Page 84 of Changing Rules

“We broke up.” I hate those words. “I didn’t want to invade her privacy.”

“That’s bullshit,” he bites out. “If she hadn’t blocked me, I’d be checking on her all the time.”

My stomach sinks. Once again, Miller and I can be lumped together in the same category. Both Bella’s exes. Both blocked on social media.

Meg manages to snatch her phone back from Miller and stands, glowering down at him. “Do you even hear yourself? Izzy is doing great. Leave her the fuck alone.”

“Who is that guy?” he asks, pointing at her device.

“None of your business.” She gives me a quick glance, and then she’s gone.

Miller turns to me. “Must be her new boyfriend. I only got a quick look at her feed, but he’s in every picture.”

My gut rolls. Why hasn’t anyone told me? Surely Meg and Marco would’ve given me a heads-up. I stand, desperate for air, but before I have a chance to walk away, Miller speaks again.

“It’s weird,” he says. “I’m not even angry that she’s with this guy. She’s not with you, and that’s all that matters.” He smirks, draping his arms along the back of the couch.

“Yeah, and she’s not with you either,” I rasp as I head to the exit.

I went outfor air and kept going. Now, hours later, I’m staring at the ceiling in my bedroom. Sleep refuses to take me—probably because my mind is occupied with thoughts about Bella.

She broke up with me, left and never looked back. She blocked me everywhere, didn’t give me a chance to explain myself. She already has a new guy, and fuck, she looks so much happier without me.

I should want that for her, but I’m too heartbroken to be anywhere close to ready for that. And I’m also so fucking angry.

Still…I miss her.

With a groan, I reach for my phone. I tap the Instagram icon, log out of my account, and create a new one using a secondary email. A few minutes later, my new profile is live. My profile picture is a stock image of a corgi. As much as I wanted to use a photo of Milo, I wouldn’t be surprised if she recognized him. My handle is @I_love_my_Corgi222.

I request to follow her, then put my phone down and close my eyes, praying to anyone who will listen she accepts my request.

I just need to see her. That’s it.

CHAPTER 22

TODAY IS A GREAT DAY

BELLA

Eight months ago

December

Now that I’vefinished all my exams, the only thing I need to worry about is my design project. I put a lot of time and effort into it. I just hope my instructor sees that.

Kaden and I head to the dining hall for lunch like we do pretty regularly, but I’m too nervous to eat, so I stick with just a soda.

Eager to distract myself from going crazy while I wait for Mrs. Hopkins to post our results, I open Instagram. At the top of my notifications is a new follow request. The handle is @I_love_my_Corgi222, and the profile picture is an adorable orange and white corgi.

My heart pangs at the sight. I miss Milo.

I navigate to @I_love_my_Corgi222’s profile and scroll slowly through the handful of pictures of dogs. With a sigh, I hit accept and follow them back. Maybe if corgi pictures pop up on my feed, it’ll keep me from missing my four-legged buddy back in Boston. If the person behind the profile bothers me, I’ll block them.

As I’m locking the screen, JoJo steps into the dining hall and heads our way.

“I saw your project.” She stops at our table and slaps her hands against it, frowning.

Across from me, Kaden’s eyes go wide, and he shrugs.

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