Chapter 2

"Just as you've seen, even if I were to cheat right in front of her, she wouldn't dare to break up with me."

Someone noticed me standing in the doorway and called out nervously:

"Sis, what are you doing here?"

I don't know what expression I had on my face at that moment.

But I knew my complexion must have looked awful.

I clenched my fists tightly, my palms stinging. The pain helped me regain my composure bit by bit.

It was strange.

Fabian knew I had heard his entire conversation with his childhood friend, yet there wasn't a hint of panic on his face.

He casually lit a cigarette and leaned back lazily on the sofa. His already handsome face looked even more attractive in the dim light. He spoke in a nonchalant tone:

"You heard everything just now, didn't you? So don't think about trying to force me into marriage. That trick won't work on me."

I bit my lip hard to keep myself from crying.

My voice trembling, I asked, "Did you never once consider marrying me?"

He grunted, his beautiful face showing a look of annoyance.

He carelessly pulled a girl sitting next to him close, and right in front of me, he cupped the back of her head and kissed her.

The kiss was incredibly passionate.

Utterly tender.

Even as they parted, a strand of saliva still connected their lips.

The girl, her face flushed, collapsed weakly onto his chest, breathing softly, "Brother Fabian..."I almost recognized her instantly.

This girl had once pursued Fabian obsessively.

She even came to confront me at one point.

Back then, Fabian and I had a huge fight because of her, giving each other the cold shoulder for days.

In the end, it was Fabian who approached me to make amends, saying, "If Jade bothers you so much, I won't let her appear in front of me anymore."

"Darling, don't be upset with me."

But apparently, despite his promise to never see Jade again, she was still showing up at his gatherings with friends.

Even breathing became painful.

I didn't want to stay here and face everyone's pitying, sympathetic looks.

I clenched my fists, ready to turn and leave.

I was afraid that staying any longer would strip away what little dignity I had left.

Behind me, Fabian's cold voice rang out:

"Xanthe, I asked you to come pick me up. If you leave now, let's just break up."

I dug my nails into my palms, barely holding back tears as I whispered:

"Fine. Let's break up then."

By the time I reached the bar's entrance, I realized it had suddenly started pouring.

The doorway was crowded with people waiting for their Uber rides.

After a moment's hesitation, I decided to head back into the bar to wait out the rain.In a haze, I sat in the corner when suddenly I saw Fabian and his friend stumbling out to use the restroom, supporting each other.

His friend, slurring his words, tried to persuade him:

"Come on Fabian, you really gonna stay here drinking instead of making up with your girl? What if she actually breaks up with you for real, huh? What're you gonna do then?"

I held my breath, eager to hear Fabian's response.

We'd known each other since we were young, and had been dating for five years.

From the very beginning, I'd dreamed of us growing old together.

I thought, if he apologized to me now, I might be able to forgive him.

But in the next moment, I heard his mocking voice:

"She won't really break up with me."

"Just wait, she'll regret picking a fight with me today. She'll come crawling back, begging to make up."

"We've been together for five years. I've used her up. Who else would want her? Who wouldn't think she's damaged goods except me?"

...

I thought, how could Fabian be so disgusting?

Waves of anger and sadness washed over me again and again.

On one hand, I couldn't control the urge to vomit, but on the other, tears wouldn't stop falling.

With trembling fingers, I pulled out my phone and texted my best friend:

"I broke up with Fabian.""Can you introduce me to a potential match for a blind date?"

Catalina arrived quickly.

When I got into the passenger seat, I still hadn't come to my senses, my gaze hollow, tear stains dried on my face.

She looked at me with sympathy, while cursing Fabian:

"How can Fabian be such a jerk?"