Vivian had used me for seven years. Then she just said she was bored, and turned to a younger, more handsome college guy. This time, I didn’t argue. I tossed the diamond ring I’d bought for her, and shredded the wedding dress I’d picked out. Late that night, I boarded a plane, leaving the city behind. Her friends were all placing bets on how long it would take for me to grovel and beg her to take me back. Vivian just laughed, arrogant as ever: “Alex will come crawling back to me like a lost puppy, mark my words. It won’t even be a day.” But day after day passed, and I remained completely off the grid. She couldn’t sit still anymore. She called my phone: “Alex, you’ve had enough fun, now come back…” A soft, shy female voice cut her off: “Ms. Jiang, you should apologize sooner rather than later, or someone else will snatch him up.” Vivian gripped her phone, her voice trembling: “Who are you? Put Alex on the phone!” Chloe leaned down and lightly kissed me: “He can’t talk right now. He needs his rest. If it’s really important, I can kiss him awake for you.”
It was the seventh year of being with Vivian. I’d bought a diamond ring and the wedding dress she loved, mustering all my courage to finally propose. But, as luck would have it, I arrived a few minutes late to the party that day. Just in time to overhear her chatting with her friends. “Alex? Oh, him. He’s pretty vanilla, I’ve already grown tired of him.” Vivian sipped her red wine, a haughty smile playing on her lips: “Seven years. Wouldn’t you get bored?” The others chuckled, agreeing: “You’ve got a point. Seven years. Even the hottest guys lose their spark after a while.” “But Alex really is handsome.” “And his body is insane. For Vivian’s birthday last time, he wore that black suit, looked even better than those movie stars!” “Seriously, Vivian, you used to be so into him. Are you really just letting him go?” Vivian’s voice was flat: “Have I ever lied?” Her friend immediately changed tack: “Then… if I pursued Alex, you wouldn’t mind, right?” “Go for it,” Vivian said, taking another slow sip of her drink. “As long as *you* don’t feel disgusted by it.” “Seriously? Aren’t you embarrassed? You’re really going to take her sloppy seconds, someone Vivian is already bored with?” Another round of laughter erupted. That night, I didn’t step into the private room. I made up some excuse and went home early. Vivian didn’t ask a single follow-up question, just hung up the phone. It was probably that night my once fiery heart finally, completely extinguished.
Not two days later, word got around fast in our social circle. Vivian was pursuing a college sophomore. Perhaps he hadn’t seen much of the world, easily swayed by money and vanity. He was hooked in a couple of days. At a friends’ gathering, Vivian brought him along. The moment they walked in, everyone went silent. A few good friends looked at me with concern. I just smiled. “Why’s everyone so quiet? What are you looking at me for?” Vivian draped an arm around the guy, then sat down, finally looking me dead in the eye: “Alex, tonight’s a good opportunity. Let’s just lay it all out.” “Okay, go ahead.” “These on-again, off-again years have been pointless. The feelings faded long ago.” I clenched my hand tight, the diamond ring I’d hidden in my palm digging painfully into my skin. But I barely felt it. “You’re not as young as him, and you don’t have his bright, positive vibe. I truly like him.” Vivian held the guy’s hand, her eyes full of affection. I nodded slightly: “Yeah, I get it.” “We can still be friends. If you need anything, you can always come to me.” “Nah, let’s not.” I gave a small, sarcastic laugh and stood up: “Since we’re breaking up, let’s make it a clean break. Avoid any misunderstandings.” Vivian raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. A moment later, she said, “Fair enough.” “Then you guys carry on. I’m heading back.” “Want me to walk you out?” “No thanks, I’ll just grab a ride-share.” As I walked out of the room, casually closing the door behind me, I heard someone ask, “How long do you think Alex will last this time?” “Two days?” “He seems genuinely upset this time. I’ll bet five days.” Vivian glanced at the door, which wasn’t fully closed, and smirked: “Give it three days. Alex will come crawling back like a lost puppy. He always does.” “It’s been like this for years, hasn’t it?” The people inside all agreed: “True, how could Alex ever leave you? Everyone knows he’s crazy in love with you…” I let out a self-deprecating laugh, picking up my pace towards the elevator.
Back at my apartment, I pulled out the wedding dress she’d wanted for ages. And simply shredded it. After all, keeping it here would only be an eyesore for Vivian. When I finally left, I thought about it, and still left her a note. This apartment and everything in it was hers to dispose of as she pleased. She didn’t need to ask me. I booked a red-eye flight, leaving the city far behind, returning to a familiar place.
My buddies heard the news and threw a get-together that night. It was all old classmates and friends. A few rounds in, the door opened again. A few of the guys’ eyes lit up instantly: “Chloe? You’re a sight for sore eyes!” “Yeah, gorgeous Chloe, what brings you here tonight?” Chloe’s cheeks were flushed: “I was just talking business next door. Heard about the old classmates’ reunion, so I thought I’d crash the party.” As she spoke, her gaze lingered on me for a moment before slowly moving away. My buddy nudged me quietly: “Alex, Chloe’s here for you, right?” I propped myself up, looking at her. She was even taller than Vivian, and had a better figure. I squinted for a moment, then looked away, shaking my head: “No way. We haven’t been in touch for years.” But my buddy ignored me, calling out to Chloe directly: “Hey, Chloe, our campus queen, could you give Alex a ride home later?” “We’ve all been drinking, and we’re worried he’ll get ripped off by a ride-share.” Chloe’s gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on my face. After about two seconds, I saw her nod: “Okay.” “Thanks a million, campus queen!” My buddy sat back down, grinning, and whispered to me: “Alex, why should Vivian get to mess around and play the field, but you can’t start a new chapter?” “Besides, Chloe’s a stunning woman like this, it’s a no-brainer.” “How do you know she’d be interested in me?” My buddy gave a sly grin: “She was practically devouring you with her eyes just now!” “Trust my experience, man.” 4 When the party broke up, Chloe drove me back to my hotel. As we pulled up to the hotel entrance, I unbuckled my seatbelt. “Thanks for the ride tonight,” I said. Chloe turned her head to look at me: “No problem.” I pushed the car door open, about to get out, when I suddenly remembered what Vivian had said that day. On a strange whim, I asked, “Want to come up for a drink?” Chloe’s cheeks flushed, but she silently got out of the car. As I opened the hotel room door, I looked at Chloe again: “Chloe, aren’t you scared?” Chloe bit her lip, but her eyes were stubborn and determined: “Alex, I’m not scared.” She kissed me in the elevator. I was startled for a moment, but seeing her face, hot and flushed, I leaned down and met her kiss. As I swiped the key card to open the room, Chloe suddenly stopped me: “Alex, if you regret this, it’s not too late…” “Regret what?” I looked at her, my eyes slightly blurred with alcohol, and chuckled: “Why didn’t you ask when you were just kissing me?” Chloe stared at me, dumbfounded: “Alex, are you serious?” For some reason, the nervousness, the sadness, and the desperate resolve in her eyes suddenly made my heart ache. I didn’t say anything else, just gently hugged her. “I’m very serious, Chloe. Just give me a little more time.”
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