The engagement ring Liam bought for me, three days later, was on the ring finger of Brittany, his ‘dream girl,’ as he knelt before her at her birthday party. Only, the ring was a little loose. Brittany bent her finger, and with a soft “clink,” it dropped to the floor. In the video, Liam awkwardly tried to cover it up, quickly picking it up. He then spouted nauseating sweet nothings in front of everyone: “Brittany, I’m still waiting for you. Will you come back to me?” He cried, shedding those pathetic, fake tears that were supposed to be heartfelt but just looked ridiculous. My awful friends, always eager for drama, sent me several more videos, along with a message: “LOL, your ‘dream guy’ of eight years is acting like such a simp now.” The words were steeped in sarcasm and mockery, as if tearing open my already tattered heart and harshly pouring salt into the wound. He was right. The boy I loved with all my being was someone else’s simp. I’d loved him for how many years? He’d been simping for her for just as long. That ring was my last hope for our relationship. Now, it feels like all my efforts just paved the way for someone else. With a soft sigh, my tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed. I coolly and quickly messaged my friend back: “We’re not close.”
Liam was basically my childhood friend. He was reserved, steady, and exactly what I thought I wanted in a boyfriend. Chasing him for eight years had been a relentless struggle. Until three nights ago. He came home smelling of alcohol, and uncharacteristically, he hugged me tightly, whispering in my ear, “Let’s get engaged. We’ll pick out a ring tomorrow.” To say I wasn’t thrilled would be a lie. My tears fell, defiant and unstoppable. Liam was unusually affectionate that night. His usual rough passion was replaced by a tender intimacy. Until Liam’s ragged breaths stopped at my neck, his warm exhalations constant, his lips continuously murmuring those two words. “Brittany… Brittany…” My heart instantly jolted. My previously yielding body stiffened, my eyes wide. He was… he was mistaking me for Brittany. During our most intimate moments, the man I loved called out another woman’s name. What could be more insulting? His love was fake, his affection was fake. In his eyes, I was ultimately nothing compared to a sliver of Brittany’s affection. I was just a placeholder for his frustration. That night, I spent it in tears, a cold, biting emptiness within me. The next day, Liam looked perfectly fine, ignoring my emotions. He went about his usual routine, showering and getting dressed. Before leaving, he leaned close to me, a big smile on his face: “Chloe, come find me after work. We’ll go pick out the ring together.” With that, he planted a loving kiss on my forehead. Looking at Liam, he was still the man I deeply adored. Time seemed to be exceptionally kind to him, refusing to leave even the slightest mark. Once we were engaged, Liam would finally settle down, right? It meant he was trying to let go of his ‘dream girl,’ right? I desperately tried to reassure myself, pulling myself together, attempting to conjure a faint smile on my pale face. But, reality always strikes without warning. Watching the video of the lovestruck Liam, and the ring on Brittany’s ring finger, it all seemed so ridiculous to me. That ring was custom-made, registered under Liam’s ID. A man could only customize one in his lifetime. I still remember how Liam half-bent over the counter, meticulously choosing it, constantly adjusting it with the salesperson. He looked so genuinely devoted. At one point, because of the price, I even tried to haggle with the salesperson. But Liam was surprisingly quick to say, “No need, just wrap it up.” Now, I realize why he was so quick. It wasn’t meant for me at all. I packed his bags, reminiscing about everything with Liam. Except, it was *his* bags I was packing. The apartment was mine. He’d been freeloading off me for years, never paying a cent for internet, electricity, or heating. He was taking advantage of me. It was time for him to go! I simply gathered Liam’s belongings into a cardboard box and tossed it by the door. Including the Brown Bear plushie he’d bought me for 22 bucks at a street stall five years ago on my birthday. People are so strange. When you’re deeply in love, even discarded items can feel like treasures. Once you’re disgusted, even cherished things become an eyesore. Liam didn’t send me a single message. Instead, that terrible friend of mine sent dozens, probably all mocking me. I ignored them as usual. Then, I sent Liam a message: “Engagement canceled. We’re done!” SnapChat blocked, deleted; phone blocked, deleted. I even changed my SnapChat privacy settings so no one could add me. If I was going to be heartless, I’d go all the way. It was Wednesday, a regular workday. As a seasoned corporate drone, the high pressure and fast pace of work were suffocating, leaving no free time for moping. The office was unusually lively and busy today. My colleague and best friend, Maya, saw me, smoothly wheeled her chair over, and handed me a beautifully wrapped gift box. “These are wedding favors from someone in the Operations department. Everyone gets one.” She slyly gestured towards her phone, giving me a ‘you know what this means’ look that said I needed to see something ASAP. Maya and I were college classmates, and we started working at the same company, in the Marketing department, right after graduation. We were lifelong besties, the kind you share everything with. Naturally, she knew all about the emotional mess between me, Liam, and Brittany. I opened my phone. Maya had sent me a few photos. Zooming in, I saw Brittany with an unfamiliar man. They were getting into a Porsche together, acting very affectionate. The man looked much older, with a receding hairline and a slightly greasy look. Maya gossiped that he was a total nouveau riche type, a flashy millionaire who’d recently inherited a massive fortune, complete with multiple properties. She’d accidentally snapped the photos leaving work last night. The implication was clear: Brittany was a total gold-digger, pretending to be innocent and stringing Liam along, but in reality, she was fickle and greedy, always chasing money. “Liam’s such a damn idiot, can’t tell a good person from a bad one,” Maya muttered, defending me. I smiled, turned off my phone, and handed Maya the work materials I’d prepared last night. “Don’t think about it. Let’s just get to work.” In the past, I might have been ecstatic. Liam had just declared his undying love the night before, and the next day, his beloved found a sugar daddy. It would have been hilariously absurd. Now… Forget it. Whether they lived or died, what did it matter to me? The company recently landed a huge case from our biggest client, and almost everyone in the Marketing department was working overtime, snatching a few minutes of rest during lunch. Coincidentally, during a few minutes in the restroom, I ran into Brittany. In college, Brittany was a year below me in the same major. Liam first met her at a departmental exchange seminar when he came to find me. Liam told me he’d never liked anyone so much before, begging me in a desperately pleading tone to help him, or he’d regret it forever. At the time, believing in selfless love, I gave Liam Brittany’s contact information. A few days later, I saw them announce their relationship on social media.
That was fast! Now, Brittany and I worked at the same company. She’d joined two years after me. I was on the fifth floor in Marketing, she was on the second floor in Sales. To come all the way up to my floor just to find me in the restroom… her motive was clear. Brittany saw me, and her previously calm expression instantly turned contemptuous, her features becoming arrogant. The moment I stepped into the restroom, she forcefully shoved me back out. “I was here first! Get out!” she sneered, full of mockery and arrogance. I couldn’t be bothered to argue; after all, some people just aren’t worth my time. But then she brought up the ring. “Liam gave me a ring at my birthday party yesterday,” she said, as if she’d planned it, pulling it out of her pocket, a twisted look on her face. “Too bad it’s too loose, I can’t wear it. Maybe I’ll give it to you…” “Even though the quality is pretty bad, it’s just right for you…” Brittany was showing off to me. It wasn’t the first time over the years. I remained calm, about to retort, when I heard a sarcastic voice from the doorway: “Did someone eat sh*t in this bathroom today? It stinks!” It was Maya. She said this while rushing over to Brittany, scrunching her nose and sniffing hard, then looking at me in mock surprise: “Chloe, that’s the smell! So manipulative and disgusting!” Brittany looked furious enough to hit someone. I grabbed her wrist, my eyes sharp. “Thinking of laying a hand on me? Do you even have the right? If you don’t know how to act like a decent human, then your senior will teach you a lesson.” Then I leaned close to her ear and sweetly whispered, “Oh, and that ring? It’s trash. Manipulative b*tches and trash are a perfect match.” Her wrist was red from my grip, but I had no intention of letting go. Being kind to your enemies is being cruel to yourself. Brittany, always accustomed to arrogance, never expected me to treat her this way. She desperately tried to break free, cursing me as a thug and a malicious b*tch. I just thought, being the good girl is exhausting. Sometimes, it’s actually kinda fun to be a little ruthless. Maya huffed twice, then hooked her arm through mine and marched out, head held high. “I’ve been sick of her for ages! That felt amazing, so damn satisfying!” “Two-timing Liam, and also getting played by some old man. She really has no standards, does she?” I gave a helpless laugh, then quipped, “I have no standards either. But I just picked up trash!” Brittany must have been upset and called Liam to complain. As soon as work ended, I saw Liam blocking me at the company entrance, his face grim. “Chloe, what’s the meaning of this?” Liam’s expression was terrible, his strong fingers gripping my arm tightly, causing me a pang of pain. I scoffed, finding it almost laughable how ‘devoted’ Liam was, ready to jump through hoops for Brittany. And how ridiculous I was for ever loving someone like that. Eight years. A full eight years. “I have nothing to say to you. We’re not close.” My voice was cold, completely devoid of the initial joy and excitement I used to feel seeing him. That ring was the absolute last straw for me. Liam’s brows were tightly furrowed, his eyes tired. He even had a faint stubble, something unheard of for the usually fastidious Liam. He must have been really struggling. His grip was still tight, and I grew increasingly annoyed. It felt like any last shred of dignity between us was gone. “Liam, we’re adults. You have the right to pursue your happiness, and so do I!” “I admit, you gave me hope. But what’s more painful than the despair after hope? If you don’t love me, why force it?” I spoke with biting resentment, as if indicting him for eight years of unspoken pain and frustration. Eight years of chasing him. I had considered Liam the light of my life. Even after Brittany came into the picture, I tried to maintain a facade of dignity and respect. On Liam’s birthday, I happily brought a homemade cake to his dorm building, only to see him and Brittany in a passionate, lingering kiss. He was smiling brightly, leaning over her, his head gently touching her forehead, their arms wrapped around each other, totally inseparable. Brittany saw me, and with a sickeningly sweet smile, she naturally took the cake from my hands. “Wow, Liam always said Chloe makes the best cakes! I’m so lucky today. Unlike me, I’m so clumsy, I can’t make anything!” I’ve forgotten everything else. I only remember Liam’s doting gaze on Brittany, and how he gently patted her head. He didn’t thank me, instead he looked at Brittany and said, “If you like it, I’ll have Chloe make it for you every day.” The jealousy was real, and so was the humiliation. Liam basically treated me like his personal assistant, always available at his beck and call. I never wanted to live like that again. Liam never in a million years expected me to say such things.
His face was pale, his usually bright eyes dimmed, his gaze fixed on me, devoid of life. His lips trembled, as if he wanted to say something, but no words came out. The standoff lasted a few minutes, until Brittany emerged from the company building. “Liam, you came to pick me up!” Brittany’s voice was sweet and shrill, as if she wanted everyone around to hear. Was she staking her claim? It was laughable. Brittany saw me, and her face instantly clouded over. She slumped against Liam’s shoulder, dramatically raising a hand to pretend to wipe away tears. “Liam, Chloe was so mean today. She said the ring you gave me wasn’t pretty, that it was trash… I’m so upset. That was your thoughtful gift…” In that moment, I realized how utterly clueless Brittany was. She knew it was a gift from Liam, but she had no idea it was originally meant to be *my* engagement ring. At the mention of the ring, Liam suddenly looked up, as if realizing something. His previously sharp, fixed gaze softened. “Chloe-belle…” Liam’s lips trembled. “I… I…” He used to only call me ‘Chloe-belle’ when things were passionate between us. I used to revel in it for days. Now, it just sounded jarring. If it weren’t for those videos last night, I’d probably still be lost in the illusion of a beautiful marriage. A thought crossed my mind: “Liam… you really thought I was a complete fool.” Brittany tried to continue her provocation, but seeing Liam unresponsive, she instantly grew anxious, tugging at his arm and sleeve, desperately clinging to him for comfort. I turned to leave, just as a black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen smoothly pulled up to the curb. At the same time, the passenger window slowly rolled down, and a two-liter bottle of green tea was forcefully tossed from the window. It had clearly been thrown with intent, just barely missing Brittany. What a shame. Amidst Brittany’s cursing shriek and Liam’s stunned silence, Maya, wearing dark sunglasses, barked commandingly from the driver’s seat: “Get in!” After only a brief hesitation, I cheerfully responded, “Coming!” and eagerly hopped into the car. I buckled my seatbelt, and with a roaring throttle, we sped off. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I saw Brittany stomping her feet in a fit of rage. And Liam… Was he looking at me? Sitting in the passenger seat, as a corporate drone for years, a high-end car like a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen was a dream I could only admire from afar. But now, with the dream temporarily realized, I found myself unable to truly feel happy. Was Liam sad or regretful just now? Pfft, the thought itself made me realize I was wrong. Eight years. If Liam had been genuinely kind to me for even a moment, things wouldn’t have ended up like this. He had been so heartless towards me, why should I feel pity for him based on a single glance? I absolutely couldn’t go soft this time. Shifting my thoughts, Maya’s car was playing our favorite rock song, “Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies” by Beyond. As the music crescendoed, while stopped at a red light, Maya couldn’t help but get all pumped up, yelling, “Manipulative women and pathetic men belong together! Brittany’s manipulative act makes me sick! Ugh!” She vowed that if Brittany ever bothered me again, she’d make her pay, and begging on her knees wouldn’t be enough. Watching Maya’s excitement, I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. My earlier annoyance dissipated considerably. “Hey, tell me the truth, did you rent this car? Huh?” I leaned over, a teasing, half-flattering grin on my face. “Did you know I was upset, so you deliberately rented it to make a scene for me?” Brittany loved to travel. Liam once rented a regular Mercedes for a road trip. That single week cost almost ten thousand dollars. Let alone a high-end Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen like this. I tried to lean in for a big smooch on Maya’s cheek. How could I not love a sister like this? However, “Cough, cough…” Maya saw my impulsiveness and quickly dodged in the opposite direction, pointing behind me… Was someone in the back? I looked at her, then at the back, utterly confused, and instantly froze. “Hi, Chloe!” A clear voice, tinged with youthful hormones, emerged. I followed the sound with my gaze, from bottom to top. The owner of the voice wore loose sweatpants and a light grey hoodie. In contrast to his casual attire, his features were sharply defined, a golden ratio, with a straight nose and thin lips. Our eyes met, sparkling like stars in a flowing galaxy. “H-hi.” I awkwardly replied, instantly turning to sit rigidly in the passenger seat, clutching my seatbelt, swallowing a noticeably loud gulp. From the moment I got in the car until now, I hadn’t sensed the slightest presence of a third person! Maya looked at me, and the guy in the back subtly turned his head, also looking at me. Me: “…” A subtle tension filled the air, my heart pounding erratically. While the car was stopped, I desperately tried to signal with my eyes, contorting my features as if to say, “What the hell is going on? Who is this guy? You better explain yourself, right now!” Maya ignored me and kept driving.
Until we smoothly pulled over to the side of the road ahead, she coolly took off her sunglasses and told me the truth. “Chloe, I’m rich! This is the boyfriend I found for you, Finn. Are you satisfied?” I instantly zoned out. The amount of information was too much; my brain couldn’t keep up. I hadn’t even fully recovered from the Liam situation, and now I had a boyfriend? More importantly, I didn’t even know this guy! Rich?! So this Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen!!! Then, as Maya gave her “tearful” explanation, it clicked. Maya’s family were local residents, and they’d recently inherited a small fortune when their old neighborhood was bought out. As an only child, she impulsively bought a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen as a reward for all her years as a corporate drone. And I, Chloe Davies, as the rich girl’s best friend, couldn’t possibly mope around over some scumbag. So she specifically found me a handsome guy… to make up for it… You know, *that* kind of making up for it. The photos Maya sent me this morning of Brittany and that old man were from last night. On her way home, she just happened to pass by, and just happened to see them. In a moment of excitement, she quickly took the photos. Since they were all from the same neighborhood, they knew each other well enough. A quick inquiry would reveal everything. “Chloe, maybe…” Maya’s eyebrows subtly arched, a knowing, unrestrained smile playing on her lips. I knew Maya wanted to teach those two a lesson, to get revenge for me. I didn’t refuse, but I didn’t condone it either. Maya was straightforward and fiercely loyal. If she acted impulsively and caused any other trouble that implicated her, it simply wouldn’t be worth it. Bad people eventually get what’s coming to them. The cause of one life is the effect of the next. Brittany was two-timing; she was digging her own grave. If she didn’t know how to act, someone else would teach her. Why should I dirty my hands? As for Liam, he was just a familiar stranger now. There was nothing left to cling to. I asked Maya to drop me off at the nearest subway station. I didn’t want to go home so quickly; I wanted to walk alone and clear my head. As for my “little boyfriend” Finn, haha, as a regular corporate drone, I can’t handle that kind of attention. I gave Maya a mischievous look. My meaning was definitely what she’d like to hear. With that, I got out of the car, waved goodbye to Finn in the backseat, and walked away. My eight-year relationship with Liam had been a roundabout journey, and we ultimately ended up going our separate ways. It had also drained me of all my initial enthusiasm and innocence for love. I no longer dared to give my whole heart. The Chloe I once was is gone. And the Chloe of the future certainly won’t be that way again. Because I’m too scared to anymore. Today’s weather seemed to reflect my mood, fickle and unpredictable. Before I even got home, a gentle rain began to fall. There was a large chain grocery store near my apartment. In the past, after work, Liam and I would always go grocery shopping together. Every time he walked beside me, and I gently held his arm, it felt like a preview of our future life. Wherever he was, that was my home. I pushed a small shopping cart through the aisles, picking out items from the shelves. Although it felt like something was missing, this feeling made me feel especially secure. In the fruit section, the refrigerated display cases held a variety of fruits, along with pre-packaged portions of blue cheese. It was almost fate. Liam’s least favorite food was blue cheese, while I was a fervent fan. Because I liked him, I even changed my true preference, later making up a lame excuse: “I’m allergic to blue cheese!” How many people claim allergies, when deep down, it’s just a compromise for the person they love. The rain stopped. I carried a small bag of groceries home. It wasn’t much, but it felt like I was filling the void left by eight years of my emotional life. Back at home, Liam’s things were still by the door. He hadn’t been back. As I took out my keys to open the door, urgent footsteps sounded behind me. The next second, a familiar scent and warmth enveloped me. “Chloe-belle, I was wrong. Please forgive me, okay?” Liam’s voice was urgent and pleading, ending with a choked sob. He was begging me, begging me not to leave him. “Why did you delete me? Do you know how worried I was? I was going crazy!” His strong, broad hands gripped my shoulders, pressing down hard, draining most of my strength. I struggled fiercely, desperate to break free from his embrace. “Liam, let go! You’re hurting me! You’re a jerk!” The grocery bag slipped from my hands, falling heavily to the floor. Liam, like a madman, aggressively attacked me with his kisses. If before, his kisses had been filled with romance and deep affection, now, every touch only made me feel utterly disgusted. “Liam, you’re crazy, get off me! Get—” I roared through tears, my eyes bloodshot, my collar pulled askew, my neck red and swollen. “Let go!” A strange yet familiar voice cut through the air, strong and resolute. Before I could react, a strong, firm hand roughly yanked Liam off me. The next second, with a thud, Liam crashed into the wall, then fell heavily to the ground. A tall figure inexplicably appeared before me. Under the dim, flickering hallway light, I strained to make out his face. It was Finn! He hadn’t left after all.
In my confusion, he took off his jacket and wrapped it tightly around me, gesturing for me to go inside, indicating he would handle this. In the alternating light and shadow, I subconsciously looked up. His brows were furrowed, his expression stern, but his eyes were utterly clear. He stood before me, like a sturdy oak against a storm, telling me firmly, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve got you!” Suddenly, I felt a powerful force pushing through me, like a parched soul finally getting a drink of water. This was a feeling I had never experienced in my eight years with Liam. I composed myself, trying to calm my racing thoughts. It was time for Liam and me to finally put an end to this. “Just go. I don’t want to see you anymore.” Finn, sensing the mood, picked up the grocery bag from the floor and went inside, not lingering to hear the rest. “Liam, I don’t love you anymore. Yesterday, when I saw you put that ring on Brittany’s finger, in that moment, my heart completely died.” “You stole my last bit of hope and dreams for love, leaving me too afraid to ever love again.” Liam slowly picked himself up from the ground, blood even trickling from the corner of his mouth. He leaned weakly against the wall, pale and drained, silently watching me. “We’re adults. We need to take responsibility for our actions. Don’t come looking for me again. We’re… done.” In that moment, my heart felt strangely calm, like a still spring pond, without a ripple. No tears in my eyes, no pain in my heart. Perhaps this was what it felt like to no longer love. Liam, on the other hand, stumbled closer, grabbing my hands tightly, begging bitterly: “Chloe-belle, I messed up. Yesterday, I was drunk, it was an impulse. I… I… I like you.” “Listen to me, I… I truly don’t like Brittany anymore. You’re the one I like, Chloe-belle!” “If I didn’t like you, why would I have gotten engaged to you, why would I marry you, Chloe-belle…” Liam choked out his explanation, his brows tightly furrowed, tears tracing clear paths down his face. I had waited eight years for Liam to say he liked me. In the past, I would have excitedly thrown myself into his arms, clinging to him, wanting to tell the whole world that I, Chloe Davies, was the happiest girl alive. But all of this came too late, far too late. Even if a wounded heart heals, it’s still covered in scars. Peel back that fragile outer shell, and all you see are wounds. “Liam, just go! Like this Brown Bear, we can never go back.” With that, I swiftly pulled my hands free, without hesitation, and turned to go home. The last flicker of affection I had for Liam vanished with the heavy “thud” of the door closing. Liam’s knocking on the door continued, irritating me. I glanced towards the kitchen. Finn was wearing an apron, and I could hear the faucet running as he washed something. “Why are you still here?” I asked coldly. He seemed to pause, his practiced movements stopping. He pulled out a tissue and slowly wiped his hands. “I’ll leave after I make you something to eat.” Finn’s voice was clear, with a faint, mesmerizing hint of a soft murmur. I hung his jacket on the hanger by the door, then went to my bedroom to change clothes. While I was there, I called Maya. On the other end of the line, I heard a noisy crowd and blaring music. She was probably at a bar. Maya didn’t say anything; she must not have seen my call and answered by mistake. I hung up, then sat on the sofa, hunched over, pressing the heel of my hand hard into my forehead, my breathing heavy. Liam was still knocking, but the sound was softer, the frequency slower. After a while, the knocking stopped. I heard the sound of a cardboard box being moved outside the door. He must have left. Finn came from the kitchen, carrying a bowl of noodle soup. It had greens, ham, and a perfectly fried soft-boiled egg. “Eat up. I hope it’s to your taste.” He thoughtfully touched the side of the bowl to check if it was too hot, then placed the forks to my left. I’m left-handed, and he actually knew that. Maya must have told him. After all the commotion today, I was indeed a little hungry. I politely thanked him, picked up my forks, and started eating small bites, chatting with him as I did. Finn was a student in the sports department at my alma mater, a year younger than me. After graduation, he tried his hand at entrepreneurship and now worked as a full-time coach at a Taekwondo club near the company. So, he was a junior. I remembered Maya once had a crazy obsession with Taekwondo, joining a class on a whim and even dragging me along a few times. “Chloe, once I get my Taekwondo black belt, I’d like to see anyone try to bully you. I’ll just kick them away!” she’d say, hitting the air with muffled thuds. “Have we met before?” I put down my forks, forcing a smile, looking directly at him.
Finn radiated youthful energy. His casual, athletic attire perfectly highlighted his sculpted physique. Compared to the endless procession of identical suits I saw every day, he was a breath of fresh air. His eyelashes fluttered, and his clear eyes suddenly lit up. He nodded firmly. “Yup.” My thoughts drifted back four years, to my birthday. Coincidentally, I had won first prize in an internet innovation competition. Liam called me, saying he’d celebrate my birthday with me. At that time, Liam and Brittany were having problems, and Brittany had unilaterally broken up with him. Seeing my chance, I secretly vowed to win Liam over, to make him realize how much I liked and loved him. I wore clothes in Liam’s favorite style, put on exquisite makeup, and booked a window seat at his favorite restaurant. I even secretly worked three months of part-time jobs to buy a pair of couple’s rings, engraved with Liam’s and my initials. “If I just took the initiative, would Liam agree?” I clutched the ring in my hand, my heart pounding like a drum, a mix of excitement and anxiety that left me restless. But the weather had other plans. A summer downpour came exceptionally hard. I waited for Liam from 6 PM until 10 PM. Finn was the one I met then. He worked part-time at this restaurant. Near closing time, he changed out of his uniform and walked over in a black T-shirt. He looked a bit short and slender back then. Finn patiently refilled my tea, politely asking, “Miss, your friend still hasn’t arrived? Would you like me to stay with you?” I looked at the antique clock hanging on the restaurant wall. It was nearly eleven. I shook my head, thanked him, stood up, and left. I called Liam, but his phone went from unanswered to switched off. He didn’t reply to any messages, as if he’d vanished. The next day, Liam finally got in touch, belatedly explaining, “Brittany twisted her ankle and needs someone to take care of her.” He also told me, “She’s terrified of thunder; she can’t be without me.” I pretended to be nonchalant, blowing my nose hard with a tissue, trying to hold back tears. “It’s fine, it’s fine.” … Finn thoughtfully pulled some tissues from the box and handed them to me, his voice gentle. “Chloe, don’t be sad. You have me.” His words were both intimate and sincere, making me look up at Finn, momentarily flustered. The Finn before me now was no longer the slender, slightly frail young man I first met. He was tall and handsome, every gesture exuding elegance and politeness. Any teenage girl who saw him would cast admiring glances. Time seemed to stand still for several seconds. “Finn, thank you for tonight. It’s late, you should head home now.” I issued the dismissal, distractedly getting up to retrieve his jacket from the hanger by the door. As an adult, I clearly understood Finn’s intentions. A chance encounter years ago, and now this meeting? How could it be a coincidence? Maya was just playing matchmaker. Currently, I was physically and emotionally exhausted, with no extra energy for another relationship. Liam was like this, and Finn was no different. Finn’s composed features tightened, his bright eyes looking a little hurt. He stood up, taking his jacket from my hands, a hint of reluctance in his voice. “Are you going to be okay alone? Maybe I could…” “No, I’ll be fine. If he comes back, I’ll call the police!” I cut him off before he could finish. Finn left, but not before adding me on SnapChat. Ten minutes later, he sent me a message: “Chloe, contact me anytime if you need anything. I’ll be there.” I didn’t pay much attention, nor did I reply. The warmth between people can only withstand so much hot-and-cold indifference from one side. If I was harsh now, Finn would probably give up quickly, right? The next day at work, as I was putting together a presentation, Maya poked her head out like a nosy dog, whispering conspiratorially, “Chloe, about last night…” I playfully swatted her head with my file. “Can your mind just be normal for once? You’re so dirty!” I got up to print my documents. Maya pouted, then trotted after me, still pestering. “Girl, Finn is such a great guy, are you really not interested?” She threw up her hands, an incredulous and bewildered expression on her face. I sighed, flashing my signature eight-tooth smile. “Girl, if you think he’s so great, you go for it. If you two get married, I’ll definitely give you a huge cash gift!” You can’t hit a smiling face. Maya huffed in annoyance, scoffed, and turned back to her desk.
But before I could even try to smooth things over, the elevator chimed, and the sharp, rapid click-clack of high heels on the floor echoed through the office. A furious, unfamiliar middle-aged woman in a red dress stormed in, cursing. “I’m going to teach you a lesson, you little vixen! You’ve gone too far, daring to mess with my daughter!” Another woman’s shriek and struggle followed: “Let go of me! Let go! I’ll call security!” The two women were pulling and tugging, full of fury, crashing into the adjacent Operations department. The company printer was just around the corner from the elevators. My movements, as I organized my documents, instantly stopped. That woman… she looked so much like Brittany! No, not like. It *was* her! Many corporate drones, witnessing the scene, couldn’t possibly focus on work. Chairs slid back, and groups of three to five surged towards the Operations department. Maya, naturally, was no exception, dragging me along to join the commotion. The middle-aged woman’s face was livid. Her hand never released Brittany’s hair, and her screams grew louder. “Everyone, you have to hear me out!” “Yes, this young woman, of all things, decided to become a home-wrecker and destroy someone else’s family!” “My daughter, Ashley, who works in the Operations department, just got married recently. My daughter and I even packed the wedding favors for everyone ourselves!” “Who would’ve thought this snake would seduce my son-in-law and even try to convince my daughter to divorce him and leave with nothing!” “Is there no shame in the world for a woman like you, huh?!” The middle-aged woman was screaming violently. Being a full size larger than Brittany, she easily shoved Brittany to the floor. I’d had brief interactions with Ashley during company team-building events. At that time, she and her fiancé had been together for eight years, going from school uniforms to a wedding dress. It had been such a challenging journey. When she mentioned getting married soon, she shed tears of excited joy. My heart sank. Eight years. Again, eight years… What a coincidence. Was this Brittany’s special hobby? Haha. Ashley, at her desk, watched her mother stand up for her, and instantly burst into tears. She took off her sunglasses, and many colleagues gasped. Maya grabbed my sleeve, startled, almost shouting, “Chloe, look, quickly, look…” I was truly shocked. Ashley had a massive bruise near her eye. She had clearly been hit. Her husband cheated on her, and she was being abused at home, yet she had to endure the humiliation and come to work. How much pain must she be in? The company manager and security guards rushed over, and the entire office erupted into chaos. Brittany’s chiffon blouse was disheveled, her face showed faint red handprints, and her neck and arms were scratched with red marks from nails. She struggled violently, trying to fight back, screaming, “I didn’t! Your man was seducing me!” Ashley couldn’t take it anymore. She delivered a vicious slap directly to Brittany’s face. “Brittany, don’t think everyone’s an idiot! I haven’t even mentioned your affair with that old man from the neighborhood!” Brittany froze, and so did everyone else… More than a few colleagues started murmuring. “There’s more?” “I can’t believe Brittany’s like this.” “She’s in sales, and I heard she barely does any work but always has the highest numbers. So, it’s all just shady dealings, isn’t it?” Brittany panicked, forcing herself to stand up. “You’re full of sh*t! If you say that again, I’ll sue you for defamation!” Ashley’s mother stood with her hands on her hips, indignantly pointing a finger at Brittany and yelling again, “Let’s go, let’s go! I don’t believe there’s no justice in this world!” Maya was practically jumping for joy, practically itching to expose all of Brittany’s dirty laundry and deliver a fatal blow. The company manager stepped in, urging everyone to keep the peace. This was a workplace, and he sternly ordered us casual observers to disperse and get back to work! As I left, my gaze accidentally met Brittany’s frantic eyes. I lowered my gaze and smiled. I smiled at her stupidity, at her digging her own grave. But what I didn’t expect was for Liam to show up. I met Liam at the coffee shop downstairs from the company. He looked haggard and much more tired. His hair hadn’t been styled in a long time, and his tie was crooked.
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