Chapter 15

“I’M sorry miss for using you. But in this world, people like using one another just to get what they want. If you don’t like someone using you, then use them first.”

I blink as my mouth, which had been gaping open, closed. The stranger man looked at me seriously as he said that before leaving me stunned, and I was stuck in my position, not knowing what to say or how to respond to what he had just said.

I gulped and raised my head slightly as my brain tried to process what the man had said earlier. It had been a few minutes, but I was still standing in the same spot where that strange man who had stolen the box of chocolate that I was supposed to buy had left me.

What he said stayed with me.

If I don't like someone using me... then I'll just use them first... Of course, who would like it if they were being used? None. There is no one who wishes to be used. But what about using them first? Not everyone on the planet thinks this way. I don't even want to use people for my own gain. Perhaps some people prefer to use the other first for their own benefit. Those were the selfish people. And neither am I. Did that guy think I was happy when someone used other people for their own selfish gain? Huh!

Maybe that guy likes to use other people for his own gain before they use him, which is why he said that. Just like he did earlier in our complicated situation. He used me to his advantage in order to get what he wanted.

For some reason, in the midst of my deep thought, the situation involving Felix and me flashed back in my mind. He also used me to get what he desired. He believes that I will not suspect him of doing such things because he can see and feel that I love him. He believes that even if he did these things, I would forgive him because I love him. Perhaps that's what he thinks. At the very least.

After all, isn't that how love works? You forgive someone you care about, even if they have caused you so much pain. But, in light of what had happened to Felix and me, what he did was sufficient. It hurts like hell, and when I catch him doing his monkey business on a trap, I know, and I can't afford him cheating again behind my back. Maybe I'll forgive him someday, but not now. I still need time and to wait for it to heal completely before I can forgive him for what he did that caused our relationship to shatter into millions of pieces like broken glass.

Then, as I stood outside the shop, watching people walk here and there and the time fly by, I realized I'd already been used twice without even realizing it. My lips formed a bitter smile. Perhaps this is how our world will evolve. The reason why this world is becoming more and more toxic by the day. But then, none of us are. We all make errors. But, please, if we know it was wrong, let's not do it.

Are people content with taking advantage of others?

I let out a deep sigh and tickled the side of my left cheek with my tongue. Maybe I should just go out and get some other food. After I get what I want, I walk back to where I left my best friend, who is tired as a result of what happened. That guy has already ruined what was supposed to be an exciting night. Despite the fact that we are only taking a break from reviewing, I am confronted with this situation. What a stroke of luck.

I see Bella sitting on a bench, looking up at the sky, enjoying the beautiful and peaceful night sky tonight. I take a seat beside her and slowly raise my head, hoping to clear my mind of the unpleasant incident that occurred in the store a short time ago. Along with the stars, the dark took up the entire sky.

It was stunning.

And, for the time being, I've forgotten about the stressful event that occurred a while ago. My eyes began to appreciate the beauty of the scene in front of me. It relieved some of the stress I was carrying from thinking about the random guy who used his advantage to get the box of chocolate I was after.

I was in the middle of admiring the view when I heard someone say, "It's still beautiful even when the moon isn't out right now."

From the vantage point above us, my gaze was drawn to the girl beside me, who has been by my side through all of my ups and downs. The person who was always beside me, who stayed with me despite the fact that I was a boring person, the person with whom I never felt alone, the person whom I considered to be my family.

"Yeah," I said, watching her eyes take in the night sky above us.

She appears to be at peace as her eyes sparkled as she gazed up at the sky, admiring the view she was seeing with her own eyes. She appears to be at ease. It was as if all of the stress we felt while reviewing was lifted. And I wish she could stay that way forever because she deserves all the love she can get.

"What are your plans after graduation?" she asked abruptly, then slowly turned her gaze to me, a small smile creeping on her lips.

That question, for some reason, left me hanging.

"Of course, find a job."

I was all alone, so I have to work hard every day to survive. If I don't work hard, no one will come after me and provide for my daily needs. I was still a student, but I needed to find multiple part-time jobs to earn money to meet my daily needs. I could only do so because I was living with Bella, and she insisted on providing me even though I repeatedly declined her offer. I also need to apply for and take advantage of as many scholarship opportunities as possible in order to lessen the financial burden on myself. I need to work hard for myself because if I don't, I'll starve to death.

“Where?" Bella inquired, and my thoughts wandered.

My eyes moved to the side as I thought, but I couldn't come up with an answer to her question.

"To a large corporation? Where is there a CEO who will turn out to be your enemy?" she asked, unsurely. "Then you'll fall in love with each other," she added, teasing me with a playful smile on her face. Even in the dark, I could see her brows wiggle up and down in response to me.

"Tss," I said as I rolled my eyes at her. "Only in fiction stories does that happen."

I heard her chuckle and slowly shake her head in response to my statement.

"No one knows.”

"That's the result of reading too many novels!" I said, my brows almost touching. "Wait... As far as I recall, you're not reading novels," I mocked her.

She just laughed at me, and I shook my head slowly, trying to hide my smile.

I felt my phone vibrate in the middle of our fun, so I took it out of my pants pocket to see what it was.

My gaze was drawn to the message notification. I also noticed that only one number was registered.

Who could have sent me a message at this time? I wasn't expecting anyone. Not even my ex-boyfriend because I changed my phone number and I swear Bella will not give it to him.

My hand moved slowly to swipe the screen of my phone to open my inbox.

FROM: +63**********

Good day, ma'am! Please come to our nearest office as soon as possible to claim your marriage certificate.

Thank you very much!