My girlfriend’s male friend was furious again. It was our five-year anniversary, and she’d only gottenme* a gift, completely forgetting abouthim*. Declan was instantly furious, and Seraphina, without a second thought, blocked and deleted me, changing our couple avatar. “My buddy has a huge temper, darling. Once I’ve smoothed things over with him, we can change it back.” I reminded her, “This is the hundredth time.” She chuckled, then leaned in to kiss my lips. “I know. I’ll make it quick this time.” That evening, Declan posted an update on his Ins feed: [Considering someone’s performance exemplary, I grant you three days of freedom.] Seraphina immediately unblocked me. [Okay, darling, you can change our couple avatar back now.] But then, a female account withmy* couple avatar added her and sent a question mark: [What kind of couple avatar needs three people?] Seraphina stared at the message from the unknown account, then let out a sudden laugh. “Darling, you’re learning to mess with me now.” She shook her phone, then rose to hug me. “Wifey was wrong, okay? For the past 99 times, you never threw a tantrum. Have you finally learned how to get mad?” “I’m not throwing a tantrum.” I gently pushed her away. “I’m actually breaking up with you.” “Hahaha!” Seraphina threw herself back into my arms. “Okay, darling, wifey knows she messed up. They say there’s a limit to how many times you can push someone, and you’ve put up with me 99 times. So, of course, wifey needs to have some self-awareness. “I came back this time specifically to win you over.” A gift box appeared before me. I opened it to find twelve pigeon’s blood rubies, meticulously arranged. “Around this time last year, you said that if we ever got married, you’d want twelve sunrise rubies to adorn the ceremony hall. “Darling, twelve gems for twelve months. Do you like my year-long effort?” Seraphina produced a ring box, revealing a brand-new set of wedding bands inside. She slipped the men’s ring onto my ring finger, then, holding the women’s ring, she blushed. “Could you… put this on me?” Just then, doors in every room suddenly burst open, and our mutual friends pulled party poppers. “Happy 25th birthday, Julian!” “Say yes! Say yes!” The scene caught me completely off guard. Rubies from Mogok, Myanmar. The last auction price was a hundred million dollars. I had only mentioned it casually, and she remembered it all this time? Ribbons scattered in my hair, and Seraphina took my hand. “Darling, I’ve waited a long time for this day.” Her FaceTime suddenly rang. She answered, and the smile on her face froze. I clearly heard Declan’s furious voice from the other end of the line: “Who gave you permission to propose?! I just said I’d give you three days of freedom! And you forgot my giftand* proposed tohim*?! “You, a woman, practically begging to propose? Aren’t you worried he’ll just play you? “Did you evenask* for my approval?! Where do I even stand with you!!” Seraphina froze. Then, she subconsciously looked at our mutual friends. One friend, who was recording and about to share it, stiffened and quickly lowered their hand. Seraphina shot him a fierce glare, then roughly pulled the diamond ring off my finger, turning to walk out. “No, Declan, I didn’t mean to keep it from you!” “Hey! Seraphina!” Someone tried to stop her. “Julian’s side—” “What’s the point of worrying aboutthat* now! Let’s go!” Someone else glanced at me, shook their head and clicked their tongue, then snapped the lid back on the box of pigeon’s blood rubies and took it away. “Well, well, I actually thought Seraphina was serious this time. Guess some people just aren’t lucky enough, huh?” “Hahaha, what do you bet Seraphina will do to calm Declan down this time? He’s really mad!” “Leaving everything else aside, that box of rubies definitely needs to go to Declan as compensation, right?” That evening, Declan did indeed post an update on his Ins feed. Twelve rubies, tossed into a trash can. The caption read: [Touched by filthy trash, wouldn’t even touch it myself. (Bomb emoji)] Immediately after, another update appeared on his account. The photo showed twenty-four flawless sapphires glittering in a custom-designed velvet gift box. Declan’s hand rested on the box, a men’s wedding ring now adorning his ring finger. The caption: [Blue is far less common than red. Considering someone gave me her one and only custom design slot for life, I’ll let it go this time.] Seraphina liked the post. Her comment: [Grateful for Declan’s mercy and forgiveness.] In the likes section, their mutual friends had liked the post for what felt like ninety-nine rows. In the past, I probably would have demanded an explanation from Seraphina. But this time, I just liked the post, then swiftly deleted Declan’s contact. Along with all those mutual friends, deleted them all. The account that had shared my couple avatar suddenly messaged me on Snapchat. [Julian, actually, I didn’t just change my avatar with you purely to spite them. I… [Julian, do you understand what I’m trying to say?] I paused, then sighed. [Thank you, Valerie. I understand, and I really appreciate your support. [But right now, I’m just done with relationships. I’m planning to accept the company’s overseas branch offer. For the next few years, I just want to focus on my career and nothing else.] There was a long silence on her end. Finally, a message came through. [I support your decision, but if you ever need anything, remember I’m always here.] I sent a “Thanks a lot” sticker, feeling a warm current flow through me. Valerie and I would connect after I moved abroad. I’d find a way to repay her kindness through work then. That evening, I packed my bags. I didn’t have much. Seraphina always said she wanted someone to have dinner ready for her when she got home. So, for all these years, I didn’t push for career advancements; I dedicated myself to being the man behind her success. So, the house was Seraphina’s. The renovations were paid for by Seraphina. The appliances were bought by Seraphina. Aside from a few personal items, I had nothing else to take. Perhaps that’s why, after five years and a hundred betrayals, I was left feeling so utterly dejected and unfulfilled. That very night, I left our five-year home and moved into the temporary hotel arranged by my company, ready to connect with overseas clients. But just as I was heading to the first-floor pool with my swim trunks and towel, hoping to bond with the clients, someone suddenly yanked me from behind: “Hey! Julian actually showed up!”
“Seraphina just smoothed things over with Declan and threw a party to celebrate. We sent Julian an invite, but why’d he delete us?” “Julian, if you’re fighting with Seraphina, don’t drag us into it!” “Oh, come on, Julian, you were just being stubborn! See, you still came! Get in here! We’re just waiting for you!” I slapped away their outstretched hands. “I’m sorry, but the breakup is real.” The elevator doors opened. As I stepped in, a hand suddenly slammed against the door frame. “Julian, Declan’s waiting inside. Don’t play these games too much—” “Snap!” A sharp slap landed on his face. “He’s waiting for me, so I have to go? What do you think you are?!” “You!” “All of you, get lost!” I cut him off. “Don’t make this uglier than it has to be.” “Why so much anger?” A familiar voice drifted over. I turned to see Seraphina, smiling, walking hand-in-hand with Declan. Declan was dressed in a custom-tailored suit, adorned with tiny scattered diamonds. If you looked closely, you could see carved sapphire embellishments on it. “I’m not angry anymore, Julian. Why are you still being so unreasonable? Come on, I’ll personally take you inside!” Declan grabbed my hand, squeezing hard. The treated diamond from his ring dug sharply into my palm. I hissed in pain and violently yanked my hand away. “Don’t touch me!” My sudden movement stunned everyone. Seraphina’s expression shifted, then she stepped forward with a smile, reaching for me again. “Darling, don’t be mad. Wifey will personally take you in. Declan’s in a good mood today, give him some respect, okay? Be a good boy.” “Get lost!” I pushed her back with such force that she stumbled two steps. “I said we’re really broken up! Are you deaf?! “If you really don’t get it, fine. Today, in front of everyone, I’ll say it again: We are over!” Seraphina’s smile froze. Someone snickered. “What do you guys bet? Is he serious or not?” “Fake! Fifty bucks says it’s fake!” “A hundred!” “Ten grand!” “Wait, guys?” “What, you actually think he’s serious?” “Tch! Good point. Alright, then just a small bet, a hundred grand!” “No, is no one betting on him being serious? Then what are we even betting on, hahaha!” Declan raised his hand. “A million bucks. I bet he’s serious!” “HAHAHAHAHA!” Sharp glances and mocking laughter enveloped me. I clenched my fists. The elevator doors opened again, and I turned to leave. “Hey! Julian, don’t go!” Declan lunged forward, grabbing me just as the elevator doors were closing. His movement was so forceful that half my body was violently caught by the elevator door, and the elevator shuddered, dropping a few feet with a sickening lurch. I stumbled a few steps, falling to the floor. Looking at the elevator stuck midway, I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if I’d been a split second slower. “Bang!” I seized Declan’s arm, and with a swift motion, landed a punch squarely on his face. “Do you know what you’re doing?!” “Declan!” Seraphina’s panic was instantly undisguised. She rushed forward and hugged him. “Declan…” Her voice trembling, she gently traced the side of Declan’s bruised face, then looked up at me. Her gaze was unfamiliar, cold, filled with suppressed hatred. It was a Seraphina I’d never seen before. Was Declan’s position in her heartthat* important? Even after everything he’d done, he couldn’t suffer even a single slap? “Julian…” Seraphina’s voice was chilling. Our mutual friends immediately understood, circling around me. I scanned the group. Most of them were men, some twice my shoulder width. I raised my chin, looking at Seraphina. “What do you want?” She flinched. I took a step forward. “Are you going to kill me here?” The veins on Seraphina’s hand instantly bulged. I met her gaze, refusing to back down an inch. “Go back inside.” Seraphina grit her teeth, helping Declan to his feet. Declan looked confused. “Seraphina? He hit me!” “Go back inside!” Seraphina repeated. “Seraphina!” Declan’s teeth were practically grinding. “Since when did you side with him?!” But this time, Seraphina didn’t humor him. She just shot me a glare, then pulled his hand and left. I closed my eyes, calming my turbulent emotions. I picked up my towel and swim trunks, then took the stairs to the first floor.
“Tsk, tsk, who’s this?” A familiar voice rang out. I turned to see one of Declan’s buddies holding my clothes, swinging them around, a sneer on his face. “Give them back!” I lunged forward, but another buddy yanked the door open and shoved me out. “Oh my god! Is that guy naked?” “Seriously, how shameless can you be?” “Tsk! He’s not small, huh? Did anyone get a picture?” “Got it, got it! Look at him, what a good little pet!” A pair of high heels clicked slowly across the marble floor towards me. All chatter ceased. “Huh? Ms. Seraphina? What’s she doing here?” I looked up. Seraphina was holding Declan’s hand, standing before me. Declan, following behind her, had shed his previous injured look. His eyes and brows were filled with smug satisfaction. “Are you satisfied with this punishment?” Seraphina glanced at Declan. The unfamiliar coldness she’d shown me earlier was now soft and warm for him. “Seraphina,” Declan looked at her meaningfully. “I almost thought he’d really stolen you away.” “How could he?” Seraphina pouted. “There are no cameras in the changing rooms. Declan’s idea was brilliant.” “Haha! Of course! I’ll reluctantly forgive you this time, but…” Declan eyed me. “He still owes me an apology.” “Julian.” Seraphina looked down at me from her superior height. “Apologize.” I clenched my jaw so tightly that my cheek felt torn, and I tasted iron. “What did you say?” Declan crouched down. The next second, a mouthful of bloody spit landed on his face. “Ah!” Declan’s suit was stained a shocking red. “This is brand new! And it has the sapphires Seraphina gave me!” “Julian!” Seraphina grabbed my chin. “I told you to apologize! Not to add fuel to the fire! Why can’t you just learn to be obedient?!” “Obedient?” I gritted my teeth and curled my lips into a sneer. “I’ve never done anything wrong! Why shouldI* be obedient?!” Fury burned brightest in Seraphina’s eyes. Then, it slowly died down, leaving behind a chilling emptiness. “Since you’re so stubborn.” Suddenly, someone roughly grabbed me. Seraphina pulled my arm, dragging me through the corridor, past the astonished onlookers, through their shocked whispers: “What’s going on? He just came out naked?” “How can someone be so shameless?” “Tsk! What a good pet for the queen bee. Keep filming! It’s blurry!” “Seraphina!” My wrist was encircled with deep red marks. “What are you doing?! Give me back my clothes!” The hotel interior was mostly guests; there weren’t too many people. But the moment Seraphina pulled open the doors to the banquet hall, my heart nearly stopped. “Ah!” Naked, I was thrown into the banquet hall, exposed to everyone’s gaze. Among them were those overseas clients. They watched, stunned, at me—the man who had been laughing and chatting with them just moments before—their expressions shifting. “Seriously?! Isn’t this the banquet hall? If he wants to show off, pick another place!” “What ‘master’s task’?” “Julian! Are you crazy?! Do you still want to work with us?!” “No… No…” My knee was scraped raw, skin torn open and bleeding, exposed to everyone passing by. I could only curl up, trying to shield my private parts. “Don’t say anything! Please, stop!” Agony and despair engulfed me. When I looked at Seraphina, she stood at the doorway, looking down at me. Then she raised a hand, and someone immediately closed the doors, cutting off my path back. “Psst, is what we’re doing okay? Isn’t this illegal?” “Tsk! You don’t know Ms. Seraphina’s power? This little thing won’t do anything to her! Just do what she says, or you’ll be sorry!” People came and went in the banquet hall, but no one offered a hand. Even if someone wanted to step forward, they’d be held back by a companion: “Are you crazy? Didn’t you see who threw him in here?” “Exactly. Can you afford to offend Ms. Seraphina?” The hand that was about to reach out would retreat. “Julian!” Someone rushed forward, wrapping me tightly in a jacket. “What are you looking at?! Get lost!” The onlookers were immediately startled by the roar and quickly made way. I recognized her voice. I looked up, my breath trembling. “Valerie… Valerie?”
“Julian?” In the private room, Valerie carefully observed my expression. I leaned back on the sofa, feeling utterly dead inside. “Don’t be sad. I’ve sent people to delete all the videos and photos of you. There’s not a trace of you online.” She seemed a little flustered. “Thank you, Valerie.” I felt for something on my body, then took off the only thing I had—my watch—and placed it in her hand. “I will always remember your kindness. This watch is my father’s heirloom. In the future, when I achieve success in my career, I will return with resources to repay you and redeem this watch.” “Julian!” A loud shout stopped me as I was about to leave. Valerie’s lips parted. “I helped you because my heart ached for you, not for you to repay me.” I didn’t look back. “Julian…” Her breath hitched slightly. “I hope you understand, I like you not because I want something from you, but because I want to give you something.” I turned around. My eyes were already red. “Then can you ruin Seraphina?” “Of course.” She walked towards me, step by step. “Of course, Julian. “I was going to do that anyway.”
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