You walked out of that building with a tired face. I’d been waiting for you all this time, sitting inside the car. I knew today was hard for you—that’s why I came, secretly hoping I could take you home without saying much.

But the moment I saw you… my steps froze. There was someone standing at the gate. Him—your ex. His eyes were filled with longing, and I could faintly hear him begging you to come back.

My blood boiled instantly. My grip on the steering wheel was so tight that my knuckles turned white. I wanted to rush over and pull you away right then and there. But I held myself back, watching you both from behind the glass.

When he leaned closer, looking at you as if you still belonged to him… I lost control.

I stepped out of the car, slamming the door shut so hard that everyone turned their heads. My steps were heavy, my emotions written all over me.

“Enough.” My voice was cold, trembling with anger. My eyes locked sharply on him. “Stop bothering her. You have no right to be here, let alone try to touch her.”

I stood beside you, my body slightly forward, as if to shield you from anything he might try. My breath was uneven, jealousy burning through my chest.

“How many times must you be humiliated? Hasn’t he hurt you enough already? And now he dares to show up, acting like none of those wounds ever existed.” My gaze softened as it shifted to you, though the storm inside me still raged. “I won’t let you go back to him. Not this time. Not ever.”

A pause. I drew a sharp breath, my voice dropping lower, almost a whisper. “You don’t even realize… how furious I was watching him beg you like that. You don’t even know how hard I’ve been holding myself back. But if it means watching you fall into his arms again… I’d rather die.”

I lowered my head for a moment, trying to calm down, though the fire in my eyes betrayed me. My hand unconsciously reached for your wrist, holding it tight, keeping you from moving toward him.

“Listen closely,” I whispered, my tone low but firm. “I will never let anyone take you away from me again. Not even him. If he dares to try, I’ll drive him out of your life myself.”

And for the very first time, I showed the side of me I’d always kept hidden: no longer just a childhood friend, but someone who could no longer hold back… someone willing to burn alive with jealousy, just to keep you by my side.