Chapter 6

I warned in a low growl, "Chloe, don't you dare..."

She only grew more unrestrained, screaming as if deliberately seeking attention.

A sudden realization struck me like a thunderbolt.

This is a trap!

"Tyler, what are you doing?"

A familiar voice echoed behind me, freezing the blood in my veins.

Before I could process it, another voice chimed in. "See? Isabella was right."

Chloe immediately clung to herself, scrambling away from me as if I were poison.

She trembled violently, her demeanor shifting instantly.

Isabella stood there, stunned, with Sophia by her side.

Her eyes burned with disbelief and rage, tears streaming down her face.

My heart plummeted. I wanted to explain, but my mind went blank.

"Darling—"

Before I could finish, she covered her ears, cutting me off.

"Don't call me that!"

Chloe's scheme had left me trapped with no way to clear my name.

"Believe me, I didn't do anything to her—"

Chloe interrupted sharply, playing the victim.

"Isabella, you saw it yourself! He tried to assault me last night and lured me here today!"

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Sophia jumped in, fueling the fire.

"You scumbag! You have Isabella, yet you still chase after Chloe? Disgusting!"

Isabella stood there, shattered, tears flooding down her cheeks.

"Tyler, I didn't want to believe you could do this... until I saw it with my own eyes."

Her gaze fixed on something, and her tears fell even harder.

"That's my favorite cake. You gave it to her too?"

She crumpled to the ground, her face drenched in tears.

My heart ached at the sight. I wanted to hold her and tell her the truth.

But my feet felt rooted to the spot, unable to move.

"Isabella, the cake was for you. I don't know what happened—I felt weak, and then—"

Chloe shouted over me, relentless. "The evidence is right here! I'm taking you to court!"

I clenched my fists, then released them, scoffing in bitter amusement.

She looked every bit the victim, and I knew no amount of explaining would help.

My only hope was Isabella's mercy.

I struggled to kneel before her, gently stroking her hair as I always did.

"Isabella, we've been together for three years. Don't you know who I am?"

Sophia sneered from the sidelines, eager to tear me apart.

"Isabella was blind before, but now she sees you for the beast you are!"

I didn't bother defending myself.

I knew it was useless. Only Isabella could decide what to believe.

After a long moment, she wiped her tears and looked up, not at me, but at Chloe.

"Chloe, please let this go. Don't take it to court."

Chloe crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

"What? You want me to spare this scumbag? Aren't you angry?"

Isabella lowered her gaze, hiding her emotions.

"We've been together for so long. Let's end this with some dignity."

Her words left me with a mix of emotions.

Chloe's eyes gleamed as she proposed an absurd condition.

"Then you have to give up your spot in the National Ballet Championship."

Her demand sounded rehearsed, stunning everyone present.

Isabella sighed softly. "Even if I withdraw, the spot may not go to you."

Chloe lifted her chin confidently.

"Just leave that to me."

I knew how much that competition meant to Isabella. It was her dream, and she had worked tirelessly for it.

I couldn't let her sacrifice it for me.

"Isabella, don't give up your dream."

Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms.

"I agree."

She turned to me, forcing a look of resolve.

"But there's no future for us anymore."

With those words, she walked away without looking back.

Watching her leave, my heart churned with regret and guilt.

I knew she still cared, yet she had compromised for my sake.

I felt an indescribable mix of gratitude and shame.

If I hadn't fallen into this trap, she wouldn't have lost her chance.

I gritted my teeth, fists tightening.

I won't let this slide. I'll find out what Chloe is really up to.