Chapter 11 When Shayne finally came to in the hospital, the first thing out of his mouth was, "Can we not break up?" His voice was weak, but his eyes locked on me like he was trying to burn my face into memory. All that confidence he used to flex? Gone. Just desperation left. "Eight years, Leyla." He struggled to lift a hand. "All this time, I really did love you. No one else will ever love you more than me." I shook my head. "No, Shayne. I don't need anyone else to love me. I can love myself." The Chat Feed blew up: [Crying... Ley-Bae just bodied him with that line!] [Congrats on your breakup, I guess?] He froze, lips moving with nothing coming out. I smiled, calm now, untouchable. "Your love meant me simping while you gave nothing back. That's not love-it's cheap. I appreciate you stepping in earlier, but it's too late. You pushed me away way too many times." His hand trembled on the sheets, eyes wet. "I'm sorry. I shook my head. "Sorry doesn't fix it." No apology could erase eight years of damage. "I gave everything I had," I said quietly. "So let me go." His eyes went red, but he stayed silent. I turned and walked out. Sunlight spilled through the hospital windows, warm and sharp. Heartless? Cruel? Maybe. But once you've been hurt enough, you never look back. *** Half a year later, I had the branch running like a machine-top profits in the group, promotions and raises stacking up. Then one day, an anonymous message popped up: [Leyla, I just hope you're happy.] I didn't need to guess who it was. I also didn't bother replying. Word about Shayne drifted to me anyway. After we split, he tanked hard-projects flopped, his company went under, and he 1/2 Chapter 11 couldn't even hold a regular job. The guy who once thought he was untouchable? Completely wrecked. Vanessa? Three years for assault. Rumor was she screamed Shayne's name in court like it was some tragic love story. None of it mattered. Not to me. +30 Bonus I wasn't anybody's simp, and definitely not love-brained. Boyfriend or no boyfriend, I was still gonna treat myself right. My life was never built to orbit around romance. The Chat Feed barely buzzed anymore: [Ley's glowing up. Love this version of her!] [Certified Girlboss arc.] [Hope she meets someone better.] I shut off my phone and glanced out the window. The sun was perfect, the breeze soft. And my future? Just getting started.