Chapter 4

"You're not seriously gonna stay with this guy for the New Year, are you?" William said, urgency in his voice. "Come on, sis, you need to break up with him. Like, now."

Chris, red-faced and furious, snapped back, "Who the hell are you? What's your problem? Why are you even talking?"

William didn't flinch. He just raised an eyebrow. "I saved her life. I can't just stand here and watch her get treated like trash."

Chris, looking flustered now, reached out and grabbed my hand, his voice desperate. "Maggie, you still love me, right? Come on, this guy's just trying to make me jealous. That's all this is, isn't it? Just like today, when you were, "

Before he could finish, I slapped him across the face. Hard.

"Chris," I said, my voice steady but cutting, "do you really think I'm as disgusting as you are?"

William grabbed my hand and pulled me away from Chris, his eyes narrowed. "Let's get out of here. I feel like I'm gonna catch something standing next to him."

As we left the hospital, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I sank to the ground, tears streaming down my face. Three years. Hell, even a dog would have feelings after that. But I had loved him so damn much.

I wiped my eyes, forcing myself to stand. "Sorry, I just... I lost it. But seriously, thank you. If it wasn't for you, I don't even know if I'd be here right now."

William's expression softened. "What's next? Because I have a feeling Chris isn't gonna let you go that easily."

I gave a bitter smile. "What's the point? It's over. After today, I'm done. I've made up my mind. I'm letting go."

William clapped me on the shoulder. "That's the spirit. Everyone runs into a few losers in life. But once you get past it, the future's wide open."

His words hit home, making my blood run hot. "Yeah, you're right. Being alone isn't the worst thing. No more heartache, no more drama. I'm done. I'm never falling in love again."

William chuckled. "Well, you should fall in love again. But this time, make sure it's with someone who actually deserves you. Someone like me."

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Stop joking."

"I'm not joking," he said, looking at me with a serious expression. "Look, even though we just met, I already know you're something special. And I respect the hell out of how you handled that situation. You didn't hesitate. You called the cops without thinking twice. You've got strength, Maggie, and that's something I admire. I'm not rushing you into anything, but I want to ask for a chance. Not just for me, but for you too. You deserve someone who'll love you the way you deserve."

His sincerity hit me hard. I could feel my walls starting to crack.

He smiled softly. "You know what they say, the best way to move on is to start something new."

"Maggie," he said, his voice gentle but firm, "Let me get to know you. My name's William Smith. And from today on, I'm gonna start pursuing you."

I looked at him, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a flicker of hope.