Better Without Your Love

Lucas Ashton and I have secretly dated for five years. We're preparing to announce our relationship during a business dinner.

However, he doesn't mention a word of it during the dinner. Instead, he leans close to me and whispers half-jokingly, "I'm sick of sleeping with you and want to call it quits. Shall we not disclose our relationship?"

I smile and nod. Then, I point at Emily Lane, his first love. "This is Lucas' girlfriend."

In my past life, I pleaded with him not to leave me. All that got me was torment and death.

In my previous life, after marrying Lucas Ashton, I caught the flu while I was pregnant, and my fever rose to 107.6 Fahrenheit. However, all he did was toss me an ibuprofen before rushing out the door.

While I was being rushed to the emergency room, he was busy posting vacation photos with his first love, Emily Lane, on social media.

I was given a second chance at life. I woke up on the day we were supposed to make our relationship public.

And just like last time, Lucas leaned in and whispered one of his cruel little jokes in my ear, "I've grown tired of you. Honestly, I don't even want to keep this going. How about we forget going public with our relationship?"

"Sure." I smiled and nodded without missing a beat.

In my previous life, I broke down in tears, ruined my makeup, and begged him not to leave. Only then did he reluctantly announce our relationship to the world.

Lucas was caught off guard by how calm I was. He narrowed his eyes and repeated himself. "I'm serious. I'm really going to call it off. I hope you don't come clinging to me like you always do!"

"Don't worry. I won't."

His brows knitted together as he stared at me in confusion.

Just then, his older brother, Charles Ashton, strolled over with a teasing grin. "Weren't you planning to bring your girlfriend home today, Lucas? Don't tell me it's Jessica?"

"Yes!"

"No!"

Lucas and I answered at the exact same time. The tension in the air was thick.

All of a sudden, a commotion broke out in the corner of the ballroom. Emily was throwing a tantrum.

Before Lucas could react, I walked straight over to her and flashed a bright smile at everyone in the room. "Everyone, allow me to introduce Lucas' girlfriend, Emily Lane!"

Lucas and Emily both froze in shock.

"Is that true?" Charles asked, eyeing the three of us skeptically.

Lucas shot me a death glare before stepping forward and taking Emily's hand.

"Jessica is telling the truth. Emily and I have been together for years. Things are great between us. We're actually planning to get married soon." With that, he leaned down and gave Emily a gentle kiss on the lips.

Then, he turned to look at me, gauging my reaction with a smug smile.

But I simply smiled sweetly and turned to the crowd. "Lucas and I have been friends for years. I've had the honor of watching their love blossom. Honestly, they're perfect for each other."

A few people, recalling Lucas' past actions, couldn't help but remark, "No wonder Lucas gave Emily that executive position even when everyone else was against it."

"Also, when that client harassed Emily last year, Lucas cut ties with him right then and there. Now that's true love."

For a moment, a flicker of panic flashed in Lucas' eyes. He fumbled for words. "Actually, my girlfriend is—"

I cut him off, enthusiastically saying, "Lucas, when you two get married, I want to be your bridesmaid! I wish you both all the happiness in the world!"

"Of course," he muttered through gritted teeth.