Chapter 9

"Back off! This isn't your business!" Ethan snarled, his face twisted with fury. Without warning, he swung at Nathaniel, his fist connecting with a sickening crack.

Nathaniel stumbled backward, blood trickling from his split lip as he stared in disbelief.

That was it—the last straw. The rage I'd been holding back erupted like a volcano. I shoved past Nathaniel and lunged at Ethan, my palm striking his cheek with a sharp smack. "Get the hell away from him! He's my boyfriend now, and you don't get to lay a finger on him!"

The crowd exploded into cheers, the air buzzing with excitement.

Ethan stood frozen, his expression blank, the fire in his eyes dimming to nothing.

Isabella rushed forward, shielding Ethan with her body. Tears welled in her eyes as she glared at me. "Sophia, have you lost your damn mind? How could you hit Ethan? After everything he's done for you—without him, you'd be nothing!"

Her words dragged up a memory I'd tried to bury.

Last year, on our fifth anniversary, I'd arrived at Ethan's office with a gift, my heart pounding with excitement. But as I reached the door, I saw her—Isabella, draping my necklace around her own throat, her lips curved in a smug smirk.

"Does it suit me, Ethan?" she cooed, glancing back at him.

He smiled at her, soft and indulgent, the way he used to smile at me. My stomach twisted.

Isabella sighed dramatically. "I envy Sophia so much. She's got such a temper, yet you still spoil her. If I had a man like you, I'd never dare raise my voice."

Ethan hesitated, then pushed the necklace box toward her. "Fine. If you want it that badly, I'll spoil you too."

The memory burned through me like acid.

I lunged.

Two quick steps, and I snatched the cupcake from Isabella's hand, smearing frosting across her shocked face. In one motion, I shoved her to the ground, pinning her head against the rough pavement. She writhed, sharp gravel scraping her skin until crimson streaks bloomed.

"Ethan, help! She's crazy! She's insane!" she shrieked.

Nathaniel grabbed my arm. "Sophia, stop! This isn't worth it."

But Ethan shoved him aside. "Don't touch her!"

The force sent me stumbling. My palms hit the ground, gravel biting into my skin, but I barely felt it. I pushed up, squared my shoulders, and slapped Ethan—hard.

"Funny, isn't it?" My voice shook. "When I loved you, you treated me like garbage. Now that I'm done, you suddenly care? Who the hell do you think I am?"

I stepped closer, my breath hot against his face. "Remember what you called me? Petty. Arrogant. A nagging shrew. If you've forgotten, maybe it's time for a real talk with yourself."

My chest heaved. "Forgiveness? Don't make me laugh."

By the time I stopped, half of Ethan's face was swollen, blood and dirt smeared across his skin. Nathaniel caught my trembling hand, his grip tight. "You idiot. You're hurting yourself just as much."

I grinned, exhilaration rushing through me. "Worth it."

For the first time in years, I felt free.

Nathaniel chuckled, brushing his thumb over my nose. "Let's go. He's not worth another second."

As we turned to leave, Ethan dropped to his knees, clutching my pant leg. "Sophia, I didn't mean—"

I yanked free, disgust curling my lip. "You enjoyed tearing me down because you thought I'd never leave. Well, guess what? I'm done."

His fingers loosened like I'd burned him.