Chapter 3 Allison spent the entire night packing By dawn , she had filled four large suitcases . She called in the house staff and had them carry the luggage out to the backyard . Then , she threw the first custom sult she ever designed for Alexander straight into the incinerator . Flames licked up the fabric as she stood there , watching it burn . As flames flickered to life , she began feeding the rest of his things into the fire - every love letter , every anniversary gift , every piece of their so - called life together . When the last photo of them together curled into ash , she could almost see that fifteen - year - old boy - the one who once threw himself in front of a car to save her - disappear into the smoke . The smoke stung her eyes. She coughed violently into her sleeve , her eyes brimming with tears . But this time , it wasn't heartbreak . It was release . That crushing weight on her chest had finally lifted All the things she once cherished … gone in a matter of minutes . Just like that . Turns out , letting go of someone who never truly loved you is easier than she thought. Allison wiped her tears and turned back toward the house . She ran a hot bath , changed into pajamas , and finally allowed herself to sleep . By the time she woke again , the sky outside had already turned golden with dusk . Still groggy , she reached for her phone and instinctively opened her message thread with Alexander . She paused . Then chuckled bitterly to herself . Some habits take time to break After all these years he had never been the one to reach out first Not once . Setting the phone aside , she pulled on a robe and made her way downstairs . Her stomach rumbled from a full day of sleep . But just as she stepped into the living room , the front door opened . In walled Alexander - arm - in - arm with Sarah . He was carrying shopping bags in both hands , his face relaxed until he saw Allison . In that instant , his smile faltered and a flicker of annoyance passed over his expression . Allison saw the change clearly . And yet , she didn't react . She simply glanced at them and turned toward the kitchen . Sarah's voice rang out , sugary and sharp . " Wow , Doesn't seem like Miss Winters is very happy to see me . " She turned to Alexander with mock offense . " Maybe I should just leave . ' Chapter 3 Ask Al Install Al Chat App powered by Cake 15.00 He caught Sarah's wrist before she could turn away , his gaze snapping to Allison with a trace of irritation . " Didn't you ask her to keep me company ? Why the sudden attitude ? " " I didn't say anything . " Allison replied quietly . Sarah pulled the classic pity - card . " This is your home , Alex . I'm just a questi fins if she doesn't want me here . Let go of me " Apologize to her , " Alexander said , his tone hardening Allison blinked . " I didn't do anything wrong . Why would I apologize ? " " You upset her . That's reason enough , " he snapped without hesitation . The blatant favoritism stunned her . Allison's fingers curled slightly as her chest tightened . Her mind flashed back to that charity gala months ago when the overly polished wife of a flashy new - money investor " accidentally " dumped red wine on her gown , then had the nerve to demand she apologize . When Allison stood up for herself , the woman's husband nearly got physical with her - and Alexander ? He stood off to the side , silent , unmoved , watching like it had nothing to do with him . Back then , she thought he was just reserved someone who didn't like to take sides in public . Now she knew the truth . He just didn't want to defend her . Because the only one he'd ever defend …. was Sarah . How could she have been so blind ? How could she ever have thought he loved her ? The silence stretched . Alexander's expression darkened . " Is the Winters Group not important to you anymore ? " That snapped her back . She swallowed the rising bitterness and forced herself to speak "Miss Mayfield , I didn't mean to offend you . Please … come in . " Sarah narrowed her eyes , but smiled sweetly , " I'll let it slide this time . Next time , I'm walking out . " With that , she pranced into the living room and plopped down on the couch . She started pulling designer pieces from the bags like trophies , casually tossing them around as she glanced toward Allison . " I'ms starving , Alex , " she said with a dramatic sigh . " I want something cooled by Miss Winters herself . " " She doesn't know how to cook , " Alexander said flatly . " Let the staff handle it . " " I don't want the staff ! " Sarah pouted , chucking a brand - new dress onto the floor like a tantrum - throwing toddler . " I want her ! " Alexander didn't even flinch . He slipped an arm around her and stroked her hair gently . " Alright , alright . You win . What you want . " Seafood . " The turned to Allison . " Prepare seafood . If you don't know how , ask the chef to teach you . " Allison said nothing and walked into the kitchen . Behind her , the sound of laughter drifted in from the living room , where Alexander and Sarah chatted animatedly about wedding gowns and ceremony plans , Chapter 3 Ask Al Install Al Chat App nowed | 15.00 Alice spent two hours cooking - twelve different seafood dishes , each plated to perfection . verything was dy , the sent a staff member to call them over . The squinty at her seat and ladled herself a bowl of soup . ately , the band sipped from her grasp The red . wth plated areas her hand , searing the skinan ang " Seat you " Alexander's panicked voice rang out as he rushed to her side , pulling her into his arms . Bacharid with fake conem didn't mean to bump her . It was an accident . Ased at the being burn on her hand , then locked at the man who hadn't even glanced at her . lambenderato be lowed - and who he didn't . Und eronen , Alon de rare . den bitto tend to her burn . We dentured the firing tile was a mess - completely cleaned out . watcher . taword .