ManyWriters

The cold war with Serenity had entered its second month when she ostentatiously announced her engagement to someone else.
Our mutual friends all expected me to lose control and fly into a rage, as I had done in the past.
However, not only did I not do that, but I also sincerely offered my congratulations.
As I was preparing to leave, Serenity blocked my path: "Being so magnanimous today?"
I calmly met her gaze: "Just as you had hoped."
"Dashiell, this game of playing hard to get doesn't suit you. Be careful you don't end up hurting yourself."
Hearing her say this, I left without looking back.
A few weeks later, in the dead of night, Serenity called to make amends after drinking too much,
"It was all just an act with him, it's been over for a while now. Can you come back?"
At that moment, the woman beside me reached over and took my phone,
"I'm sorry, but he's my man now. He needs to be responsible for me."

Mr. Nice Guy and Tech Goddess

These words struck my heart, leaving me momentarily stunned before a wave of heaviness washed over me.


However, the anticipated questioning and reproach never came.


Grandma patted my hand reassuringly. "You two coming together is fate. If she ever dares to mistreat you, just tell me, and I'll teach her a lesson for you."


Stella massaged her temples helplessly. "Grandma, I would never bully anyone."


Grandma glared at her before turning back to me.


"Stella's been stubborn since she was little, but she has a kind heart."


"If you ever feel wronged in the future, come find Grandma. I'll always have your back."


I wanted to explain our relationship, but I found my throat too choked up to speak.


Without realizing it, I rested my head on Grandma's shoulder, my chest tight with a bittersweet ache.


When I was little, Grandpa used to dote on me like this too.


In that instant, all my pent-up grievances came rushing to the surface.


Chapter 9