Page 86 of Obsessing Over His Favorite

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, glaring at him. “Even if I did remember you, I’d still break up with you.”

Her words hit him like a slap. Anger surged. He stepped forward again and grabbed her shoulders, crashing his mouth onto hers a second time, harder now, almost forceful.

And that—that—was the moment it all came rushing back.

The flood of memories slammed into her all at once.

Images, flashes, voices.

Moments.

Lucas’s scent. His voice. The warmth of his hands. The college proposal she had said yes to. The way he once told her he didn’t like her visiting her family so often. Her sacrificing those visits just to make him happy. The time he said he didn’t want her around Jeremy so she distanced herself.

Her pulling away from Jeremy.

Sacrificing friendships just to protect his feelings.

Then a sharper memory.

A ballroom full of people. A business party.

Her being humiliated when he refused to believe her side of a story about how Amelia had stolen those designs from Empress.

Amelia cornering her, screaming theatrically: “Don’t slap me! I know you hate me because I’m close to Lucas, but please, don’t hit me!”

Emily hadn’t lifted a hand. She hadn’t even touched her. But everyone turned to stare. The silence was deafening.

Lucas appeared out of nowhere, furious. “Can you stop being dramatic and insecure?” he snapped, scolding her in front of everyone. “I’m trying to protect you, but you make it impossible.”

She had begged him to believe her.

Begged.

“I didn’t do anything, Lucas. I didn’t touch her.”

But he had only shaken his head in quiet disappointment.

“You need to get out of here. Take a walk. Calm down.”

Then came another memory—one that burned.

When the party ended, she stood outside the hotel that same night, still in her heels and gown, waiting for Lucas. She stood alone, arms wrapped around herself for warmth. The air had turned cold, but the chill in her chest was worse.

Lucas finally pulled up, his car gliding to a stop. He rolled down the window just a crack. “I’m going to drop off Amelia first,” he said coldly. “Then I’ll come back to get you.”

Emily stared at him, lips parting in disbelief. “Lucas… it’s late,” she said softly. “Everyone’s gone. I don’t want to stay here alone. Can I just come with you?”

Her voice was quiet. Afraid.

And he simply shook his head.

“No. I don’t want another one of your outbursts in the car with Amelia. Wait here. I’ll be back.”

He turned his head toward Amelia, who instinctively shielded her cheek, flinching as if expecting Emily to strike her again. Lucas’s jaw tightened. He looked back at Emily, frustration etched deep in his brows, his tone clipped.

“You need to cool off first. I just need to drop Amelia off. Then I’ll come back to pick you up. Just… wait here, alright?”

“Lucas, I don’t—” she started, stepping forward, but the window had already slammed shut. The engine roared to life.