8

This time, nobody questioned what the fireworks were meant for; everyone had grown accustomed to seeing him and Olivia as the main couple. 

When my coworkers brought it up, I just smiled nonchalantly and said, "Oh, really?" I didn't pay much attention to the story.

Thomas complimented my recent job performance and offered me a chance to study overseas, asking if I'd be interested. In the past, I would have given it serious thought.

"Absolutely! Who in their right mind would turn down such an amazing opportunity?" I agreed without a second thought.

Thomas seemed surprised for a moment. "Don't you need to talk it over with your family?"

"No, my parents always support my decisions."

"I meant your boyfriend."

I hesitated, then chuckled. "Actually, I'm single."

I accepted the offer to study abroad, set to leave in two weeks. Since I'd never been overseas, I had to rush to get a passport.

That evening, while discussing my plans with my parents in bed, they were supportive as I'd expected. My mom said, "I'm not against you going abroad, but you should discuss it with Robin. Don't do anything you'll regret later."

Hearing this, I paused, then replied calmly, "Mom, we've broken up."

"Really? Did he end things with you?"

"No, I was the one who ended it."

She looked doubtful, her tone questioning. After all, I had pursued Robin so intensely, even asking her for advice on how to win him over. For him, I'd learned to cook and how to be a good girlfriend. 

How could I, someone who adored him so much, give up so easily?

"Sophia, make sure you've really thought this through. If you've truly split up, there's no going back."

"I've considered it carefully. Trust me, Mom. I won't have any regrets."

I reassured her repeatedly until she stopped suggesting we get back together. "You're grown up now and can make your own decisions. I support you. If you ever get homesick out there, just come back. Your dad and I will always be here for you."

I agreed with a smile, feeling a bit melancholy inside. At home, I was my parents' precious child. My mom never let me cook. For years, I'd never done any heavy chores.

But after being with Robin, I seemed to transform into a superwoman, suddenly able to handle all household tasks. Thinking about it, I found it somewhat ironic.

I pushed away these unrealistic thoughts and browsed the internet, only to stumble upon a video Robin had posted online. 

In it, he wore a smart suit, his expression serious as he stated firmly, "The girl in that video is not my girlfriend. She's my sister. Please stop making baseless assumptions. I already have a girlfriend. Your comments will hurt her..."

As the video gained popularity, he stepped up to clarify the situation.

After watching it, I checked WhatsApp and found the company's group chat in chaos. Everyone was disappointed that their favorite couple fantasy had been shattered.

[I have to say, the girl in the second video looks a lot like Sophia.]

[Yeah! She was wearing that exact outfit that day.]

[Oh wow. Could Sophia actually be this guy's girlfriend?]

Seeing my colleagues discuss me and ask for my input, I hesitated before typing: [That's not me. Thanks.]

I felt a bit uncomfortable as I sent those words.

My coworkers didn't believe me and kept pressing, convinced the girl was me. I had no choice but to reply: [I'm single, you know. Your speculation could affect my chances of finding potential boyfriends. Please, drop it.]

Thomas also joined in to back me up, and finally, they let it go.