Mia's words only fueled Lucas's anger. He suppressed his rage, speaking softly to Mia.

"What do you mean it's not her fault? She's so petty she even stole the birthday present I gave you. Don't worry, I won't take her side."

Turning to me, his tone sharpened.

"Izzie, I'm giving you one last chance. Return the watch to Mia."

This had happened countless times. Mia had framed me so many times, and no matter how much I explained, it was no use.

Lucas, who once trusted me unconditionally, now unconditionally doubted me.

I didn't bother arguing. I stood, took off the worn watch from my wrist, and tossed it lightly at Mia's feet.

This action caused both nineteen-year-old and twenty-seven-year-old Lucas to erupt.

Nineteen-year-old Lucas cried, "Izzie, please, don't...don't do this."

Twenty-seven-year-old Lucas's eyes were bloodshot, his anger uncontainable:

"Izzie! Do you think I'm a pushover?!"

The watch at Lucas's feet was my only watch.

He'd bought it with his meager earnings after landing his first role, a small part. He'd been so happy.

After that, I never wore another watch.

I remembered him handing me the watch, his hand warm and sincere, his eyes red-rimmed. He seemed to feel guilty. He said softly.

"Izzie, this is all I can afford now. When I make more money, I'll get you the watch you've always wanted."

He did buy that watch later, but not for me. It was for Mia.

I didn't say anything, turning to leave the office.

"You!"

Twenty-seven-year-old Lucas was speechless with rage, while Mia softly consoled him.

"Lucas, it's alright, maybe that watch was important to Izzie. If so, it's really my fault. It's normal for Izzie to take it back, don't blame her, I'm okay."

Her voice was low, adding,

"Anyway, nobody's ever celebrated my birthday. Having Lucas with me is enough. I don't need the present."

Mia's words calmed Lucas, who gave me a grudgingly polite look.

"Izzie, give Mia back her watch, and I'll get you a better one later."

"No need. I don't want the one on the floor, or any others you buy."

I said coldly, striding out of the office.

But nineteen-year-old Lucas rushed forward, grabbing my arm.

"Izzie, Izzie, no, let's get the watch back. It's the one I gave you."

His eyes were red, but his tone was tentative, as if afraid I'd get angry.

Looking at his youthful face, my heart softened.

"Okay, but that's your second chance. Are you sure you want to use it?"

Nineteen-year-old Lucas nodded without hesitation.

I ruffled his hair and turned back to the office.

When I reopened the door, I saw something that sent nineteen-year-old Lucas into a rage.

Mia was in Lucas's arms, whispering something in his ear.

They quickly separated when I entered.

"Izzie, when did you become so rude! Don't you know you're supposed to knock before entering someone's office?"

I glanced at him, walked to them, and bent down, but Mia subtly stepped on the watch strap.

I straightened up.