The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan) novel Chapter 23

Hearing my words, Jacob’s face darkened instantly.

“Ivy, what right do you have to talk to me like that? Don’t forget, you’re living in my house;

I’m the on

supporting you…

Awar

wanted to argue back. For seven years of dating, it was always equal between us. Even after quitting my job, I was still spending my own savings. Before I could speak, the oven

dinged.

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Too tired to waste more words with Jacob, I put on gloves and took out the cake. Jacob

frowned for a moment, then softened his tone.

“Today…is your birthday?”

My thirtieth birthday.

And the seven–year anniversary of being with Jacob.

I’d spent the whole day making a cake by hand, hoping to celebrate with him after work.

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Jacob even fetched the candles and set them on the cake for me.

“I’ve been so busy lately. I’ll make it up to you. This afternoon, let’s go pick out a new ring–a bigger one for you.”

Sitting across from me, he resumed his usual polite demeanor.

“Ivy, you don’t need to compete with Jasmine. We had a relationship in our youth, but it’s all in the past now.”

Is it really in the past?

I still remember shortly after we started dating, bringing him lunch and overhearing a conversation between him and his friends. They had asked why he was dating me.

He replied, “As long as it’s not Jasmine, it doesn’t matter who it is.”

Back then, I was young and naive, believing that sincerity could change everything. Looking

15:39 D

The

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Chapter 2

back it was mistake after mistake.

I knew I had to pull away before I lost everything.

“No need. You’re busy; I’ll handle it myself.”

Jacob paused, surprised, but my years of silent endurance had made him accustomed to my submission. He thought I’d chosen to forgive once again, smiling as he lit the candles for

1. me.

“Make a wish.”

In the past, my wishes had always been for happiness and a lasting love with Jacob. But this time, I silently wished,