The Racer’s Downfall

In that instant, my blood felt like it surged backward.

“Look at it yourself! He’s changed it for the third time!”

However, the organizer looked at me with surprise instead.

“Finn, do you even understand the rules? Before the deadline, each person can only submit data for one car they intend to race.”

He deliberately stressed the words “one car”, mocking my ignorance of the rules.

The comment section immediately picked up on his cue. Insults poured in one after another, and Jasper couldn’t even suppress the smile tugging at his lips.

Seeing that I couldn’t say a single word, the organizer snorted and gestured for Jasper to turn off the livestream.

I pressed my lips together, still unable to figure out why.

As if he could see straight through my thoughts, the organizer added sarcastically, “You’ve read the contract, right? A racer at your level withdrawing midway has to pay a penalty.”

I gave him one last cold look, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Anyone who could afford racing in the first place was never truly ordinary.

It was just that the organizer had chosen to cling to Jasper instead.

I didn’t want a trophy from a tainted competition like this, anyway.

I let out a quiet laugh, tossed my cigarette away, and answered Grayson’s call. Before he could even comfort me, I spoke first.

“I’m withdrawing from the race this time. And I’m switching to a new car.”

The words had barely left my mouth when someone suddenly rushed in through the doorway and threw their arms tightly around me before Grayson could react.

“Finn! No! You can’t withdraw!”

“Myra?” I was startled, but all I felt was a bone-deep chill. “What are you doing here?”

Myra forced a smile and looked at me pleadingly. “Finn, we’re about to get married. Can’t I come see you?”

I knew from just one glance that she had been reborn, too.

However, what did that have to do with me?

As her boyfriend, I bought her everything she ever wanted and pampered her like a princess. I even delayed our wedding by two whole years because of a single worry she voiced.

I knew I hadn’t wronged her in the slightest.

But what about her?

I raised my hand and pushed Myra away, unwilling to get entangled with her any further.

Yet she clung to me again, like a piece of gum that wouldn’t come off.

“Finn, you can’t destroy this car!”

I looked at her tearful, aggrieved face, and the last bit of restraint inside me finally snapped. I raised my hand and slapped her hard across the face.

Myra had never been treated like this before.

She covered her cheek, her eyes filled with disbelief, while I only let out a cold laugh and continued toward the garage.

Myra chased after me again.

“What exactly do you want?!”

All the frustration that had built up over the entire day exploded at once.

I glared at her furiously. She shrank back in fear, yet her tone remained firm. “You must race!”

I was almost amused by how stubborn she was.

“You were the one who told me not to get entangled with Jasper.

“And now you’re the one telling me I have to race.

“What exactly do you know? Do you think it’s fun, you and Jasper playing me like this?”

With that, I gave her no more chances and slammed the garage door shut.

“Bang! Bang!”

Myra pounded on the door frantically from outside, yet still refused to tell me the truth.

In the darkness, I took out my lighter.