I never imagined such words would come out of Ryan’s mouth.

My eyes burned red as I glared at him.

“Ryan, say it again. Are you really claiming I took those pictures myself?”

Of course, he didn’t dare.

He looked away, trying to sound firm.

“Enough, Sophia. Stop dragging this out. It’s getting pathetic.”

Pathetic?

I staggered back, then laughed bitterly. Like a madwoman, I grabbed his collar, demanding he admit the truth.

In the struggle, Emily suddenly shrieked and fell to the floor.

“Sophia, why did you push me?”

“When did I—”

Before I could finish, a burning pain struck my face.

Ryan had slapped me.

“Enough! Sophia, will you ever stop?!”

I froze.

So did Ryan, staring at his own hand as if in shock.

“Sophia, I didn’t mean to—”

But he stopped short. Because I had ripped off the family heirloom pendant from my neck—the birthday gift he gave me ten years ago—and hurled it to the floor.

I had treasured it, never once taking it off.

Now it lay shattered in two.

“Ryan, I’m done. This ends here.”

I turned and walked away, my face drained of all strength.

Faintly, I heard Emily asking if he wanted to chase after me.

Ryan said no.