I can’t believe my luck.

I had barely started to settle into a comfortable life when this had to happen. I lifted my head... and froze.

Robbie?!

I gasped in shock.

His grey eyes widened the second he recognized me. He stared at me like he’d seen a ghost.

No. This can’t be real.

What the hell would Robbie be doing here? How could this guy, of all people, suddenly show up in front of me?

This has to be a fucking nightmare.

My mind went blank. I couldn’t move or even speak. I just stood there, hoping reality would shift, wishing this was all in my head.

“Are you—” Robbie began, stepping toward me.

No way he could recognize me. It’s been eight years. He shouldn’t remember.

I don’t want him to remember.

But of course, life had other plans.

At that exact moment, Tanya came rushing in, stepping in front of me protectively.

“Sir Walker, please forgive Chef Tony. It’s his first day. He’s very dedicated and responsible.”

Sir Walker?

Robbie's eyes flicked to her, astonished.

“Did you just say… Chef Tony?”

Tanya looked confused, hesitant. “Y-Yes…”

Robbie turned back to me, his grey eyes scanning me from head to toe.

“You’re working at my resort?” he asked, genuinely stunned.

His resort?

Wait, Mr. Walker’s son… was Robbie Walker?!

My heart stopped for a second. This had to be a sick joke. The coincidence was just too impossible. I felt the floor tilt beneath me. 

Why here? Why now?

I shook my head in disbelief and instinctively stepped back.

Robbie frowned and tilted his head, clearly confused.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

What was he expecting? A warm reunion? 

I just wanted to get the hell out of there.

“You okay, Tony? You don’t look good—” he said, reaching toward me.

No. Don’t touch me.

I slapped his hand away instinctively. A hush fell over the room. Eyes turned toward us, wide and stunned.

I didn’t care. I turned on my heel and ran straight out of the building.

“Tony!” Robbie’s voice called out behind me.

But I didn’t stop.

Why? Why now?

I had just begun to rebuild my life. Why did my past have to crash back into it?

I ran until I reached the parking lot, heart hammering like it would explode. My entire body trembled as if every suppressed emotion had just erupted. I crouched down, covering my mouth with one hand, feeling the sweat drip down my face.

“This can’t be Robbie. It’s just a nightmare. It can’t be true.”

“What can’t be true?” came his voice again, behind me.

I whipped around and stumbled backward, falling to the ground.

Robbie had followed me. He stood there—taller now, sharper. He was no longer the boy I once knew. Dressed like a high-profile CEO, but his olive skin was drenched in sweat. He was panting, just like me.

He still looked like a prince from a novel.

Only now... that image terrified me.

I scooted back as he approached. My whole body shook. I wanted to speak, but my mouth wouldn’t cooperate.

“So, you are Tony,” he said with a half-smile. “What a coincidence.”

Was that mockery? Or was he genuinely happy?

“You’ve grown taller… and skinnier. Your hair’s longer. But your eyes… still pretty.”

What the hell was he even saying?

Did he think flattery could erase the past?

“Why do you look so scared?” he said gently. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

He knelt in front of me and reached out to touch my face.

Not again.

I slapped his hand away and managed to whisper, “Do-don’t touch me.”

He froze but pulled his hand back.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

Sorry? What the hell did that word even mean coming from him?

“You still… can’t forgive me, huh?” he said. “I’m truly sorry for that day. For what I said. I’ve had years to think about it. I know I hurt you. I know I was wrong.”

The word hit me like lightning, and suddenly, the fog lifted. All my senses came roaring back. 

I glared at him, jaw clenched, eyes burning. 

“Sorry?” I choked, laughing through the ache. “What exactly are you sorry for, Robbie? For lying when you said you loved me? For ignoring me when I pleaded with you not to sleep with me without protection? For walking away when I told you I was pregnant? For ruining my life? Tell me, what exactly does your f**king ‘sorry’ cover?”

Robbie's face turned red before going purple. His lips trembled, eyes wide, jaw locked in place.

But I didn’t care.

I stood, even as my legs shook, and stared down at him.

“I don’t want your apology,” I spat. “I don’t have forgiveness to give.”

I turned away, unwilling to look at those eyes I once loved. Without another word, I walked to my car, got in, and drove away, leaving the past standing in the dust behind me.