Jared suddenly called out from behind me. He jogged over, looking more rattled than I'd ever seen him.

"Good thing I checked your itinerary. Why did you leave without saying anything?"

I looked up at him, my voice flat. "So I wouldn't get in the way of your trip to Pavrelle."

I paused, then actually smiled. "Jared, if you really have feelings for Carolyn, I won't stand in your way."

What was the point of dragging this out and making things difficult for everyone?

Jared stared at me, as if he hadn't expected me to give up on us so easily. A few seconds later, he suddenly slapped himself hard across the face.

"Scarlett, I was wrong. I lost my head. I wasn't thinking straight. Carolyn's young. I never should've let her take things this far."

He grabbed my wrist, his words coming out in a rush.

"If you don't want me to go to Pavrelle with her, I won't. Okay? I'll go with you instead. We can leave right now! No, we'll go somewhere even better. I'll go wherever you want!"

Jared's words came faster and faster, his lips trembling.

When I still didn't respond, he grabbed my suitcase. "Scarlett, we can't leave things like this. Just give me one chance. Just one. You're the only person I want for the rest of my life."

The heat was brutal, and sweat beaded across his forehead.

I rubbed my fingers together, my chest aching.

Should I give him one more chance?

Before I knew it, Jared had pulled me back home with him. I was still trying to process what was happening when I saw Carolyn standing beside the coffee table.

Her hair was a mess, her eyes red and swollen, and she was clutching a razor blade.

"Jared! You don't want me anymore?"