Spencer Dahlia Gideon NovelI Walked Away When You Finally Looked Back

Spencer's POV
Dahlia Prescott texted me on WhatsApp.
[Im coming home for dinner tonight.]
Right after that, she sent a photo of the Longines watch Id always wanted but never received.
Then a voice message came through.
Done throwing your tantrum? If youre done, cook lobster tail for me tonight.
She paused, then added, Gideons coming too, so make extra.
The message cut off.
I stared at her half-packed suitcases sitting in the living room and let out a quiet laugh.
I then snapped a picture and sent it to her.
[Dahlia. Did you lose your memory? We already broke up.]

Yet, she didnt respond.
Even so, I didnt bother waiting. I just kept packing.
The room gradually dimmed as the sun went down, and before I reached for the light switch, noises echoed from the entryway. The front door swung open from the outside, followed by a burst of laughter.
See? I told you youre lucky. A few sweet words, and Spencer cooks for you. You sulk for a couple of days, and he still spoils you. If you were my girlfriend, Id kick you to the curb. Gideon Price tugged on Dahlias hair.
She let out an exaggerated "ow," then grabbed his hand, her voice dripping with affection. Who else but me could put up with your young-master attitude? Youre the one who said you wanted lobster tail. Youd better thank Spencer later for cooking for you. If you dont, I swear Ill smack your ass.
She laughed and reached out to smack him first, the two of them flirting openly right in front of me.
If this had been before, I wouldve already charged over, demanding she keep her distance from him.
But now, I just stood in the living room watching them fool around, and finally said, out of place and flat, Dahlia, did you see my messages?
Only then did the two of them freeze. It was as if they had only just remembered I still existed.
Gideon nudged her with a grin, and she stepped back. She hit the living room light switch, and the moment the room lit up, her smile disappeared.
She hadnt expected the stacks of boxes.
What is this? she asked.
Her face darkened immediately as she scanned the room.
I told you to cook. Spencer, why are you packing your things?
Annoyance flashed across her face. She glanced toward the kitchen, which was completely clean and untouched. No food, no scent of cooking. Not even a pan out of place. Her brows pinched together.
Wheres dinner?
She marched into the dining area and yanked open the fridge. Aside from a few bottles of drinks, it was empty. No lobster. Nothing.
She slammed the door shut.
Spencer, did you not hear
But before she could lash out, Gideon cut her off. Hey, talk nicely. If he didnt cook, he must have a reason. Why are you throwing a fit? He turned to me with a friendly smile. Spencer, dont be mad at her. Shes just spoiled. She was bragging earlier about how much you pamper her, saying it makes her feel like a queen.
I watched him speak as if he owned the place, as if he were her real boyfriend. Then I met Dahlias eyes. She was avoiding my gaze, waiting for me to cave in like I always did.
It was almost funny.
Funny enough that I stopped packing, stood still, and said, Dahlia. If I remember correctly...
I looked right at her and continued, We already broke up. And since weve broken up
I tapped one of the boxes with my toe. Isnt it about time your exs things stopped living in my home?


Spencer's POV
My voice was calmfar too calm compared to the way Id lost control just a week ago. I watched Dahlias expression shift, and before she could speak, I reminded her, Last week, I asked you something, didnt I?
Dahlia, I said, serious, trying to jog her memory, didnt I tell you that the moment you walked out that door, we were done?
I took a step toward her.
I saw guilt flicker in her eyes, but I went on, And what was it you said back then? You said, Break up? Sure. Fine. Lets break up. Whoever takes it back is an asshole. Dahl
Before I could finish, she cut me off by kicking one of the boxes hard as frustration surged through her. The dull thud echoed through the room.
Gideon jumped and screamed, Spencer! Whats your problem?!
Gone was the gentle tone hed used earlier. His voice sharpened instantly. Do you even know? This whole week, Dahlia kept telling me how good your temper is, how kind you are. She even said that if you two got back together, shed marry you! She said she wanted to give you a stable future. She even asked us what she should do to make you happier! How can you treat her like this?!
His eyes were red with anger, as if he were the one whod been wronged. Dahlias been planning your future together. And what does she get in return? A breakup text and all her things thrown to the door like youre tossing her out? Spencer, dont be so selfish!
As he ranted, I watched Dahlia. Her earlier anger softened, replaced with something almost tender as her gaze fell on Gideon, as if she was touched by his anger on her behalf.
My stomach twisted painfully.
She gently pinched his cheek and whispered, Im fine.
Then she turned back to me, hesitating for a long moment before speaking.
I wasnt planning to tell you this, she said, almost whispering. Ive actually been thinking about marrying you. Spencer, havent you always complained that I dont care enough? That everyone around us is getting married, having kids, and youre still waiting for me to settle down?
Spencer. She slipped her hand out of Gideons grip, reached into her pocket, and pulled out the watch Id wanted for years.
Then she stepped closer to me. I can forgive your tantrum. I wont hold it against you, even though you went too far this time. But you need to promise me, no more acting like this. If Gideon hadnt been here today, we wouldve been fighting again. Dont you think so?
Spencer, she said softly.
She opened the box. The diamonds inside caught the light and sparkled.
I always remember what you like and what you dont. So, can you stop being angry now?
She lifted the watch, ready to put it on my wrist.
Behind her, I heard Gideon mutter in a mocking tone, Only Dahlia would spoil someone like you. A spoiled man who doesnt know how to behave, who else would tolerate that except her?
As she leaned closer, her scent brushed against my nose. And suddenly, I remembered our argument that nighthow Id demanded to know why she had to leave, why Gideon was always the one she chose over me.
Why, in her heart, would I never compare myself to him?
That night, she looked at me like I was crazy and snapped, Spencer, what else do you want from me?! I spend half my time at home with you. Half my life is wasted on you, and you still think its not enough? All I wanted was to hang out with my friends for once. What did I do wrong?!
We fought brutally. And in the end, I said the words that broke everything.


Spencer's POV