Grandma Called It, I Dumped Him

Just like three years ago—when he lit up the whole city with fireworks for me.

His eyes were all soft, his voice dripping with sweet nothings. "Demi, I want to marry you. I want to make you the happiest woman in the world."

I cried. Literally. And fell for him hard.

Three years of bliss, or so I thought—until it hit me: he'd never let go of Ava.

He faked the love, played the part, because upsetting me meant losing the family perks.

And now?

He's done pretending. Fakes amnesia, runs back to Ava, and agrees to marry me like he's doing charity work—just to lock in our family's partnership.

Too bad life's not that generous.

I wanted to rip into him right then and there, but the smug look on his face stopped me.

Fine. Let him enjoy his little moment. I couldn't wait to see his face when Grandpa dropped the real bomb.

While I kept quiet, Skyler nudged me. "So, Demi, does that mean you picked Jace?"

"You'll find out in two days."

I turned and walked off, not looking back.

Behind me, Roland clicked his tongue. "It's gotta be Jace. He just doesn't remember how obsessed she was.

"When he got sick, Demi hunted down every sketchy treatment in the country. Even drove overnight to some mountain chapel just to light a candle for him. Girl was gone for him."

Jace let out a lazy chuckle. "Didn't know she loved me that much."

My chest tightened. Tears threatened, but I blinked them back.

Everyone knew I was head over heels for him.

They all laughed, called me a simp, whatever. I didn't care.

I lost my parents early. Grandpa and Grandma were always off chasing ancient bones. I was just the easy target.

Only Jace had my back.

I'd liked him since forever. When he finally confessed, I cried like an idiot and swore I'd love him with everything I had.

Turns out, all that sweetness had strings attached. He never deserved me.

"Demi, wait."

I turned. Of course—it was Jace.

Hands in his pockets, casual as ever. "I know you picked me. I'll marry you, but my heart's with Ava. Just... don't get in the way."

I stared him down. "Thought you had amnesia? How are you so sure I'd choose you?"

He frowned. "Everyone says you love me. Who else would you pick?"

Wow.

I smiled, sharp and bitter.

So he knew I loved him. And still stomped all over it?

"Relax. I'm not clinging to you anymore. You and Ava can have your love story. I'm out."

Honestly, I couldn't wait to see his face when he found out I picked Leroy.

For a second, Jace actually looked shocked that I let go so easily.

I kept walking toward the hospital, not in the mood. That's when it happened—outta nowhere, a bike barreled straight at me.

Boom. Slammed right into my leg.

I hit the pavement hard, palms scraping across the ground, pain lighting up my arms.

Ava's face flipped like a switch. She hopped off her little e-bike and rushed over, fake tears locked and loaded. "Demi, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hit you—please don't be mad!"

Before I could even blink, Grandma was raging in my head. "This brat again! Just like last time—pretending to be clueless, always twisting things to play the victim and keep Jace wrapped around her finger. Both of them suck!"

And like clockwork, Jace snapped to attention the second Ava cried.

"It's fine, Ava. It's nothing. I'm here—you won't get blamed."

He helped her up first, then turned to me like I was the problem. "It was just a bump. You're not seriously gonna make a thing out of this, right?"

One of my arms was bleeding, but I gritted my teeth and stood up.

Then Ava turned to me, eyes watery and voice trembling. "Demi, I'm really sorry. I wasn't paying attention. I'll slap myself if it makes you feel better."