“Yes, Ethan. Over these past four years I have fallen in love with you and congratulations you’ve successfully spat on that in the total timespan of a few minutes. But, let me clarify a few things for you, Superstar. Since you’ve seemed to get a few things twisted. First, I can and will live without you.”

When I mentioned that pesky four-letter L word, I thought he was having a coronary from the way his eyes were bulging. But I didn’t let him get a word in. Grabbing his shoulders I pushed him fully out the door and out of my apartment.

“When I said I wanted a partner, a husband, a father for my kids. I didn’t mean you. Oh yeah, I was hoping you would be willing to explore all those possibilities with me, share in that future—but make no mistake I can have all those things without you.”

Ethan tried to step forward, but I didn’t let him, shoving him back an extra step. He managed to right his stance and straighten to his full height, giving me his severe stare. And by his expression alone I was glad he was now outside in the corridor. He was livid, absolutely seething. I could tell he was gearing up to give me all the words and unload on me.

Nope. Not going to happen. I didn’t want to hear all his toxic mummy issues bullshit...not again.

So, before he could spit his venom, I cut him off once more. “Out of all of those warped lies you’ve told yourself, Ethan. I will give you one concession. There is one fact that you managed to get right. You will never find another woman like me.”

Then I slammed the door in his shocked, stupid face.

Strike one.

Chapter 2

Runaway Girl

ALICIA

Bad things come in threes. That’s the superstition, right?

I didn’t know if I could handle one more.

For the first time in my life I told a partner, I love you. I didn’t know how it was supposed to feel after, but I don’t think it was supposed to feel like my heart was beating out of rhythm.

After that disastrous conversation with Ethan, I had gone no contact when he left for his game away.

Yet, he still managed to send me his regular pregame text, as if he hadn’t just insulted me in every possible way.

“Wish me luck, love. Looking forward to reading your commentary after the game.”

I scoffed. Was he for real? Yes. Yes, he was. The arrogant bastard.