Seven years later, I don't love you anymore

1.

After the car crash, Lily Parker lost her memory.

She remembered everyoneDexcept for Spencer Ashford.

Her best friend, Sophie Ashford, who had been by her side for days, froze when she realized Lily genuinely didn't recognize the name.

Lily, it's just us. Be honest with meDis this another one of your tricks to get my brother's attention?

Lily looked completely lost. "What? No, I really don't remember. Who is he?"

"You're not messing with me? Then swear on itDhand on your heart, tell me you really don't remember."

Without a moment's hesitation, Lily placed her hand over her chest.

Seeing her swear without even blinking, Sophie looked like shed been struck by lightning. She grabbed Lilys shoulders and shook them.

"You really have amnesia? And you only forgot my brother?!"

Lily couldn't understand her friend's dramatic reaction. "So, who is Spencer?" she pressed.

Sophie's expression was complicated. She rubbed her temples and began to explain, piece by piece.

"Spencer is my brother. Do you remember coming over for dinner during freshman year break? You saw him and fell head over heels. You've been chasing him for seven years since that day"

Hearing this, Lilys mind was a complete blank.

"So, is he my boyfriend now?"

Sophie forced an awkward smile.

"Not exactly. He's always been incredibly cold to you. He's still in love with someone elseDhis college sweetheart, Isabel. When they broke up, he drank himself into a stupor every day and nearly ended up in the ICU. He's never gotten over her."

"This time, it was because Isabel was coming back from Paris. He was in such a rush to pick her up from the airport that he abandoned you on the highway during a storm. That's why you got into the accident."

The words hit Lily like a ton of bricks. She stood there, mouth agape, utterly speechless.

"Wait a minuteDso you're telling me your brother is a total dick to me, is in love with someone else, and indirectly caused my accident because of her? What could I possibly see in him? Are you sure you're not making this up?"

"Why would I lie to you? Everyone knows you're hopelessly in love with my brother."

Sophie shook her head and handed Lily her phone.

Lily took it, skeptical, and tried to unlock it with a familiar string of numbers. It didn't work.

"That's not your password anymore. It's my brother's birthday. July fifteenth."

Lily typed in 0715, and the phone unlocked.

She opened the photo gallery, and her screen was flooded with thousands of pictures of a man she didn't know.

She stared at his breathtakingly handsome face for a long time, slowly realizing that what Sophie said must be true.

Spencer was exactly her type.

But in every single photo, all of which seemed to be taken from a distance, his eyes were as cold as ice whenever he glanced toward the camera.

A heavy feeling settled in Lily's chest as she opened the notes app.

It was filled with everything about SpencerDthe kind of coffee he drank, the social events he hated.

And then there were the diary entries.

"A seventh Valentine's Day. I spent half a month rehearsing my confession, and just as I expected, he rejected me again. Spencer, you said we could never be together, but I just can't let you go."

"You were drunk again tonight. You mistook me for her, calling her name all night. You said you could never forget herDthat even though you knew she'd never come back, you'd chase her like a moth to a flame. In that moment, I realized we were the sameDboth of us helpless and pathetic in love"

Even without her memories, the raw pain and despair in those words struck her to the core.

A lump formed in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes before she could stop them.

She stood there, stunned, for a long, long time.

The hospital room was quiet for what felt like an eternity before Sophie finally spoke.

"So what are you going to do now? Do you want to try and get treatment? My uncle is a neurology specialist at Mount Sinai, but hes overseas for a conference right now. If you want"

"Forget it. I don't remember him, but I can feel that the old me, the one who loved your brother, must have been miserable. Now that I've forgotten, maybe this is my chance to be free."

Lily took a deep breath, looked down at her phone, and deleted every single photo and every single note.

Sophie's eyes widened, but before she could say anything, her phone rang.

She hung up, grabbed her bag, and rushed out the door.

"Something urgent came up at home. Lily, you get some rest. I'll be back to see you as soon as I'm done."

The door clicked shut.

Just as Lily was about to get some sleep, a call came from her parents.

"Lily, we've talked about this beforeDhave you seriously thought about moving back to Portland? You've been in New York by yourself for so many years, and your father and I are worried about you. Your father mentioned that his college roommate's son, Ryan, opened his own architecture firm in Portland. He's a great guy. Would you be willing to at least meet him?"

Mrs. Parker was fully prepared for rejection; this call was just a last-ditch effort.

But after a few seconds of silence, Lily agreed.

"Okay. As soon as I wrap things up in New York, I'll come back to Portland."

Mrs. Parker couldn't believe her ears.

"WhatDwhat did you say? Are you giving up on your best friend's brother? The only reason you were so determined to stay in New York was because of him. What changed your mind?"

Lily didn't know how to explain the amnesia, and she didn't want to worry her parents with the news of her accident.

She settled on a vague answer.

"I don't like him anymore. And I never will again."

2.

After hanging up, Lily estimated how long it would take to handle her affairs and booked a flight to Portland for two weeks later.

Just as she finished, a nurse came to take her for a follow-up examination.

She was wheeled out of her room, and as she looked up, she saw a face she knew all too well.

It was the face she had just spent ages staring at in her photo gallery.

Spencer.

The moment he saw her, his brow furrowed, and his voice was laced with annoyance.

"How did you know I was here? Are you following me to the hospital now?"

Lily hadn't expected her first encounter with Spencer after losing her memory to be like this.

And she definitely hadn't expected him to despise her so much.

It took her a moment to collect herself. "You've got it all wrong. I'm not following you. I was in a car accident on the highway, and I've been here ever since."

Spencer frowned, scanning her from head to toe. Just as he was about to say something, the door to the next room opened.

He immediately rushed over.

"Isabel, you just broke your fever. I told you to rest. What are you doing out of bed?"

Hearing the name, Lily instinctively turned her head and saw Isabel, dressed in a white gown, her long hair cascading down her back.

Their eyes met, and Isabel offered a faint, gentle smile.

"It was getting stuffy in the room, so I came out for some fresh air. Spencer, who is this?"

Spencer's gaze darkened. "A friend of my sister's. A designer from my company, Lily. We're not close."

Isabel's lips curved into a smile.

"Miss Parker, it's a pleasure to meet you. You have a bandage on your head. Were you injured?"

Lily nodded. "Yes, a car accident. A mild concussion and some memory"

Before she could finish, the nurse called out from behind her.

"Miss Parker, it's time for your check-up."

Lily wasn't in the mood for small talk with people she didn't even remember. She muttered a quick goodbye and let the nurse wheel her away.

Left behind, Spencer watched her go, a rare flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

Usually, she'd cling to him the moment she saw him.

Today, she just left.

After a few routine tests, Lily went to the pharmacy to pick up her medication.

The weather was nice, so she stopped by the garden downstairs to sit by the fountain and soak up some sun.

She hadn't been there long when Isabel walked over.

"Miss Parker? Fancy seeing you here."

Lily hadn't expected to run into her again but made polite conversation.

Isabel quickly made herself comfortable, taking over the handles of Lilys wheelchair with a bright smile.

"Spencer just got a call and had to step away. I'm bored, so how about we chat?"

"Since you're Sophie's friend and you've worked with Spencer for so longDI heard back in Paris that some girl had been chasing him for seven years. Do you know who it is? What does he think of her?"

Lily's body tensed for a second, but she quickly composed herself, her voice calm.

"I'm not really sure about that. But he's been hung up on you for seven years while this other person was chasing him. That says it all, doesn't it? You're the one who matters most to him. No one else even comes close."

3.

Hearing such a confident answer, a flicker of surprise crossed Isabel's eyes, and she feigned a shy tone.

"You know about me and Spencer? Does he talk about me often?"

Lily remembered what Sophie had told her and nodded gently. "Yes."

A blush crept up Isabel's cheeks, and her eyes lit up.

"Spencer fell for me at first sight. He pursued me for a long time before I finally agreed to give him a chance. After we got together, he treated me so well. For our anniversary, he covered my apartment doorstep with a thousand roses. Whenever another guy asked me to a party, he'd get so jealous"

"We were together for four years. Everyone said I was his soulmate, and he told me countless times that he was going to propose after graduation. But I didn't want to get married right out of college. I had my own ambitions, so I turned him down and went to Paris. But I knew he never let me go all these years, so I decided to come back."

"To be honest, I was a little nervous on my way to the airport. But when I saw him rushing through the arrivals hall in the pouring rain to grab my luggage, I knew nothing had changed. I've had a cold these past few days, and he's been taking care of me. I can tell he wants to ask me to get back together, but for some reason, he just can't seem to bring it up. I was worried he might have developed feelings for that girl who chased him for seven years, which is why I wanted to ask you about it."

Lily listened to the story with the detachment of an outsider.

"I'm sure if he cares about you that much, he wouldn't rush into asking you back. He's probably planning a big surprise."

Isabel relaxed, smiling as she waved goodbye. But as she turned to leave, she accidentally knocked her phone into the fountain.

She instinctively bent down to retrieve it but lost her balance and tumbled into the water.

Lily froze for a second, then quickly started to wheel herself away to find help.

But just as she turned, she saw Spencer sprinting toward them. Without a second thought, he leaped into the fountain and pulled Isabel out.

Isabel coughed up water for a while before she finally caught her breath. Only then did the frantic worry on Spencer's face begin to fade.

Lily was about to go find a doctor when he stopped her with a sharp, accusatory voice.

"You pushed her in and then tried to walk away like nothing happened?"

Lily was completely blindsided by the accusation. "She fell in trying to get her phone. I didn't push her. I was going to get helpD"

Spencer cut her off coldly. "Get her phone? I was gone for a few minutes, and suddenly Isabel is in the fountain? Who else could it have been but you?"

Without another word, he shoved Lily, wheelchair and all, into the fountain. His voice was bone-chilling.

"Lily, for Sophie's sake, I've put up with all of your games. But Isabel is my limit. If you don't know when to back off, don't blame me for being ruthless."

He called his bodyguards over and ordered them to keep anyone from getting close.

The icy water filled Lily's nose and mouth, choking her.

She struggled alone in the water, the wound on her leg tearing open, sending thin trails of blood swirling around her.

Her strength faded with each passing second. Shaking from the pain, she slowly began to sink.

As her vision blurred, the last thing she saw was the sight of Spencer carrying Isabel away.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but when Lily opened her eyes again, she was greeted by the sight of Sophie's tear-streaked face.

"I was only gone for a few hours, how did you end up in the fountain? The doctor said if they'd pulled you out a minute later, you might not have woken up. You scared me to death!"

Remembering what had happened before she passed out, Lily fell silent.

She wanted to tell Sophie the truth, but the thought of Spencer being her brother made her swallow the words.

She shook her head gently, her voice weak and hoarse.

"I'm fine, don't worry."

4.

Sophie's eyes immediately welled up with tears.

She didn't press for more details, but she stayed by Lily's side in the hospital room for the next few days, never leaving her alone.

During that time, she brought up Spencer several times, seemingly trying to gauge Lily's feelings.

"Lily, knowing Spencer, if anyone else had clung to him for this long, he would've had his lawyers issue a restraining order by now. The fact that he's tolerated you for so many years means he's not entirely indifferent to you. He probably just doesn't realize it himself. Are you sure you don't want to try to remember?"

If she'd heard this right after waking up, Lily might have wavered.

But after what happened at the fountain, she knew that was just wishful thinking.

She showed Sophie the pictures a colleague had sent her over the past couple of daysDSpencer shopping with Isabel, taking her to a fancy French restaurant, seeing a Broadway show. All of them candid shots from people who had spotted them.

Lily shook her head, her voice calm.

"The only reason he put up with me was for your sake. The person he was waiting for is back now. It's time for me to let go."

Seeing that Lily had truly made up her mind, Sophie didn't try to persuade her anymore, letting out a long sigh instead.

"Honestly I wanted you and Spencer to be together more than anyone. Then you would have truly been my family, and we'd never have to be apart. But since you've made your decision, I won't push you. And I'm done with Spencer and his ex-girlfriend drama. We'll always be best friends."

Lily nodded firmly and pulled her into a tight hug.

They chatted for a while longer before Sophie went to handle the discharge paperwork and drive her home.

"You've been cooped up in the hospital for so long. I'm throwing a little party with a few friends to celebrate you getting out."

Thinking it might be the last time she'd see this group of friends, Lily didn't refuse and went with her to a private club in Manhattan.

But when they pushed open the door to the private room, they both froze.

Sitting in the center of the room were Spencer and Isabel.

Sophie was completely taken aback. "Brother? What are you doing here?"

One of the friends who had helped organize the party pulled them inside, explaining, "You said the more, the merrier, right? So I invited Spencer, and he brought Isabel. It's a real party now, isn't it?"

Sophie shot him a dirty look.

Lily knew what she was worried about and quickly pulled her aside.

"It's fine. It doesn't matter. I don't remember anything anyway, so it won't hurt."

Sophie reluctantly let it go and sat down with her.

The room was lively all night, but the atmosphere was undeniably awkward.

Spencer took off his suit jacket and draped it over Isabel's shoulders. He fended off drinks for her and peeled fruit, handing it to her mouthDevery gesture intimate and doting, with no attempt to hide it.

Lily watched quietly. Though her chest felt a little tight, she didn't feel any real pain.

It seemed that losing her memories had been a blessing in disguise.

Sophie, however, thought she was just putting on a brave face and quickly suggested a game of "Truth or Dare" to distract her.

Lily's luck was good, and she won about ten rounds in a row before finally losing. Everyone cheered for her to take a penalty.

She didn't want to play any of their silly games, so she chose truth.

Instantly, all eyes in the room darted between her and Spencer.

"Okay, then! Tell us about the most unforgettable love of your life!"

Before Lily could even speak, Spencer's face darkened.

He shot her a look, a clear warning in his eyes.

But she didn't remember anything. Even if she wanted to play along, she could only piece together a vague answer from the fragments Sophie had told her.

"The most unforgettable I guess it would be my first love. He was my best friend's older brother. I think I fell for him the moment I saw him. I wrote him tons of love letters, and I have enough secret photos of him to cover an entire wall. Everyone knew I was crazy about himDbut he didn't like me back."

She finished with a calm smile, but the room fell into a heavy silence.

Isabel, who had been watching quietly, sensed something was off and gently touched Spencer's arm, who now looked grim.

"Spencer, you and Miss Parker"

Spencer squeezed her hand, his tone firm.

"There's nothing between us. It was all in her head, from start to finish."

5.

Every word he spoke was sharp and final.

He didn't stay much longer after that, pulling Isabel to her feet and walking out in front of everyone.

The pitying stares from around the room were impossible to ignore.

Sophie, who had been silent until now, couldn't hold it in any longer and stormed out after them.

Realizing what she was about to do, Lily quickly followed, catching them in a heated argument in the club's underground parking garage.

"Lily is my best friend! Why would you say that to her in front of so many people? She's loved you for years. Couldn't you have shown her a little bit of decency?"

"I've put up with her for seven years. I've rejected her gently time and time again for your sake. Isn't that decent enough? Her 'love' is a burden to me. That's all it is."

Sophie was so furious she was trembling.

"Well, you don't have to worry anymore. She'll never love you again. The last time you abandoned her on the side of the road, she got into a car accident. She had a concussionD"

"You were the one who insisted I give her a ride home. Why couldn't I leave halfway through? And even if she did get in an accidentDif I had to do it a hundred times over, I'd leave her for Isabel a hundred times. If she's still holding a grudge over it, then tell her to stay the hell away from me."

The sound of a car door slamming shut echoed through the garage.

Not wanting them to know she'd overheard everything, Lily turned and walked away.

When she got back to her apartment, she surveyed the entire place, then gathered up every single thing she had collected over the years that had anything to do with Spencer.

She threw it all in the trash.

She spent the entire weekend packing, getting everything she could into boxes.

On Monday, Lily went to the office and handed her resignation letter to HR.

The HR manager was stunned.

"Aren't you still on leave from your accident? The director position in the design department just opened up, and I heard Mr. Ashford was planning on promoting you. Why are you suddenly leaving?"

Sophie had told her that after graduation, Lily had applied to Ashford Industries' design department just to see Spencer every day.

She had worked tirelessly for three years, all to be a little closer to him.

But now, she didn't remember him, and she had forgotten what it felt like to love him.

She smiled at the reluctant HR manager.

"I want to go home. I'm going to stay in Portland from now on."

He didn't try to persuade her any further and handed her back the signed application.

"Alright, then. This resignation notice just needs Mr. Ashford's signature to be final."

6.

On her way out of the HR office, Lily was stopped by a colleague.

"Mr. Ashford has called a design department meeting. It seems he's going to announce the new director. It's about to start, you should come with us."

Lily nodded and followed them to the conference room.

Along the way, several colleagues congratulated her with smiles.

"Lily, you've been in the department for three years, worked on so many major projects, and won several international gold awards. No matter how you look at it, the director position has to be yours."

"Exactly, your track record speaks for itself, and Mr. Ashford holds you in such high regard. When he makes the announcement, you have to treat us all to dinner tonight!"

Having worked with them for so long, Lily knew their joy was genuine.

She wanted to tell them she was resigning, but since Spencer hadn't signed her papers yet, she decided to wait and tell them at dinner.

"It doesn't matter to me if I'm the new director or not, but I did want to treat everyone to dinner tonight. I have something to tell you all."

Chatting as they walked, they soon arrived at the conference room. Lily chose a seat in the corner.

Once everyone was present, Spencer walked in right on time. His gaze swept across the room, and he got straight to the point.

"I'm sure you've all heard the rumors. I've called this meeting to announce the new director of the design department. If anyone has anything to say, speak now."

All eyes immediately fell on Lily.

She wanted to decline the appointment before it was announced.

She stood up and took a deep breath.

"Mr. Ashford, thank you for your trust over the years in assigning so many projects to me. My team and I have successfully completed every one. I don't know who you have in mind for the director position, but before you make the official announcement, I'd like to voluntarilyD"

The words "withdraw from consideration" were still on her lips when Spencer cut her off.

"Regarding the director positionDamong the ten designers we have, the others don't have a portfolio as extensive as yours, but your management experience is still lacking. Therefore, I've decided to bring in a new director from outside with more experience."

The moment he finished, the entire design department was in shock.

Lily was also frozen in place.

Spencer's voice echoed through the room.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to your new Design Director, Isabel."

The conference room door opened, and Isabel walked in with a smile, beginning her introduction.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Isabel. I have a master's degree from Parsons School of Design and have won the European Young Designer Award"

A dead silence fell over the room. Everyone exchanged glances.

The reason was simpleDseveral designers present had also won the same awards Isabel mentioned.

And she had no formal work experience, parachuting into this position right after graduation. No one could accept it.

A few senior designers who had been with the company for nearly five years couldn't help but speak up.

"Mr. Ashford, we believe Miss Monroe lacks the necessary management experience and needs more practical exposure to be qualified as director. In comparison, Lily is much better suited for the role."

With one person leading the way, other colleagues nodded in agreement.

Isabel's eyes immediately reddened, and she looked at Spencer with a wounded expression.

Seeing her tears, a flash of protectiveness crossed Spencer's eyes.

When he looked back at Lily, his gaze turned icy.

"Isabel is an outstanding graduate from Parsons and has won countless international awards. Her vision and abilities are beyond what Lily can compare to. Yes, Lily has worked on many projects, but that was the result of teamwork from the entire design department. Give Isabel the same resources, and she could deliver the same, if not better, results. The position of Design Director belongs to Isabel, and no one else. This is not up for discussion."

7.

Being publicly belittled like that, even though Lily no longer had feelings for him, the words still stung, and her face turned pale.

Spencer adjourned the meeting as soon as he made the announcement and quickly left with Isabel.

The HR manager, who had been waiting outside, saw him and hurriedly handed him Lily's resignation letter.

"Mr. Ashford, here's a resignation notice that needs your signature."

With a cold glance, Spencer signed it without even reading it.

After watching him walk away with Isabel, the entire design department gathered around Lily, offering their condolences.

But Lily was surprisingly calm.

She smiled, clutching the signed document in her hand.

"It doesn't matter if I'm the director or notDbecause I've already resigned. Mr. Ashford just signed my resignation. Today is my last day at this company. I wish you all the best."

Everyone was stunned, and many offered to go to Mr. Ashford to fight for her to get the director position back.

Lily just smiled, shook her head, thanked them, and went back to her desk to pack her things.

After work, she treated her colleagues to dinner in SoHo and said her goodbyes amid a somber atmosphere.

Back at her apartment, she contacted a real estate agent and listed her apartment for below market value. It sold the very next day.

She completed the closing paperwork and arranged with the buyer to move out in two days.

Just as she finished with everything, she got a call from Sophie.

"Lily! It's my birthday tomorrowDdon't tell me you forgot! If you say you didn't get me a present, I swear I'll have a meltdown!"

"How could I forget your birthday? Your gift is all ready. I promise it'll be there tomorrow."

Not only did Lily have a gift ready, but she also planned to use the opportunity to tell Sophie she was leaving.

In previous years, she would always arrive at the birthday party early, just to spend more time with Spencer.

But this time, she waited until the party was in full swing before taking a cab over.

The birthday bash was held at the Ashford family's seaside villa in the Hamptons.

Lily had been there countless times and knew the place like the back of her hand. She slipped in through a side door.

In the living room, Sophie was surrounded by a crowd, her face beaming as she blew out the candles on her cake.

Mr. and Mrs. Ashford stood to her left. Spencer and Isabel stood to her right, looking as natural and comfortable as a family.

From a distance, Lily overheard the housekeeper and a maid whispering.

"Master Spencer and Miss Monroe broke up so many years ago, but they still ended up together. He's so devoted."

"I know, right? Miss Sophie's friend chased him for seven years and couldn't win him over. It just shows how unforgettable Miss Monroe is to him."

"His parents have been pressuring him to get married for years, and he always put it off. Now that he's brought her home, it seems he's making a statement. They'll probably be engaged before Thanksgiving."

8.

Lily had already forgotten her past with Spencer and had decided to let him go completely.

Who he loved and who he married from now on had nothing to do with her.

So, hearing all of this didn't stir any emotion in her.

She quietly sang along to the birthday song from a distance.

When she looked up again, her eyes met Spencer's.

He frowned, leaned over, and said something to Sophie, who then looked over and pushed her way through the crowd.

Lily gave her a gentle hug, handed her the gift, and wished her a happy birthday with a smile.

Sophie had been waiting for her all evening and immediately tried to pull her over to cut the cake.

Lily shook her head.

"There are too many people, I'll pass. You go ahead. I'll wait for you in your room. There's something I need to talk to you about later."

Sophie, worried that seeing Spencer would make her uncomfortable, agreed.

Lily avoided the crowd and went up to Sophie's room on the third floor.

She sat on the sofa for about half an hour, feeling drowsy, and closed her eyes for a short nap.

In a daze, she heard the door open. She thought it was Sophie.

But when she opened her eyes, she saw Isabel.

Isabel's face was stern, her eyes burning with hostility.

"I thought you said you were giving up. Why do you keep showing up in front of Spencer? Let me tell you, his heart belongs to me. No matter what tricks you pull, he won't give you a second look. You'll never win."

Lily was caught off guard by the confrontation and took a few seconds to process it.

"I'm here to give Sophie her birthday present. I'm leaving soon."

The suspicion in Isabel's eyes only intensified.

"You've shamelessly clung to Spencer's side all these years without a shred of dignity. And how did you manage it? Sophie. With a sister who's willing to stab him in the back for you, Spencer must have the worst luck in the world."

Lily could ignore the insults directed at her.

But hearing her attack Sophie, Lily's gaze turned cold.

"Does Spencer know you talk about his sister like this behind his back?"

Isabel sneered.

"Spencer will always take my side. So what if I said it? Besides, you and Sophie are two of a kindDthat's just a fact. You're only getting defensive because I hit a nerve."

"Seven years ago, you dumped him without warning and ran off to Paris, nearly destroying him. Sophie was so worried about Spencer, but she never said a bad word about you. Now you want to come back and marry him, yet you say things like this about Sophie behind his back. Who do you think is more despicable?"

Isabel, not expecting to be challenged so fiercely, was enraged and slapped her across the face.

Lily didn't back down and slapped her right back.

Clutching her stinging cheek, Isabel lunged at her, and the two of them started to fight.

In the struggle, they knocked over a scented candle on the table.

The flame caught the bedsheets, then spread to the carpet, and quickly spiraled out of control.

Thick smoke filled the air. By the time they realized what was happening, the entire room was engulfed in flames.

Lily struggled to get to the door, but Isabel shoved her into the fire.

The searing heat licked at her skin, and she trembled in agony.

Just then, the bedroom door was violently kicked open.

Spencer rushed in. He was only a few feet away from her, but his eyes only lingered on her for a fraction of a second.

Then they fell on Isabel. He ran to her and swept her into his arms.

As the smoke grew thicker, Lily's breathing became shallow.

She reached out with a hand, red and blistered from the heat, and grabbed onto the cuff of Spencer's pants.

He glanced down, forcefully kicked his leg free, and walked away without looking back.

Watching his figure disappear into the thick smoke, she lost consciousness.

9.

Lily never thought she'd wake up again.

When she opened her eyes, she was once again greeted by the sight of Sophie, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

"Lily, thank God you're okay. Does your hand hurt? I've already called the best burn specialist. I won't let you have any scars."

"It's just a small injury, I'm fine. Sophie, don't blame yourself, and don't worry."

A searing pain throbbed in her hand, but Lily gritted her teeth, reached out, and pulled her friend into a hug.

"Actually, there was something I wanted to tell you last night. This might be a bit sudden, but I've booked a flight back to Portland for this afternoon. My mom wants me to come home, and I think it's time. I've already bought the ticket. Will you see me off?"

Sophie was completely unprepared. The tears she had just managed to stop started streaming down her face again.

"What? Why are you leaving so suddenly? What if you don't come back to New York? What will I do if I miss you?"

Lily sighed and gently comforted her for a long time until she finally calmed down.

They said their tearful goodbyes before Sophie reluctantly went to handle the discharge paperwork.

As Lily was changing, enduring the pain, the door to her room was pushed open. Spencer stood there, his face dark, his voice grim.

"You hit Isabel and then deliberately set the fire to try and kill her, didn't you?"

Seeing him again, Lily felt nothing but a cold indifference.

"She said that, and you just believed her? Without even looking for proof?"

"Whatever Isabel says, I believe. I don't need any proof."

He didn't give her a chance to explain.

Lily knew that nothing she said would make a difference.

She gave up trying to defend herself and let out a silent, bitter laugh.

"So? What are you here for?"

"For you to apologize to Isabel."

Spencer grabbed her injured hand and started to drag her away.

The pressure on her wound made it start to bleed again, and the pain brought tears to her eyes.

But she fought them back, refusing to cry out as she struggled to break free.

Just then, Sophie returned and saw what was happening. She immediately stepped in front of Lily, shielding her.

Spencer looked at them coldly. "Move. She is going to apologize to Isabel today."

Sophie didn't budge, her voice cracking.

"I won't move! Lily did nothing wrong, I swear! You want to take Isabel's side? Fine. But there's a security camera in my room. Everything that happened last night was recorded. If you want to force Lily to apologize, you'll have to watch the footage first!"

A vein throbbed on Spencer's forehead. He was about to retort when a text from Isabel came through.

He glanced at his screen, suppressed his anger, and stormed out with a final threat.

"Fine. We'll watch the footage tonight. When the proof is right there, let's see what you have to say."

The door slammed shut, and the room was quiet again.

Sophie carefully re-bandaged Lily's wound, her eyes red as she apologized over and over.

Lily gently shook her head and wiped away her tears.

"Sophie, you don't have to apologize. We were never the ones in the wrong. I'm leaving soon. You have to take care of yourself when I'm gone."

Sophie nodded forcefully. She helped Lily gather her luggage and drove her to JFK Airport.

The boarding announcement began. Lily gave her one last hug and walked through security.

Once on the plane, she deleted every one of Spencer's contact details.

A final text from Sophie came through.

"Lily, be happy at home. And don't worry, I'll find out the truth tonight and get you the justice you deserve."

Lily smiled at the screen, then turned her gaze to the endless layers of white clouds outside the window.

The truth, justiceDnone of it mattered to her anymore.

Spencer, along with all the pain he had caused her, was gone from her memory.

She was leaving it all behind.

Forever.