From Sweethearts to Strangers: A Tale of Broken Promises novel Chapter 6

The next day, Lucas strutted back into the office with a teary-eyed Sophia in tow, acting like nothing happened.

He muttered under his breath, "Next time someone tries to mess with you, don't be scared. Just go off on them."

"You're too nice, that's why people take advantage of you."

Sophia nodded weakly, her eyes flicking toward me.

I'd had enough.

I grabbed a cup of hot water from my desk and walked straight up to Lucas.

I poured the entire cup over his head.

"Wake up yet?"

They were both caught off guard.

Sophia let out a squeak and ducked behind Lucas.

Lucas shot up, glaring at me. "Don't think I won't hit a woman."

"Someone like you—"

Slap.

I cut him off with a sharp slap across the face.

Lucas's head snapped to the side.

The entire office went silent, everyone either sneaking glances or staring outright.

I yanked off the gold necklace I'd worn for years and threw it at him.

The pendant hit the floor with a sharp clink.

"Here's your necklace back."

I spoke slowly, deliberately.

"You're right. Childhood promises don't mean anything."

"I'm telling you now, we're done. Forever. Get out of my life."

Something flickered in Lucas's eyes—maybe regret—but he still squared his shoulders and shot back, "Remember what you said."

"Don't come crying to me later."

He stomped on the necklace, grinding it under his shoe.

I turned and walked away.

The office buzzed with whispers.

The project was almost over, and it was time to start packing.

After work, I went home and began sorting through my things.

I called a moving company to help.

The movers looked at the little trinkets scattered around my place and asked, "You keeping these?"

"If so, you'll need to box them up yourself."

I glanced at the small gifts Lucas had given me over the years.

Closed my eyes.

"No. Leave them."

The movers worked fast.

I climbed into the moving truck and left.

I gave the landlord some extra cash to deal with whatever was left behind.