Chapter 26

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

IVY

Heartbreak sucked.

But going through heartbreak twice in a short time and over the same guy was plain cruel.

I cried through my birthday no matter how I tried to convince all my friends that those were happy tears.

And yes, I was a hypocrite for calling the Titan girls my friends, but they really were. This time around, I didn't push them away. I allowed them to be by my side every step of the way, and we went through the ups and downs of my breakup together.

It was different than with Ander because there was no anger in me. There was no one to blame but the circumstances.

I knew it was the right decision, even if deep down inside me I wished Max would have turned around and said I was his number one and soccer didn't matter.

But he worked his whole life for this World Cup; I couldn't just expect him to throw it away for what? A girl he was fake dating for four months and real dating for less than a month? It was ridiculous.

We both knew it was the right call, but it still hurt like hell.

Especially when I opened the small package Max sent me for my birthday a couple of weeks later, when I thought I was strong enough to handle whatever was inside. But my poor heart crumbled even more when I unwrapped the small candle that read

Ivy's freshly baked cookies. Opening the lid, I took a deep breath, inhaling the mix of scents that transported me back to the one and only time I made cookies for Max. The light, lingering scent of cinnamon, the hotness of the oven hinted in the background, and the overpowering smell of sugar cookies and melted chocolate were unmistakable.

And the note tucked inside read

I searched high and low for the perfect scent, but it didn't exist. So, I made one for you. I hope this is what you had in mind.

The fact that he remembered something we discussed in passing on our very first day of dating when we were setting ground rules was equal amounts heart-breaking as it was heartwarming.

And I couldn't handle lighting or even thinking about that stupid candle without crying.

"I need some distraction." I dragged myself out of my thoughts and glanced at Nova, who was decorating some cupcakes with very little talent. We were in her apartment that she shared with Brooklyn, and it was amazing. I shouldn't have been surprised considering her dad was the soccer team's coach, but I was jealous of all the natural light coming in and the open concept of the kitchen and living room.

"You can help with the icing," she offered, pointing at the various colors.

"What is this for again?" I asked with a low chuckle as I picked up the pink one.

"Ask Rosie. She's organizing something for Derek because he finally lost the crutches," she said, her brows wiggling. "I low-key think she has a thing for him."

Rosie gasped in the background. "That's not true. I'm being a good friend. I did the same organization for Ivy's birthday!"

I hummed as I decorated cupcakes with pink. "Why pink?"

"Oh, that's the color I had left over from your birthday." Nova shrugged. "Doubt Dex cares."

Rosie and I let out a low laugh, but my heart immediately started beating quicker, and I glanced around. "Is Max coming?"

"Just moved into Training Camp," Nova informed me. "He left this morning. He's going to be gone for the next three weeks, and then they have one more friendly game before they announce the final roster in May."

I hummed, thinking he will be gone almost all March and then he will return to finish this semester before the World Cup.

"How's your marathon training?" Rosie changed the topic, and I flashed her a thankful smile.

"It's good. I started with the strengthening program Liam recommended for the core and some calf exercises, and they've been a game changer. I feel so much more powerful when running now, and I'm improving my speed. Like on the days I have short runs, I need to run quite fast miles, and it's getting better."

"You look incredible," Brooklyn remarked from the sofa where she was chilling. My body was indeed changing, becoming leaner with even longer limbs, and the Titans helped me with a meal plan too, to make sure I fueled appropriately. They've been a great support, like my little friend group, if I ignored the fact that I only knew them because of Max. "Liam will be happy his PT expertise can finally be put to good use because I hate working out."

"Unless it's sex," Nova added, but immediately shot an apologetic look toward me.

"Trust me," I sighed. "I'd much rather do sex as cross-cardio than cycling."

"You can always do that," Rosie offered. "One-night stands and rebounds are a thing."

"You should listen to the freshman," Brooklyn pointed at Rosie with a grin. "They know best."

I let out a surprised laugh and shook my head. "I'm not too good at this whole sex-without-attachments thing. I get attached. You know... I couldn't even fake date a guy without attachments."

"This is good," Nova grinned at me. "You are making self-deprecating jokes. You are getting better."

My laughter bubbled out of me in full force, and I had to cover my mouth. The girls all exchanged a look, and they seemed pleased that they managed to make me laugh. It was definitely a first, but as I doubled over to let out all of the laughter stuck in my lungs, I felt like the ache in my chest eased a bit.

Even if it was momentary.

February slowly turned into March, and as April started blooming, I began finding my footing and my place in life again. I settled into a somewhat working routine that didn't only consist of stalking Max and everything he was doing; instead, I focused on perfecting my skills, looking up potential summer jobs, and exploring start-ups. I wanted to do something with video games as those were my passion, but I also enjoyed marketing, so I was searching for a fusion.

The Titan girls became my core group, and despite Max not being present, I was still invited to all the outings. I watched Max's TikToks on repeat that he only posted whenever there was a sponsor. He was growing comfortable in his skin and really ready to sell himself as a professional who knew how to capitalize not just on his soccer skills but brand himself.

Other than them, I made a point of spending time with Avery and trying to build a friendship with her and her friends, but it wasn't that easy. We just didn't mesh outside of school talk well, and it filled me with great sadness every time we hung out. I desperately wanted to fit into Westpoint, but I found myself at Hillview every chance I got. It was time for me to face the fact that maybe I should make the transfer or just accept the fact that I liked the people at Hillview more. There was no shame in that.

I was getting ready to go out to a party the soccer team was having and potentially see Max for the first time since our official breakup. I picked out a short green satin mini dress that complimented my eyes, and Nova said I looked very "fuckable" in it. If I had to see Max, I wanted to give him something to think about when he leaves the next time.

Picking up my phone and ID, I noticed a missed call and a text message light it up. Swiping, I saw that Max was the source of both notifications.

His message was short, yet a thousand emotions awoke in me from reading it.

Max

Can I come over?

I hovered over his message, thinking to reply that I was heading to the party or to allow him to come over so we could have the privacy to talk and hear whatever he had to say.

But a knock interrupted my thinking, and I found myself smiling.

I didn't think why he needed permission when he knew where I was staying, and if he wanted to see me, he would just come.

I opened the door wide, without thinking, and paired it with a similarly wide smile. "Welcome back!"

"Thank you?" Ander arched his brow as he stared at me.

My hand dropped from the door, and I crossed my arms. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to you, if you are free for a second. I can tell you are going out."

My eyes narrowed at him as I studied his sad-looking face and the way he blinked up at me. He was a master manipulator, I knew that, but he did look sad. Or was it my imagination playing with me?

"Can I come in?" He pointed at my room. "Unless you are waiting for someone else."

My gaze dropped to my phone, remembering I hadn't texted Max back, and I shook my head. "Not expecting anyone... come in."

I cursed myself the moment he dropped down onto the empty bed opposite mine and blinked up at me with his brown puppy eyes. His eyes were the same shade as Max's, but they lacked depth and honesty.

"What is it?" I rushed him to say what he needed so I could get going. It was a bad idea inviting him in.

"I noticed you've been running again. Running looks good on you."

I cringed at his words and leaned against the wall next to the closed door. The more distance I kept, the better.

"Thanks." I grimaced. "Is that all?"

"Do you have to be so hostile?" he asked, his eyes narrowing. "This isn't easy for me."

I wanted to laugh in his face, but instead, I sighed. "You haven't seen me hostile yet."

Ander groaned and shook his head. "Listen, I wanted to apologize for how things went down between you and me last year. It wasn't cool what I did, and I deeply regret it. You deserved so much better, and I've been chasing what you and I had with Daisy. But it's just not the same... I still want you. You are still the one for me."

My jaw hit the floor in surprise from the words leaving his mouth. Not because of the emotional impact they had on me. Not because if he'd said these words before December last year I would have gone back to him immediately. But the sheer audacity to come to my dorm and talk trash about my sister and try to get back with me was incredible.

"Wow."

"I know this is a lot, and you might feel guilty doing this to Daisy, but trust me, she is okay with it. She understands that her and I just didn't fit well," Ander went on, not realizing my disgust.

"Do you hear yourself?" I asked him with a small shake of my head. "Do you register the words leaving your mouth?"

"I do." He nodded, standing up. "I love you, babe. Why don't you give me another chance? I know I messed up, but I can fix it, and we can go back to how things were before. Just you and me."

"That's never going to happen," I told him calmly. "You didn't just mess up; you cheated on me with my sister on our family vacation. That was a decision. You never respected me, and you always belittled and embarrassed me."

Ander opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off.

"You manipulated me. You were emotionally abusive, gaslighting me whenever you were not in the mood to deal with me. You are toxic, and I never want anything to do with you."

"I changed," Ander said, stepping closer to me. His hand reached out to me like he wanted to touch me, but I hit it away.

"Don't touch me!" I warned him. "I need you to leave."

"Don't be such a bitch, Ivy," he groaned, his voice dropping. "You gave yourself to Aarons, and now you think you are holier than ever?"

I hit his hand away and stepped back. "Get out of my room!"

The door flew open, coming to my rescue. "Ivy?"

I hoped it was Max deciding to show up, but instead, a wide-eyed Daisy stood in the door. Her eyes were cried out and red, and she stared at her ex.

"What's going on here?" she asked, disappointment and sadness lacing her tone.

"Ander is just leaving," I told her, despite Ander not looking like he was about to leave. "It doesn't matter, let's go." I stepped around the door and wrapped my arm around Daisy's shoulder. "Let's go."

After one last look at Ander, I hurried out of the room, guiding Daisy as far from him as possible. Despite my heels, I matched her long strides as we hurried toward the exit. Anywhere was better than my dorm room, stuck with Ander. The audacity of him.

"Are you okay?" I turned toward Daisy, looking at her tear-soaked face as she nodded. She looked pale and sad but didn't seem harmed in any way.

"He broke up with me," she sniffled, trying to blink her tears away. "I did everything he wanted... always, and he just broke up with me. He told me you were much better in everything than me, that I was stupid, and that he wanted you. I really thought you would have gotten back together with him..."

"I would never do that," I assured her as we paused close to the parking, and I gave her a tight hug. "You are better off without him."

Daisy nodded. "I realize that... I didn't like being with him. He was very moody."

That was one way of putting it, but I didn't want to spring everything on her at once. I wanted her to come to her own conclusions when she was ready.

"Ivy?" The voice I'd been craving to hear finally wrapped around me like a safety blanket, and I looked up to see Max leaning against his Range Rover. He was wearing his usual jeans with a button-down shirt, and he looked hot in his outfit. I've seen him in a suit before, but business casual was also a great look on him. "Are you okay? What happened?"

He rushed to meet us on the sidewalk, trying to make out Daisy's crying face and assess my expression.

"Max, hi," I let out a relieved smile. "We are fine... just Ander and Daisy broke up. She is a bit upset."

Max arched a brow, which meant he heard Daisy thinking I would get back with Ander, which meant Ander also approached me, but I only shook my head, not wanting to get into it.

"Do I need to go beat him up?" he asked, a soft smile on his lips, and Daisy let out a little chuckle.

"Please."

I shook my head again. "Don't waste your time with him. But we could use a ride to the party... Daisy is joining too."

"The more, the merrier," Max nodded, and guiding us to his car, he opened the back door and waited until both of us settled in before rounding his car and getting in on the driver's side.

Daisy stared at me with wide eyes, and I just smiled. "Max is a gentleman," I explained, and she made a little "O" with her mouth.

"Any music requests?" Max asked as he buckled his seatbelt.

"Taylor Swift?" Daisy asked quietly.

I wanted to tell her no, but without a single complaint, Max obeyed and played a Spotify mix of her songs. "Not sure what's Taylor's Version, what isn't, so hopefully I'm giving the royalties to the right person right now."

Daisy chuckled as she leaned her head on my shoulder. "This is perfect, thank you."

I caught his eyes in the rearview mirror, and he offered a small smile that I returned. Ever since I laid eyes on him in the parking lot, my heartbeat had returned to its usual steady pace, and my life felt more complete than moments before. It wasn't just the safety I felt next to him. It was the way he looked at me and how he took care of me while giving me space.

I loved him for all those things.

"Ivy?" Daisy's small voice interrupted my thoughts. I brushed her hair out of her face and glanced down at her. "I'm sorry for falling for Ander. I should have never slept with him. But I saw the love you two had, or I thought you had, and I wanted the same for myself. I'm so sorry I hurt you, and I was horrible to you this whole year. I should have never listened to him; he said disgusting things about you, and I believed them all. You're my sister... I should have been on your side. Instead, I was against you, and I'm sorry." I felt her tears soak my bare shoulders, and I held her tighter.

"It wasn't your fault. He is very good at making you feel special and making you believe things. It's not your fault at all... I'm not mad at you. I love you."

"I don't deserve you," she muttered as she cried.

I kissed the top of her head and said the words Max said to me. "You deserve someone who will show you how special you are. I'm your sister, and I will always love you no matter what. And you will also find a guy who will love you like that and treat you the way you deserve to be treated. Until then, don't settle for less."

I saw his soft smile bloom in the rearview mirror as I glanced up, and my heart fluttered.

I found that guy already.

I just needed to figure out how to keep him.