“I’ve already told you. Give me the project, and we break up. That’s it. We’ll both move on. You and Amy can live your little happy life, and I’ll be out of it.”
Steve’s face twisted in frustration. “I’ll give you the project, Claire, but I won’t break up with you. I still care about you. I still want to..."
I let out a sharp laugh, cutting him off once again. "You want me to stick around, while Amy’s still in the picture? Do you honestly think I’m that gullible?"
He winced. "Claire, I swear. I am aware I made a mistake, but I can fix it. Let’s work this out."
I stared at him for a long moment, then smiled, but it wasn’t a friendly smile. It was the smile of someone who’d already made up their mind.
“Okay, if you really choose me, then that means Amy’s out of the picture. Completely. No contact, no interference. Can you honestly do that?”
He hesitated, and in that hesitation, I saw the answer. He couldn’t do it. He’d never put me before Amy.
“You can’t, can you?” I whispered, the realization settling in. “Even now, you’re still choosing her over me.”
Steve’s lips pressed together tightly, but he said nothing.
“You know what? Let me save you the trouble, Steve. We’re done.” My voice was firm, unwavering. “Dragging this out is only going to make things worse for both of us. Let’s let each other go.”
His phone rang, momentarily easing the tension. He glanced at the screen, and I saw his mom’s name pop up.
Steve answered with a sigh. “Mom?”
I could hear his mother’s voice, frantic and emotional on the other end. “Steve, Amy’s fainted again! You need to come home now. That Claire girl is making a scene over nothing. You’ve got to fix this.”
Steve’s face hardened. "I'll be right there."
He hung up, his expression conflicted. He looked at me, his eyes pleading, but I had no sympathy left to give him.
“Claire,” he said quietly, “I’ll give you the project. But I won’t stop fighting for us. I’ll win you back.”
I rolled my eyes. “Good luck with that. Who’s overseeing the project?”
“I’ll have Josh handle it,” Steve said, his voice tight.
“Great. Thanks.”
Without another word, I turned on my heel and walked away, heading for the cafe down the street. I didn’t bother looking back. I didn’t need to.