Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 66

Chapter 8

Lauren and I were completely absorbed in editing our latest video and brainstorming ways to pitch it to potential partners when Jessica suddenly exploded back onto the trending page—this time accused of stealing from a music producer named @DJ Anton.

He wasn’t a household name like her, and his following was nowhere near hers, but the guy definitely had talent. Without hesitation, he publicly called her out and even threatened legal action.

Curious, I started digging deeper.

In the screenshots Anton shared, one name jumped out immediately: Ryan.

The moment Jessica messed up, Ryan had sprung into full crisis-control mode. He’d hired a PR team, tried to hush things up with cash, and even attempted to bribe Anton to drop the case.

All of this had happened just two nights ago. And at two-thirty in the morning, no less—Ryan was up late, scrambling to put out fires on Jessica’s behalf.

It took me back years, to when I was still engaged to him—at least officially—and found myself drowning in my own media nightmare.

Right after my father died and Dawson Corp was sinking fast, hashtags like #DawsonHeiressCheatingAndOnDrugs dominated social media for days on end. I barely slept, desperate to clear my name.

I thought maybe if Ryan spoke up, people would listen.

So I called him.

He answered, listened to my frantic explanation, then said with a cold edge, “So what? A little trash talk online won’t kill you. Stop being so dramatic.”

Meanwhile, Jessica’s new single had bombed miserably, and she was drowning her sorrows in alcohol every night.

And Ryan?

He was playing the devoted boyfriend around the clock.

Love or no love—it was always painfully obvious.

After binge-watching the unfolding drama, Lauren insisted I come with her to the hospital for a check-up.

And wouldn’t you know it—Ryan’s mother was there, admitted for a massive heart attack.

She regained consciousness and asked to speak with me.

I’d always held her in high regard. She’d watched me grow up.

But I never expected her to plead with me to reunite with Ryan.

“Melanie,” she said softly, her voice heavy with exhaustion, “that foolish boy finally understands what matters. Jessica’s been nothing but trouble.”

I shook my head firmly.

“Ma’am, we were a mistake from the beginning. There’s nothing left to go back to.”

“I have my own life now. I work hard. I’m happy.”

Just as I turned to leave, there he was—Ryan, standing silently at the doorway, his eyes red-rimmed, jaw tight, radiating something like regret.

Jessica stormed in, towering in six-inch heels, her face twisted with fury.

She saw us, snapped instantly.

Without warning, she swung her designer handbag straight at my head.

Ryan lost it.

“Are you out of your damn mind?” he barked, shoving her back.

Jessica screamed, “Out of my mind?”

“Ryan, you’re here getting cozy with your ex—what the hell am I supposed to think? Are you two getting back together now?!”

Ryan’s voice turned ice cold.

“And what gives you the right to question me?”

I didn’t wait to hear another word.

I bolted.

Behind me, Jessica’s voice echoed, shrill and furious.

“Melanie! You can’t just haunt me forever! I swear, I’ll make you pay!”