The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan)
Chapter 29

Chapter 8 I had no idea how Jacob found me, but here he was, standing right in front of me. He looked noticeably thinner, with red, bloodshot eyes. "Ivy, why are you doing this to me?"

"Do you have any idea how long I've worked to achieve what I have today?"

"Everything I did was for you, for us, so we could have a better, happier life. Why did you ruin everything? Why did you destroy me?"

I looked at him, puzzled.

"Jacob, do you honestly believe those words?"

"These are consequences of your own actions. You have no one to blame but yourself."

I looked him directly in the eyes, watching as his confident gaze shifted and faltered. So, he knew deep down that he was in the wrong. "I... I never meant anything with Jasmine," he said.

"My feelings toward her are like a brother caring for a sister. In my heart, you are my only wife. I never intended to give you up for her."

I understood then. Jacob wouldn't leave me for Jasmine, nor would he leave Jasmine for me. He wanted a loyal, dutiful wife to serve him, while also keeping a young lover to fulfill his desires.

It wasn't Jasmine's innocence or charm that he loved-it was his own selfish greed.

"Jacob, what's the point of saying all this?"

"We've already broken up and called off the engagement. I returned the ring to you. From now on, whoever you're with has nothing to do with me."

Jacob grabbed my hand, refusing to let go.

"Ivy, don't be so heartless. We've been together for seven years.

How many seven years does a person get in life?"

"I know I made mistakes, but I'm willing to change for you."

"Besides, leaving me doesn't guarantee a better life for you. Don't forget, your mother is still back home."

There was a hint of threat in his words, but I no longer feared him. I pushed Jacob away, disgusted.

"I don't care."

"We're bound by blood, so I'll provide for her as legally required, at the lowest amount possible."

"But Jacob, what binds us together?"

Love? Or hatred?

Nothing remained. The moment he cheated, everything between us disappeared. In the time I'd been on my own, I'd barely thought of him. The intense love I once felt seemed to have already been worn down over those seven years, eroded bit by bit by him. He and everything about our past now felt like an old movie that had already played to the end. For me now, the past is simply the past, and I am merely an observer. Al that happened before has nothing to do with me anymore. Now, it's Jacob who can't seem to let go.