I snapped a photo at the high school reunion of my ex-boyfriend with his arm around his fiancée as they announced their engagement. Just as I was about to hit send on a message to his mother saying “They look perfect together. Congratulations on getting what you wanted,” my wrist was suddenly grabbed tightly. “Oh, still in touch with my mom, are we?” Ethan glared at me, his expression dark. “What, didn’t get enough money out of us yet?” An eerie silence fell over the room. I looked up, my face pale. The music had stopped at some point. All eyes were on me. Everyone knew I had abandoned Ethan for money. The year he loved me most, I took $2 million from his mother Evelyn and left him without a backwards glance. He was furious at his mother’s meddling and went on a hunger strike, nearly destroying himself. His friends, barely concealing their disgust for me, came one by one to plead Ethan’s case. I refused to see any of them. Later, when Ethan’s life was in danger, his mother called me as a “last resort,” begging me to talk some sense into him. When I appeared before him, he clung to me desperately. Though he had wasted away to skin and bones, his grip was painfully tight. “Olivia, you came back. You still love me, don’t you? I knew it—” The joy in his voice was unmistakable. I coldly pushed him away and played him a voice recording and showed him a text message. The recording was of his mother asking me to see him, with me naming my price of $300,000. The text was a bank transfer confirmation for that amount. He stared at me in bewilderment, then violently shoved me away as realization dawned. But he used too much force and fell out of the bed, coughing painfully. “Olivia, get the hell out!” he spat out each word venomously as he lay crumpled on the floor. I left without looking back, just as he asked. Somehow, word of this incident spread. From that day on, I became the laughingstock of our town. Those who knew the story said I loved money more than anything, that I was heartless. Others claimed I had never loved Ethan at all, that I had only been after his family’s wealth from the start. No one cared about the truth… Later, once Ethan recovered, he entered into an arranged marriage with Sophia, the pampered daughter of a wealthy business tycoon. I received no less than ten invitations to his engagement party. They were all from his friends, of course. As per my “agreement” with his mother, I had completely vanished from Ethan’s life. But over the years, I kept tabs on everything he did. I knew he and Sophia went to study abroad together in America, even living together. I knew he completed a dual JD/MBA program at Harvard and Kennedy School in just two years. I knew that as soon as he joined his family’s company, he handled several extremely difficult cases brilliantly, earning the respect of even the most skeptical senior executives. I knew that although he and Sophia hadn’t officially married yet, they were already calling each other’s parents Mom and Dad… I didn’t go out of my way to find this information. His friends seemed to take perverse pleasure in keeping me updated on his accomplishments. They say a good ex should fade quietly into the background like they’re dead. But Ethan’s friends seemed determined to keep dragging me into the spotlight. As if proving how successful Ethan had become would somehow prove how foolish I had been. This high school reunion was the first time I had seen Ethan face-to-face in the three years since we broke up. Tomorrow I would be starting a new chapter of my life, far away from here. From now on, he would remain in his lofty world of wealth and status, while I retreated to my humble life in obscurity. Before coming here tonight, I had called his mother to make a final request. “You can go, but remember what you should and shouldn’t say or do,” was her curt response. I had agreed. Officially, I was here as Alex’s date to the reunion. But in reality, I had come hoping to verify some medical records with an old classmate who specialized in nephrology. There were some things I needed to know before I could find closure… I had anticipated Ethan’s scorn and cold shoulder. I had braced myself for the taunts and mockery of our former classmates. What I hadn’t expected was for Ethan to turn this reunion into a pre-wedding celebration. As the center of attention, he and Sophia played drinking games and flaunted their affection, completely at ease. The atmosphere was festive. No one was tactless enough to bring up the past. I managed to get the answers I needed from my classmate. Alex got held up chatting with some old friends, so I waited a bit longer than planned. Who would have thought that in the brief moment it took to snap a photo and type out a text, Ethan would materialize in front of me out of nowhere. Dragging me into the harsh spotlight of everyone’s scrutiny.
“So what if you’ve gotten enough? And what if you haven’t?” I raised an eyebrow at Ethan challengingly. “Is the great Mr. Shen offering to make up the difference?” “Olivia, three years apart and you’re still as cheap as ever!” He looked down at me coldly, his beautiful eyes filled with contempt. His words cut like a knife, piercing straight to my heart. I studied him through the hazy lights. He used to shine so brightly, a beacon of sincerity in this duplicitous world. Now he stood there in an expensive suit, still strikingly handsome, but his eyes were like bottomless pits. When he looked at me, there wasn’t a trace of the tenderness from years ago. I jerked my wrist, forcing him to step closer. “Manhandling other women in front of your fiancée – who’s really the cheap one here?” I shot back at him with the same venom as always. Except where we once exchanged words of love, now we traded barbed insults. Ethan seemed to snap out of it. He roughly let go of my hand and grabbed some wet wipes from the table, frantically scrubbing his hands. The insult couldn’t have been clearer. I didn’t want to stay a moment longer. I caught Alex’s eye and stood up to leave. But Ethan stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “Sweetie, come here. Let me introduce you to someone.” He called out to Sophia, his tone suddenly gentle. “Who’s this, babe?” Sophia minced over and clung to Ethan’s arm, leaning against him coyly. She was as sweet as her name suggested – cute and clearly pampered since birth. “She’s very special,” Ethan said to Sophia, but his eyes were fixed on me. “This is my ex-girlfriend, Olivia. The one who dumped me for $2 million.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it was enough for everyone to hear. The atmosphere in the room instantly changed. An overwhelming sense of humiliation washed over me. I kept my face impassive, quietly hiding my trembling hands behind my back. Tonight I could feel pain, I could laugh, but the one thing I absolutely could not do was show even a hint of weakness. “Is $2 million really that much? The necklace you gave me cost $10 million.” Sophia’s delicate fingers lightly traced the dazzling diamond necklace around her neck. She had matching earrings dangling from her small, perfect ears. “$10 million? That’s eight figures!” “She’s basically wearing a house around her neck!” Gasps of amazement rippled through the crowd. Followed by sneers and mocking laughter. Laughter at me for giving up such a handsome, wealthy boyfriend for a mere $2 million. Crunch Someone in the crowd crushed an empty beer can. Startled by the sound, I turned towards its source. Alex was casually playing with the mangled can, a wry smile on his face. I shook my head slightly at him, signaling him to stay calm. But Ethan suddenly let out a low chuckle. He pulled out a thick wad of hundred dollar bills from his pocket and tossed them carelessly into the air. “Olivia, I’ve got more money than I know what to do with.” “But you don’t deserve a cent of it.” The bills fluttered down, landing on my face, my body, scattering at my feet. “You’d better hold on tight to such a good boyfriend, little girl.” I forced a smile through the rain of judgmental stares. “Oh, I will.” Sophia looked up at Ethan adoringly. Their loving gazes met. “Aww, they’re so sweet together!” “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” Someone started the chant and soon the whole room was demanding they kiss. Ethan suddenly grabbed Sophia’s waist and dipped her onto the couch, bending down to kiss her passionately. The crowd went wild. They were making out right in front of me, mere feet away, bathed in the pulsing lights. The room was filled with cheers and whistles, but all I could hear was deafening silence.
I threw up violently in the bathroom. When I came out, I immediately spotted a tall figure lurking in the shadows. People were coming and going from the nearby private rooms. The flashing lights illuminated his face, revealing a storm of anger. It was Ethan. My body reacted before my mind could catch up. I spun around and ran. I was fast, but Ethan was faster. I had barely taken a step when he grabbed me by the shoulder. “Running away from me? Feeling guilty?” His grip was painfully tight. I tried to shake off his hold, but it was useless. “Guilty about what?” I laughed hoarsely. “I just didn’t see any point in catching up with you.” “Olivia, you hang around under my nose all night and now you say that? Isn’t it a bit late?” His voice was ice cold. “What do you mean ‘hanging around under your nose’? Am I not allowed to attend my own class reunion just because we broke up?” I straightened my back and turned to face him, slapping his hand away. “If that’s the case, why were you hiding in the bathroom throwing up?” He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him. “Pregnant with someone’s baby? Or just disgusted?” The memory of him kissing Sophia flashed through my mind, making my stomach churn again. I had to use all my willpower not to throw up right there. “Didn’t eat much, but you sure threw up a lot,” he commented lazily when I didn’t respond. His words stung, making my eyes burn with unshed tears. “Ethan, we’re over. What the hell do you want from me?” I shoved him hard, but he caught my hands and pinned me against the wall. “I should be asking you that,” he leaned in close. “If you disappeared, why come back now?” The disgust and hatred in his eyes were unmistakable. My blood ran cold. I let out a bitter laugh. “What answer do you want to hear? That I can’t forget you and want to rekindle our love? Or that I regret everything and I’m begging for your forgiveness?” He didn’t say anything. He really did seem to want some kind of explanation. “Of course it’s—” “She came with me.” Before I could finish, a man’s amused voice cut in. A few steps away, Alex stood with his hands casually in his pockets. Who knows how long he had been watching from around the corner. “Bros before hoes, Ethan. You’re crossing a line here.” He added nonchalantly. “You… what do you mean?” Ethan’s voice suddenly shook. “I mean Olivia is my girlfriend now.” “I’m a year older than you, by the way. What, you’re allowed to have a fiancée but I can’t date?” Alex lazily rolled up his shirt sleeves. He looked ready to throw hands if Ethan didn’t let go of me soon. “You two are really… together?” Ethan’s gaze returned to me. Even in the dim light, I could feel the intensity of his stare. “Need us to make out to prove it?” I smirked coldly. “Do whatever you want…” Ethan released me and walked away. Alex let out a low whistle, a sly, victorious smile playing on his lips. My carefully constructed mask crumbled. I slumped against the wall and closed my eyes wearily. “I told you not to come. Now look what happened – you brought this on yourself.” Alex grumbled irritably. I opened my eyes and looked at him. “Some things can’t be delegated to others.” When he found out I was meeting with our doctor classmate, he had offered to ask on my behalf. I refused. Because I needed to hear the truth for myself. “You can fool yourself when it comes to feelings, but you can’t fool others.” Alex stepped in front of me, leaning one hand against the wall by my head as he looked down at me. “Liv, I’ve waited for you for seven years, and you’ve never given me the time of day.” “Just now when he was publicly humiliating you, I wanted to punch his lights out but you wouldn’t let me.” “Is he really so great that you’re still pining for him after three years apart?” Though his words were harsh, his tone was filled with poorly concealed pain. I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his chest. He noticeably stiffened. “Alex, some protection has nothing to do with love. There aren’t many second chances in life.” “Back then, I refused to see him even when he was begging. Showing up today was bound to upset him.” “If cursing me out a bit makes him feel better, I’ll take it. It’s my fault for coming here with an agenda.” I patiently explained. “Did you find out what you needed to know?” Alex sighed. I nodded slightly. “Then let’s go.” He ruffled my hair. “I’ll go get the car and meet you out front.” “Okay.” I reluctantly let go of him. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure quietly slip away…
On the drive home, Alex was unusually quiet. He didn’t speak, and I had no desire to talk either. “Remember your promise – I’m taking you tomorrow.” Just as I was about to get out of the car, he suddenly locked the doors. I wanted to refuse, but seeing the stubborn look in his eyes, I changed my mind. “Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten.” I smiled reassuringly at him and gave him an “okay” sign. Only then did he unlock the doors. As Alex’s car roared off into the distance, I stood lost in thought. He and Ethan used to be best friends. They grew up together, closer than brothers. Before I started dating Ethan, Alex had publicly given me a love letter. When I rejected him, he brazenly declared he “wouldn’t give up until the Yellow River ran clear.” After Ethan and I got together, Alex started dating too, but his relationships never lasted long. I thought his interest in me had just been a passing fancy. But he gradually withdrew from Ethan’s life and mine, eventually becoming estranged from Ethan. I had assumed our paths would never cross again. But when my family hit hard times, it was Alex who stayed with me through countless difficult days and nights at the hospital. He even acted as a smokescreen, successfully getting Evelyn to lower her guard against me. Apart from my parents, I have two regrets in the first half of my life. One is letting Ethan down, and the other is not being able to return Alex’s love… The night grew colder, the wind stinging any exposed skin. I wrapped my scarf tightly around my face and turned towards the apartment building. A car’s hazard lights suddenly flashed a short distance away. In the glow of the streetlights, I could make out the driver. It was James, Evelyn’s trusted chauffeur. I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. They really were relentless. I quickened my pace and got into the passenger seat. “What is it?” “Miss Olivia, please pack your things. We’re leaving tonight.” His voice was as gruff as ever. “Wasn’t the train ticket for 6am tomorrow?” I turned to look at him. “Is Mrs. Shen so impatient she can’t even wait one night?” He said nothing, just placed his phone on the center console. It was on speaker, mid-call. “Does Miss Olivia have a problem with this arrangement?” Sophia’s voice came through the speaker. Arrogant and domineering, completely different from her demure act earlier. “I wouldn’t dare.” I frowned slightly, smiling. “I just want to know if this is Mrs. Shen’s idea or Miss Jiang’s?” “Does it matter?” She let out a derisive snort. “Whoever’s idea it is, Miss Olivia just needs to know that Mrs. Shen will only feel at ease once you’re gone.” She paused. “And so will I.” Remembering the figure I glimpsed leaving earlier, I let out a mocking laugh. One encounter and she was already on guard against me. And me? What had I done to deserve this? “I’ll go, then.” I couldn’t be bothered to argue. I got out of the car and headed upstairs. I had already packed most of my things. What was left were just everyday items. After finishing up, I zipped my suitcase closed and took one last look around. This apartment was bought by my parents. We had lived here for over 20 years. Every corner held traces of our family. But now everything had changed. Even the property deed had been transferred. I left the keys on the shoe cabinet by the door, locked up, and headed downstairs with my suitcase. As the car drove towards the highway, I opened my phone to send a farewell message to the new owner. My eye caught on the unsent message from earlier. I no longer felt that urge to challenge Evelyn. I put my phone away and gazed out the window, silently saying goodbye to this chapter of my life. The city lights illuminated the inky night sky. Skyscrapers stretched as far as the eye could see, neon signs glaring. This city had been home to countless lonely souls, had witnessed the joys and sorrows of so many lives. But it was no longer a place where I belonged…
The car kept driving further and further out of the way. It wasn’t until I recognized the familiar estate that I realized James had brought me to the Shen family home. “The madam wanted to say goodbye to Miss Olivia in person.” James parked the car and politely opened my door. “Is that really necessary?” I didn’t budge. I had only been here a handful of times, but each visit was unforgettable. And not in a good way. I had no desire to set foot here again. “I’m just following orders,” he looked at me steadily. “Please don’t make this difficult for me, Miss Olivia.” I sat stubbornly in the car, locked in a stalemate with him. The cold night air seeped in, dispelling the warmth of the car heater. I shivered. “The young master doesn’t live here anymore,” he added after a long pause. Only then did I get out of the car. I was led through the grand entrance and into the receiving room, where I found Evelyn watching financial news on TV. Though nearly 50, her skin was still smooth and youthful. Illuminated by the crystal chandelier, she seemed to glow. “Here’s your ID. James will escort you to the station.” She lowered the TV volume and handed me an ID card after I sat down across from her. The photo showed a girl who looked somewhat similar to me. “You really went to great lengths to cover my tracks, Mrs. Shen.” I smiled. “When will I get my real documents back?” “After Ethan marries the Jiang girl.” She slid a new phone across the table to me. “Until then, I hope Miss Olivia will behave herself.” I immediately understood her meaning: she was confiscating my phone. My throat suddenly felt tight. It wasn’t enough to withhold my household registration and ID. Now she wanted to cut off all my connections too? “And if I refuse?” I clutched my phone tightly through my clothes. This phone was a gift from Ethan five years ago. It was part of a matching couple set. It had started to lag and crash lately from overuse. I had so many precious memories stored on it that I couldn’t bear to replace it. Even a small scratch made me anxious… “I don’t want anyone coveting my future daughter-in-law’s husband.” She pushed the new phone towards me again. “Miss Olivia, don’t make me use force.” With one sentence, she made the relationships and her stance crystal clear. Knowing I had no way out, I reluctantly took out my phone and placed it on the table. “James, take care of it.” She gestured. James picked up the phone, removed the SIM card and snapped both in half, then crushed the phone with his bare hands. I watched helplessly as my phone was destroyed beyond repair. “Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Olivia.” Evelyn nodded in satisfaction. “If you’re thanking me for obediently following your orders these past three years, I accept.” My gaze swept over the mangled remains of my phone. “But if you’re thanking me for my powerlessness to refuse just now, there’s no need.” “Life is long, Miss Olivia. You’re still young – you need to learn to look forward.” She raised her chin and instructed James, “It’s late. Take Miss Olivia to the station.” “Yes, ma’am.” James responded. I got up silently and headed for the door, my head bowed. James hurried ahead and stuffed the new phone into my hand. I accepted it numbly. “Olivia—” Just as James was about to open the door, Evelyn spoke again. I turned back like a puppet on strings. “Stay alive. No one wants to fight over a dead person.” She sat with her arms crossed, radiating authority. I let out a humorless laugh. All these years, she had treated me like a thief, guarding against my every move. Now she destroyed my phone before I left, paranoid that I might reconnect with Ethan. But Ethan was far too proud. After being hurt by me multiple times, how could he possibly look back? The most ridiculous part was that after doing so many despicable things, she could still bring herself to wish me a long life… “Understood.” I responded coldly and walked out past James. As soon as the door opened, I froze in my tracks. Ethan was standing right outside. He stood tall and straight, his breathing steady. But those dark eyes burned with a quiet intensity.
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