The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan)
Chapter 26

Chapter 5

Soaking wet and looking utterly disheveled, I stepped in front of everyone. Jacob deliberately quickened his pace to distance himself from me, as if afraid of being associated with me. Jasmine pouted in annoyance when she saw me, and I overheard Jacob quietly reassuring her.

"I don't care about her; I just want to embarrass her properly. I want everyone to see that without me, she's worse off than a stray dog."

Facing the curious and mocking gazes around me, I felt nothing.

Perhaps I had been hurt so many times that I was numb to it all. I raised my hand to ask a server for a blanket, then sat on the sofa, watching people come and go.

Just then, my phone rang-it was Ellie. She told me she'd contacted a few companies for me, and they were happy to have me interview at any time. Before I could end the call, a hand suddenly rested on my shoulder. Turning around, I found Jacob looking at me with a frown.

"Who are you talking to? What interview? Where are you planning to go?"

I lied casually, "An ad pitch." Jacob's frown slowly eased.

"That makes sense. Your parents don't want you anymore; where else could you go?"

"The rain has stopped now, and there's nothing for you to do here. Just go home. And when you get back, make sure to wash my coat properly."

Without a word, I tossed his coat onto the sofa. Jasmine tilted her head and stared at me for a moment before insisting that Jacob walk me out.

As I reached the roadside, she suddenly stuck out her foot, tripping me. My body fell uncontrollably into a rose bush by the road.

"Ivy!" Jacob moved as if to reach for me, but Jasmine let out a small cry, and he immediately turned back to shield her, leaving me to fall entirely into the thorn-filled roses. Sharp thorns scratched my skin all over, and the muddy ground only magnified my humiliation. Struggling to stand, I looked up just in time to see Jacob bending down with a gentle expression, carefully wiping water droplets off Jasmine's shoes. He glanced at me, a flicker of guilt flashing in his eyes.

"Ivy, are you alright..? I can take you to the hospital."

"Jacob." Jasmine's eyes turned red with tears.

"You promised to stay with me today-it's our anniversary of when we first held hands. How can you leave me alone?"

Jacob's gaze shifted between us, hesitating.

"I can go to the hospital on my own. You're the boss; it wouldn't look good if you left early."

He sighed in relief, as if a weight had lifted.

"Then be careful. I'll bring you your favorite cream puffs when I get home."

Cream puffs were Jasmine's favorite, not mine. But there was no point in correcting him. No matter the situation, I was always the one discarded, the one sacrificed. Rather than foolishly waiting for love that was never mine, it was better to walk away with some self- respect.