When I got to Liam’s place, he opened the door, yawning widely. I just stood there, right at his doorstep, and said, “We’re over.” Liam froze, a confused look on his face. “Baby, what did I do wrong this time?” “You didn’t answer my calls,” I stated, my voice flat. He chuckled, reaching for my hand like he always did. “I was up too late playing games with the guys yesterday, so I slept in a bit today. Didn’t even hear my phone ring. To make it up to you, how about I get ready and we go to that restaurant you’ve been dying to try?” Liam and I had been together for seven years, and he clearly thought I was just being dramatic again. I pulled my hand away coldly. “No, thanks. I’m leaving.” He never truly took my words seriously. And if that’s the case, then I don’t need him. “Just because I missed your call this morning?” Liam grabbed my wrist, “Baby, seriously, stop being difficult, okay?” “I really didn’t mean to. I just bought a new game yesterday, played a little late, and I told you that.” I pulled my hand away, my voice cold, “I don’t want to say anything more. Let go.” Liam persisted, “You don’t like Thai food? Then let’s go for European? There’s a trendy new European place downtown, how about we go there together? I just bought a Fujifilm…” I looked at Liam. “I don’t like it anymore.” Liam froze. Just then, Chloe, wearing a loose-fitting pajama top, walked out of the guest room behind him. “What’s going on, Liam? You guys woke me up in the guest room.” I looked at a sleepy Chloe, and a sudden laugh escaped me. Oh, right. Liam’s ‘best friend.’ The one who’s a girl. And it was her who sent me a really suggestive photo, making me believe Liam had slept with her. Chloe walked up to me, grinning. “Audrey, what happened?” Liam rubbed his temples. “Missed her call, she’s throwing a fit.” Chloe’s eyes widened, and she quickly came over, linking her arm through mine. Her tone was overly familiar, “Audrey, Liam and I pulled an all-nighter playing games last night. He really didn’t miss your call on purpose! The game just launched, and I got really into it, so I kinda dragged Liam into an all-nighter. Please don’t be mad at him, he really didn’t mean it…” “We’re not that chummy, Chloe.” I pulled my arm away, looking at Liam. “Did you change the password?” Liam frowned, clearly confused. I repeated myself, “Liam, the door code to your apartment has been changed. I can’t get in.” Liam denied it, “How could that be? My door code has always been our anniversary…” I turned my gaze to Chloe beside me. Sure enough, she spoke up, “Liam, a few days ago, you had the guys over for a party, and most of them don’t know Audrey, so I just went ahead and changed the door code. It’s no big deal, right? You can just change it back. Audrey, you’re being a bit uptight about it…” Liam sighed, looking at Chloe. “Chloe, Audrey isn’t as laid-back as you. She’s sensitive, and it’s totally normal for her to care about these things. Just apologize to her, okay?” He rubbed his temples, his voice tired. I chuckled sarcastically, taking a step back. “No, thanks. I can’t be as ‘generous’ as your ‘best friend.’ Your buddies may not know me, but they sure know how close you and Chloe are. Chloe shows up at your place with a game, you let her in, even stay over. She even changed your door code. So, Liam, why don’t you two just move in together, get married, and I’ll be there to raise a toast to your happy union, how about that?” “Audrey, that’s too much.” Liam frowned, taking a step forward, unconsciously shielding Chloe behind him. “Chloe and I go way back If anything was going to happen, it would have happened already. What are you being so unreasonable about now? And we played games so late yesterday, I couldn’t just send a girl home, could I? Besides, she stayed in the guest room last night. Don’t be so aggressive, Audrey. Chloe’s right, it’s just a code, you can just change it back.” “If anything was going to happen, it would have happened already,” he says. I choked back the bitter taste in my throat, staring intensely at Liam. “So, you *do* realize Chloe is a girl.” Liam flinched. I turned and walked away without hesitation. Chloe’s voice drifted from behind me, “Liam, Audrey’s so mad, aren’t you going to go after her?” “It’s fine. We’re almost engaged. She’s just throwing a tantrum, she’ll get over it, it’s no big deal.” Liam’s voice wasn’t loud, but it pierced my ears. But he didn’t know I was already preparing my documents to study abroad. I wouldn’t be turning back.
Back in my shared apartment, I packed my luggage. “Audrey, are you moving in with your boyfriend already?” Mia, my roommate, came out of her room, hearing the commotion. “Ugh, you’re really not renewing the lease? Wish you two all the happiness!” I had a moment of disorientation. It was true, Liam and I were the poster couple of our university, and I’d told Mia I’d move in with him once my lease was up. Everyone thought we’d tie the knot. The thought made my hands pause. I offered an explanation. “No, we broke up.” Mia blinked. “What? But you and Liam were the poster couple of our university. What happened?” “I just fell out of love,” I replied succinctly. Mia looked confused. “That doesn’t make sense. Liam’s handsome, and he was so good to you. He went out of his way to remember everything you liked, he took you to concerts and art exhibitions, practically anything you asked for. One time you got your period and I wasn’t there, he came rushing over in the pouring rain at like, 3 AM, just to take care of you… He was just asking me if you’d liked anything recently. How could you suddenly fall out of love?” How could I suddenly fall out of love? Perhaps she was talking about the Liam of the past. The boy who held me in his palm, who shielded me from everything. Not the boyfriend who would now accuse me of being aggressive, all because of a ‘best friend.’ It was that simple. I forced a bitter laugh. “Maybe… it’s just because he didn’t pick up my call this morning.” Seeing that I didn’t want to elaborate, Mia sighed and didn’t press further. A while later, she shook her phone, asking cautiously, “Is it because of Chloe?” She opened Ins. It was a new post from Chloe, a grid of nine photos of her and Liam playing games. The center photo was them, heads practically touching, Chloe’s head almost on Liam’s shoulder. They were both holding controllers, laughing like crazy. The other photos were all screenshots of their high scores, their names topping the server leaderboards. Clearly, they’d been playing well. The comments section was filled with Liam’s buddies’ praise: “Damn, Chloe, you’re a beast! That clear speed is insane!” “Only Liam can actually keep up with Chloe’s skill. I still haven’t even beaten the first boss. Chloe, when are you gonna ‘carry’ me? Or get Liam to ‘carry’ me, that works too!” “Is it just me, or do Chloe and Liam both look amazing? Talk about a power couple!” Anyone who didn’t know would think Chloe and Liam were the couple who’d been together for seven years and were about to get engaged. I finished packing my suitcase. Before I could say anything, Mia looked at the comments and started ranting, “No, seriously, is Liam completely clueless? How can he not realize how suggestive these photos she’s posting are? And his ‘bros’? It’s obvious they’re rooting for him and Chloe! Where do you even fit in?” “The gaming console they’re playing on was my birthday gift to Liam,” I added calmly. “And the night before last, he just promised me he wouldn’t cross any lines.” “I get it.” Mia looked at me with concern, then gently hugged me. “Audrey, we don’t need a guy like that. We just don’t. But your lease is up, where are you going to live now?” “I’ll crash at my aunt’s place for a bit. It works out, I can quit my job and go overseas for advanced studies.” I looked at Mia, smiling. “Don’t worry about me. With my qualifications, I can get any job I want.” Mia sighed. “You’re right. I mean, you only joined this company because Liam was involved. We all thought you’d keep going with your studies, everyone knows how brilliant you are in research. But promise me you’ll take good care of yourself. Call me if you need anything, your ride-or-die always has your back.” “I will!” I nodded. Just then, Liam sent me a SnapChat message: “Baby, are you feeling better? I ordered you fried chicken and bubble tea. Please don’t be mad at me, okay? [puppy eyes emoji]” I stared at that message for a long time, then blocked and deleted all his contact information.
After a quick greeting with my aunt and dropping off my luggage, I took a cab back to the university. I was there to pick up my official English and Chinese transcripts, and to say goodbye. I walked along the newly renovated track, listening to the cheerful laughter of the younger students around me, when I ran straight into the last people I wanted to see. Liam and Chloe. Chloe was intimately linked arm-in-arm with Liam. The moment she saw me, a bright smile spread across her face. “Audrey, you’re here too?” Liam hurried over. “Why are you back at school? I was just about to call you. The delivery guy told me you didn’t pick up your stuff?” I gave him a cold glance, my eyes lingering on Chloe’s arm linked with his. Liam finally registered it, awkwardly pulling his arm away. “Chloe said she wanted to see my alma mater, so I brought her for a walk.” “Yep, I always regretted not seeing Liam’s university,” Chloe chirped, sidling closer . “Liam and I are total bros. We’ve been like this for years, it’s just how we are. You don’t mind, do you, Audrey?” I was so disgusted, I turned to leave. But Liam grabbed me, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance, “Audrey, are you still mad? I know you won’t calm down that quickly. I bought you your favorite bag. Please don’t be mad, forgive me, okay? I promise I’ll never miss your call again!” He pulled out an exquisite gift box from his backpack. It was a designer bag from a luxury brand, the latest model—exactly the one I’d mentioned liking on Ins a while back. Memories flooded back. Liam in college was always like this. He would remember every casual preference I mentioned, and he’d especially keep track of my period. Every time he made me angry, he’d send me essay-long apologies, coaxing me until late into the night. He was also generous, buying me flowers and gifts. I often overslept and missed breakfast, so he’d wake up early to bring me food, saying he needed to take care of my stomach. When I was down and stayed up late, he’d chat with me, keeping me company. When I asked if he shouldn’t be telling me to sleep, he’d say my feelings came first. His thoughtfulness and tenderness had completely captivated me. And that’s why, time and again, I softened after Chloe appeared. Chloe suddenly chimed in, “Liam put so much effort into this bag! We went to so many stores!” She patted Liam’s shoulder proudly. “In the end, I was the one who helped him pick this color. It really suits Audrey, doesn’t it?” I snapped my head up. “You picked it?” Liam smiled and nodded. “Yeah, Chloe always has great taste.” Chloe looped her arm around Liam’s neck. “Well, duh! What do you expect? My taste is legendary!” Liam naturally put his arm around her waist, both of them laughing without a care in the world. The sight felt like a needle twisting in my gut. “Liam.” My voice began to tremble. “Do you remember what you said on our first date?” He paused. “What?” “You said, ‘Audrey’s gifts have to be picked out by me, and only me, because I’m the only one who truly knows what she loves.’” I hurled the gift box at him. “And now?” The packaging scattered on the ground, revealing the exquisite bag inside. “I…” Chloe’s face changed . “Audrey, what’s that supposed to mean? I was trying to help, and I messed up?” “Shut up!” I cut her off. “I’m talking to Liam. It’s not your place to interrupt!” Liam frowned. “Audrey, don’t be like this. Chloe’s my best friend. Give her some respect.” “Best friend?” I scoffed. “Since Chloe came back, how many times has she tracked you down using the excuse of ‘it’s been ages’? Last time we were on a date, you left me alone in the restaurant after she called. This time, you let her stay over at your place again. I’ll say it again: if you two get married, don’t send me an invitation. I’d rather not deal with that.” People around us had already stopped to stare. “Last time, I pulled some serious strings to get front-row tickets to Liam’s favorite esports tournament, and our other buddies were there too!” Chloe pouted, arguing back. “Liam, I even told you to buy flowers then! Didn’t you say it was all sorted?” “The flowers then… were also chosen by you?” I trembled all over. That night, I threw a huge fit. It was the first time I’d questioned my feelings for him so deeply. But Liam came back, apologized profusely, and brought a huge bouquet of fresh flowers, coaxing me until the middle of the night. I also knew that his favorite player was in that tournament, so I forgave him. “What else?” Chloe said smugly. “Do you really think Liam, Mr. Oblivious, would have figured that out? Audrey, since I came back, all your gifts? I helped Liam pick them out.” I stared at Liam in disbelief. “I saw that you really liked what Chloe picked, so I didn’t interfere,” Liam awkwardly turned his head away, reaching out to grab my hand. “Audrey, let’s find somewhere to talk properly. There are too many people here.” “No need.” I slapped his hand away, taking a deep breath. “Liam, you disgust me!” The early winter wind stung my face, but I felt no cold, only kept walking forward. Liam didn’t follow.
I don’t know how long I walked until a gentle voice called from behind me. “Audrey?” I turned. Julian Hayes. Liam’s college roommate. We were in the same student club when we first started university. Since we both loved literature, we were pretty good friends. But after I started dating Liam, Julian and I deliberately kept our distance, and we gradually lost touch. “It really is you.” He hurried down the steps. “Long time no see.” “I remember you, Liam’s college roommate,” I habitually tied him to Liam’s name, avoiding eye contact. “What are you doing here?” “I’m an assistant professor in the Economics department now.” He lowered his gaze. “You? Back to pick up documents?” I nodded, suddenly feeling a lump in my throat. Julian subtly noticed my emotions but didn’t ask further. He glanced at his watch. “Want to grab a coffee?” I hesitated. “Okay.” “I heard you’re going abroad for advanced studies?” he asked directly. I was surprised. “How did you know?” “Professor Davies mentioned it.” He pushed up his glasses. “He regretted that you were leaving, said you could have stayed to do your PhD here.” I looked down, stirring my coffee. “Some things… I need a change of scenery.” Julian didn’t press. Instead, he took a folder from his bag. “Here’s some information I compiled on a few schools. Considering your research focus, I think these might suit you.” I opened the folder. Inside were not just detailed introductions to the universities, but also the strengths of each economics department, professor information, and even estimated living costs in those areas. “This… this is so thorough.” I looked up at him. “When did you prepare all this?” “I started gathering it when I heard you were going abroad,” he said calmly. “After all, I spent a few years overseas, so I have some experience to share.” We talked for a long time. Julian didn’t ask a single question about Liam. He just meticulously analyzed the pros and cons of each university, even mentioning a few projects that I’d never considered but were perfect for me. “If you need a letter of recommendation,” he said as we were leaving, “I’d be happy to help.” I hesitated. “Can I… get your contact information?” Julian took a business card from his pocket. “This is my work email and phone number. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions.” “My name is Julian Hayes.” His manner was polite and restrained, maintaining just the right amount of distance. I nodded, not mentioning that I actually remembered his name. “Got it.” By the time we left the coffee shop, it was already dark. “Audrey,” Julian suddenly called out to me. “No matter what you decide, remember to live for yourself.” I knew he’d seen it. He’d seen Liam and me. “I know.” My reply was soft, almost lost in the wind.
I didn’t rush to leave. If I left now, who knew when I’d be back. I walked aimlessly, unconsciously finding myself in front of the economics faculty building. The lecture hall on the third floor was still lit. It was where Liam and I first met. During freshman microeconomics, Liam was late, rushing into the classroom and bumping into me in the front row. He awkwardly helped me pick up my scattered books, then looked up with an apologetic smile. “Excuse me, sorry about that.” His eyes were so bright back then, as if full of starlight. Later, he told me he’d actually noticed me earlier that day and deliberately bumped into me to strike up a conversation. I laughed, calling him manipulative, but he just said seriously, “Because the moment I saw you, I knew I had to get to know you.” I kept walking, reaching the small garden behind the library. There was a bench there, a place where we often went on dates. Liam always loved reading me his poems there. They weren’t very good, but his ears would flush bright red every time. “Audrey,” he suddenly put down his notebook one time, taking my hand. “I promise I’ll give you the best life someday.” His palm was warm, and his eyes were so firm I believed that promise would surely come true. Around the corner was the cafeteria. In our sophomore year, I had a high fever. Liam skipped class and waited in line for half an hour to buy me my favorite congee. When he delivered it to my dorm, the congee was still piping hot, but he was shivering from the cold. “Eat it while it’s hot,” he said, pressing the congee into my hands. “I specifically asked the auntie to add extra ginger.” These memories flashed through my mind like a carousel, each scene as vivid as yesterday. Liam truly once gave me his whole heart; those meticulous acts of care weren’t fake. But when did it change? Probably after Chloe came back. Chloe was Liam’s high school classmate, who’d returned from overseas last year. The first time we met, she casually put her arm around Liam’s shoulder. “Liam, your dad missed you!” Liam laughed, playfully punching her arm. “Get lost, who’s your son?” I stood by awkwardly. Liam then remembered to introduce me. “This is my girlfriend, Audrey.” “Hi, Audrey!” Chloe grinned, extending her hand to me. “Liam and I were always like this in high school, so don’t mind us, okay?” I managed a strained smile and shook her hand. That night, Liam reassured me, “Chloe just has a really laid-back personality. We were in the same class in high school, and we’re super close. Don’t overthink it.” I nodded, not saying much. But later, Chloe’s appearances became more and more frequent. She would always call Liam away under the guise of “buddies’ night out,” sometimes even during our dates. “Audrey,” Liam would look at me apologetically. “Chloe says it’s urgent…” “Go ahead,” I’d say every time, not wanting to seem petty. Last month, we were celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant. Chloe called, saying she’d gotten tickets to Liam’s favorite esports tournament. “It’s tonight!” Her voice on the phone was excitedly piercing. “Liam, hurry! The other guys are already there!” Liam’s eyes instantly lit up, and he looked at me expectantly. I put down my knife and fork. “Go ahead.” “Audrey’s the best!” He kissed my forehead. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow!” That night, I ate the double-portion meal alone. When I got home, I saw a message from Liam: “Chloe’s amazing! We’re in the front row! [photo]” In the photo, Chloe was practically plastered against Liam, flashing a victory sign. I turned off my phone, spending a sleepless night. The next day, when Liam returned, he brought a large bouquet of roses and a necklace. “Don’t be mad anymore,” he said coaxingly. “I brought you flowers and a gift.” I should have realized the problem then—but I still chose to forgive him. The cold wind made me shiver, and I realized I’d unconsciously walked to the campus gates. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Julian: “Thought about it? Do you need me to contact professors for you?” I took a deep breath and replied, “Thanks, I want to go to the London School of Economics. It would be great if you could introduce me to Professor Davies’ former mentor.” After sending that message, I took one last look at the campus, then turned and headed for the subway station.
Actually, I had given Liam one last chance. That year, because of Chloe and his lack of boundaries, I was angry and hurt countless times. During all the times my feelings for him wavered, and all the times I softened and forgave him, I always said one thing: “Liam, I hope you’ll keep some distance from Chloe.” He then said he’d take me to his buddies’ gathering so they’d all understand my importance to him. I looked into his eyes then and nodded. There were about seven or eight people in the private room. Chloe was there too, leaning against Liam, scrolling on her phone. As soon as I sat down, I heard a guy opposite me mutter under his breath, “Who’s this…?” The atmosphere in the room immediately became awkward. Liam tried to lighten the mood, raising his glass. “Today, I brought everyone together mainly to formally introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Audrey.” Everyone raised their glasses half-heartedly. Chloe, meanwhile, openly rolled her eyes. After a few rounds, the conversation gradually turned to games and basketball. I was completely excluded, forced to look down at my phone. “Liam, water.” Chloe suddenly held an opened bottle of water to Liam’s lips. Liam instinctively took a sip from her hand, then realized and awkwardly glanced at me. “Chloe, my girlfriend’s here…” “Oh, come on, we always used to do this, didn’t we?” Chloe said indifferently. “Audrey, you’re being a bit too controlling.” Liam awkwardly changed the subject. My stomach lurched, and I stood up to go to the restroom. When I returned, I heard laughter coming from the private room in the hallway. Through the half-open door, I saw Chloe wrapping her arm around Liam’s neck, playfully chiding him, “I said it was a buddies’ night, why’d you bring a plus-one?” “Exactly,” another guy chimed in. “I feel a bit awkward with Audrey here.” Liam laughed, gently pushing Chloe away. “Stop it, Audrey will be upset.” I pushed the door open. The laughter in the room instantly died again. I didn’t stay any longer. That night, back home, Liam tried to explain, “Chloe just loves to joke around, don’t take it to heart.” I looked at him for a long time. Finally, I told him to keep his distance from Chloe. He agreed. That night, for the first time, he didn’t reply to Chloe’s messages. He also bought me a bouquet of flowers and apologized sincerely. I thought he finally understood. Until the next day, Chloe sent me suggestive photos of her and Liam, with a message telling me that my boyfriend was sleeping sweetly beside her. I called Liam, but he never picked up. I took a cab to his place, and then discovered that the door code had been changed. This time, I was truly exhausted.
The day my study abroad approval came through, Julian sent me a message, saying he wanted to celebrate. “Just as a farewell among friends,” he said on the phone. “I know a good Cantonese restaurant.” I hesitated, thinking of his help, and finally agreed. “Okay, thank you.” Julian chose a window seat. When I arrived, he stood up and pulled out a chair for me. “Congratulations.” He handed me an exquisite gift box. “Just a small gift.” Inside the box was a fountain pen, with my name and “Future full of promise” engraved on it. I was about to say something when a commotion erupted behind me. “Liam, I’ve wanted to try this place for ages!” A familiar voice pierced my ears. “I heard their roasted goose is incredibly authentic!” I froze, knowing without turning who it was. Julian subtly noticed my reaction. His gaze went over my shoulder, and his brow furrowed. “Want to change places?” he asked quietly. Before I could answer, footsteps approached. “Audrey,” Liam’s voice was filled with disbelief. “What are you doing here?” I took a deep breath and turned around. Liam stood a few steps away, Chloe by his side, followed by a few of his buddies. They looked like they’d just come from a gathering, Liam’s face flushed with a slight tipsy glow. “Eating,” I replied curtly. Liam’s gaze darted between me and Julian, finally settling on the fountain pen. His expression slowly darkened. “You already found your rebound, huh?” he sneered. “No wonder you were so eager to break up.” I felt a wave of dizziness, my fingers unconsciously clutching the napkin. “Liam,” Julian suddenly spoke. “Watch your tone.” “What’s it to you?” Liam’s voice rose sharply. “My girlfriend and I’s business is none of your concern!” “Ex-girlfriend,” I corrected him, my voice surprisingly calm. “We’ve already broken up.” Chloe suddenly cut in, her gaze at me challenging. “Liam, don’t be like that. Audrey… I mean, Ms. Su, is free to eat with whoever she wants.” Liam pushed Chloe’s hand away and strode up to me. “Just because I didn’t answer your call? Just because Chloe stayed at my place? You were that desperate to hook up with Julian? He had a crush on you in college, did you think I didn’t know?” I looked at his distorted face, suddenly feeling utterly alien. This was the man I’d loved for seven years. “Slap!” A crisp slap echoed through the restaurant. Liam’s head was turned, a red mark quickly appearing on his face. “That slap,” my voice trembled but was exceptionally clear, “is for slandering me and Julian. When you were all over Chloe, how come you didn’t see anything wrong with that?” Chloe shrieked and rushed forward. “How dare you hit Liam!” She reached out to push me, but Julian swiftly blocked her. “Get lost!” I slapped Chloe back. “That slap is for constantly trying to drive a wedge between us.” Chloe clutched her face, staring at me in disbelief. Liam finally reacted, pulling Chloe behind him. “Audrey, are you crazy?” he roared. “What’s gotten into you?” “What’s gotten into me?” I laughed, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. “Liam, think about it. Who pushed me to this point? It was you, choosing Chloe again and again. It was you, trampling on my boundaries again and again!” The restaurant manager hurried over. Julian whispered a few words to him. The manager nodded, then turned to Liam and his group. “Guests, please leave.” Liam’s buddies exchanged glances. One of them murmured, “Liam, maybe we should just go…” Liam flung away the hand trying to pull him, staring fixedly at me. “Fine, whatever. Audrey, you want to break up and be with Julian? Forget about it!” He turned and stormed out. Chloe scurried after him, not forgetting to shoot me a venomous glare over her shoulder. The restaurant fell silent, all eyes on us. My legs suddenly felt weak, and I almost collapsed. Julian quickly caught me and led me back to our table. “Drink some water,” he offered a glass of warm water. “Do you need to go to the hospital?” I shook my head, cupping the water glass with trembling hands. “I’m sorry, I ruined your celebration.” I forced a smile. Julian shook his head. “It’s not your fault. ” He hesitated, then asked, “Are you canceling your study abroad plans?” “No.” I wiped away my tears. “I’m definitely going.”
Outside, Liam and his group stood by the road, waiting for a car. “Liam, Audrey was too much today,” Chloe said. “In front of all those people…” “Shut up,” Liam pushed her away irritably. “Isn’t this because you insisted on coming?” “I was just worried about you!” Chloe whined. “And was I wrong? She’s always been like this, trying to control everything, even you playing games with your friends…” Liam suddenly erupted, “What do you know! If it weren’t for you—” “Liam,” Julian stood by the restaurant entrance at some point, a lit cigarette between his fingers. “Seven years, and you still don’t understand why she left?” Liam turned to Julian. “What’s it to you?” He sneered, “Don’t think I don’t know, in college you—” “Yes, I liked her.” Julian calmly cut him off. “But I never crossed any lines.” He exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze sweeping over Chloe’s arm linked with Liam’s. “Unlike some people, who clearly have a girlfriend, but are still all over their ‘best friend’.” Chloe’s face changed. “We were just—” “Just what?” Julian chuckled. “Good friends?” He looked at Liam. “Then how come she has one meal with me, and you freak out?” Liam’s face was ashen. “She won’t come back,” Julian stubbed out his cigarette. “This time is different.” Liam suddenly laughed. “What are you putting on an act for?” He pointed at me inside the restaurant. “We’ve been together for seven years. Don’t I know her temper? This is just a bigger tantrum than usual…” His voice gradually faded, as if trying to convince himself, “Once she calms down…” Julian shook his head, his eyes almost pitying. “You simply don’t deserve her seven years of love.” A taxi arrived. Julian turned to leave, but Liam suddenly called out to him. “Aren’t you leaving to pursue your PhD soon?” His tone was maliciously certain. “She won’t go with you.” Julian paused, then smiled without looking back. “We’ll see.” An inexplicable panic surged through Liam. He suddenly wanted to go back into the restaurant and apologize for his words, but Chloe held him back. “If you go now, Audrey will just yell at you again. Girls are all the same, just ignore her for a few days, she’ll realize how good you are, and she’ll come crawling back to you. Come on, we were going to the internet cafe, weren’t we?” Liam took a deep breath, casting one last look at my retreating figure. “Okay.”
It wasn’t until I boarded my flight, when Liam saw that I hadn’t softened my stance and had blocked all his contact information, that he finally panicked. “He came running to ask me where you went!” Mia said, huffing, on the phone. “I told him you went overseas for advanced studies, quit your job! Gone! Never coming back! And I chewed him out! Don’t worry, I didn’t tell him you just left today. I had no idea you went through so much! Ugh, I take back all my ‘he’s a good boyfriend’ ratings! Him and Chloe should just be locked together, the boundary-less guy and the manipulative faux-tomboy!” I gazed at the clouds outside the airplane window, softly humming in response. Truthfully, as the one involved, I felt neither sorrow nor joy anymore. “Oh, right,” Mia suddenly lowered her voice. “Is Julian with you? His lab assistant said he was supposed to leave last week…” My eyes unconsciously fell on the seat in front of me—Julian was looking down, reading a book. “Audrey,” Mia chuckled mischievously. “Are you two…” “No,” I interrupted her. “Just friends.” After hanging up, Julian suddenly turned around. “Want a blanket?” He handed me a soft wool blanket. “It’s a ten-hour flight, easy to catch a chill.” I took the blanket, then suddenly asked, “Why did you rebook your flight?” The cabin was quiet. His eyelashes cast a small shadow beneath his eyes. “I told you.” “The lab documents?” Julian closed his book, looking directly into my eyes. “I wanted to be with you.” “I know you don’t want to talk about this right now,” his voice was soft, “but Audrey, it’s been seven years. This time, I want to fight for myself.” I clutched the blanket, my throat tight. “You don’t have to answer now.” He smiled, opening his book again. “We have plenty of time.” I turned my head away, saying nothing. The plane passed through the clouds, and sunlight suddenly streamed in. In a daze, I remembered many years ago, Liam reaching out to me in the sunlight: “Excuse me, your book.” Back then, we both thought we’d be together forever. Now, I was about to start my life anew.
Chloe’s messages came even faster than Liam’s attempts to reach me. I had just finished class when my phone started vibrating wildly. Unknown numbers flashed on the screen, followed by over a dozen unread message notifications. “Audrey, what the hell did you say to Liam?!” “He won’t even pick up my calls now! He’s just looking for you all the time!” “Why are you acting so high and mighty? You think you’ve won?” I emotionlessly swiped the screen open. The latest message was a voice note. I tapped it, and Chloe’s hysterical voice was piercingly loud in the quiet hallway: “Do you know how many years Liam and I have known each other? Just because of a petty woman like you, he won’t even invite me to buddies’ gatherings anymore! Are you happy now?” I scoffed, ready to block her, when the next message popped up: “You think Julian Hayes is some good guy? He had a crush on you in college, and now he’s just taking advantage! And you’re just accepting it, aren’t you?!” My finger paused. Chloe’s message reminded me of that day in the restaurant when Liam had questioned my relationship with Julian with the same malicious tone. I opened the reply box, typed a few words, then deleted them. Finally, I just replied: “Liam and I have broken up. Your affairs have nothing to do with me.” After sending that message, I decisively blocked the number. My phone finally fell silent. I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of the academic building, watching the sycamore leaves drift outside. When did the love I once fiercely defended turn into something so ugly? Another small memory surfaced. That time, Liam and I had planned to go to the movies. Right before we left, Chloe called, saying her computer was broken and asking Liam to fix it. Liam agreed without a second thought, not even asking me if we could reschedule our movie. That day, I waited at the movie theater for two hours, and then watched the film alone. When I got home, Liam still righteously said, “Chloe had project files on her computer, it was really urgent.” With such a grandiose excuse, any further complaint from me would make me seem unthoughtful. The most ridiculous part was that whenever I expressed dissatisfaction, Liam would say, “Why are you so petty? Chloe just has a laid-back personality, she doesn’t mean anything by it.” And now, he finally realized the problem? Too late, unfortunately. My phone vibrated. It was a message from Julian: “Are you going to the alumni reunion?” A little over a month into the semester, returning to academia felt like a sponge soaking in water, eagerly absorbing knowledge. “No.” “I’m going back to the States next week; my advisor has a collaborative project that needs to be discussed in person.” His next message popped up. “They’re pushing me to attend the reunion.” I understood. “Then go ahead. Remember to say hi to our old professor for me.” “Okay.” He paused, then sent another message. “Liam will probably be there.” “Doesn’t concern me.” Walking into the lab, I pushed all trivial matters out of my mind. I had more important things to do now: new data to analyze, a seminar to prepare for next week, and a paper from my advisor still waiting to be written. My life had its own clear path forward. I only regretted how much I let myself be constrained by love before. 10. Two weeks later, I was organizing data in the lab when Julian’s video call request suddenly popped up. I wiped my hands and answered. The background on the other end of the screen was a restaurant in the US. “Alumni reunion?” I raised an eyebrow. “Yeah,” he nodded, the camera shaking slightly. ” There’s something I think you should know.” I put down the test tube in my hand. “What is it?” “Chloe’s here,” his voice was very low. “She wasn’t invited, but she managed to sneak in with someone else.” I frowned. “And?” Julian’s camera suddenly panned towards the main hall. Through the screen, I saw Chloe grabbing Liam’s arm, refusing to let go. Liam’s face was very grim, he tried to shake her off several times, but Chloe clung to him like superglue. “Liam, what do you mean?” Chloe’s voice was sharp enough to be heard even through the screen. “Just because of one word from Audrey, you’re abandoning your friends?” The surrounding classmates stopped their conversations, awkwardly watching the scene unfold. Liam’s face went from red to white. He violently shook off Chloe’s hand. “That’s enough!” Chloe stumbled, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re yelling at me?” “I should have yelled at you a long time ago!” Liam’s voice carried a suppressed fury. “It’s because you don’t know your boundaries that Audrey left me!” The entire hall fell silent instantly. Chloe’s face paled. “Liam, you bastard! How many years have we known each other? All for some woman—” “She’s not ‘some woman’!” Liam almost roared. “She was my girlfriend for seven years! If it weren’t for you constantly crossing lines, we never would have broken up!” Chloe’s tears suddenly welled up. “Me crossing lines? We always used to interact like this, didn’t we? Why didn’t you say I was crossing lines then?” “Because I was stupid!” Liam’s voice suddenly dropped, filled with deep self-reproach. “I was stupid enough not to realize your intentions, stupid enough to hurt Audrey again and again…” Chloe abruptly grabbed a wine glass from the table and splashed it at Liam. “Screw you! Liam, do you think Audrey will ever come back? She’s already with Julian—” The scene descended into chaos. Julian quickly turned the camera back to himself, his expression somewhat complex. “That’s how it is.” I was surprisingly calm. “I see. What a ridiculous farce.” I paused, then asked, “What happened next?” “Chloe ran off crying. Liam chased after her to apologize, saying he spoke too harshly, but he hoped she’d understand they really needed to keep their distance,” Julian pushed up his glasses. “But judging by Chloe’s reaction, their relationship is probably completely over.” I softly hummed, unsure how I felt. “Audrey.” His gaze through the screen met mine directly. “Liam has changed a lot these past few months you’ve been abroad.” I lowered my eyes. “People change.” Just like he suddenly fell out of love, and then suddenly fell deeply in love again.
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