hapter 49 Broken Promises Claudia gave a small laugh , as if she saw right through his act . " The old Jasper never asked me if I misunderstood something . He just stood by me without a reason. " Her eyes dropped to the cake in his hands , then she asked suddenly , " Did you come today because you were worried about me ? " Hearing a softer tone , Jasper quickly nodded . " Today , I was worried you'd be upset . And today is your birthday . " She didn't take the cake he offered . Instead , her eyes moved to the watch on his wrist . " You know my family always visits the cemetery at the same time . Even if you had stopped by the cemetery before coming here from your place , you still wouldn't have arrived this late . Where else did you go ? " Jasper opened his mouth but couldn't say a word . Claudia kept guessing , calm and sharp . " The last two years you were with Lydia . There's no reason she wouldn't look for you this year . We just argued at the cemetery . So you went to my family house , didn't you ? " He wanted to cover it up , but Claudia was determined to tear it open .. " Jasper , " she said , staring up at him even though her gaze felt higher than his , " every promise you made me - you couldn't keep . Your heart is moving closer to Lydia , even as you apologize to me . Her voice grew firm . " I will never get along with Lydia . With her around , you'll have to choose. But I'll tell you now - whether she's here or not , no matter what you do , we can't go back to the way things were . " Their break had been sealed the moment he turned his back on her . " Claudia ... " His voice cracked . He grabbed her wrist , eyes red . " I'm sorry , I'm sorry . At least let me stay and eat this year's cake with you . " He still hoped things could heal slowly . He couldn't face the ending she spoke of . " No. " She pulled her hand away hard , accidentally knocking the cake to the floor . The sweet frosting spilled everywhere , creating a mess that mirrored the brokenness of their love . " I don't need it anymore ." 1/3 Chapter 49 Broken Promises Finished Just then , a man's lazy voice came from inside the apartment . " Claudia , come blow out the candles . " Jasper froze . He knew that voice . It was the same man who had answered Claudia's phone that night . Since he never showed up again , Jasper had convinced himself Claudia used him to make him jealous . But if she had already made up her mind to provoke him , if this man could take her calls , and now he showed up in her apartment on her birthday ... Jasper's fists clenched . That man called out to her simply , yet all Jasper heard was a warning - a man claiming his place . Claudia was about to shut the door when Jasper shoved his hand into the frame . The door caught his palm hard , and Claudia jumped in shock . But Jasper didn't even wince . His eyes were bloodshot , burning with anger . " Who's inside ? Why is he here ? " " It's none of your business . " Claudia frowned , pushing against the door . Jasper stormed forward , shoving it open like a man catching his lover cheating . They had grown up together . He was sure Claudia had never known that man before . For someone to get this close , this fast - that man must have had a hidden agenda . The apartment wasn't big . One look was enough to see everything . On the dining table sat chicken soup , plates of food , and a birthday cake glowing with candles . The flickering flames stabbed into Jasper's chest . Now he knew why she said she didn't need his cake . He was too late . His eyes moved to the man who had set it all up . The man's face was sharp and cold , his blue eyes deep . From the side , his brow was strong , his nose high , and his jawline cut like stone . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!