## It was a stormy night when my boyfriend called, his voice filled with urgency. “I’ve been in a car accident. It’s bad. Guess how long it’ll take you to get here?” Panicked, I bolted into the pouring rain, my heart racing as I imagined the worst. By the time I arrived, drenched and gasping for breath, the sight that greeted me wasn’t a wrecked car or an injured man. Instead, my ever-practical, romance-challenged boyfriend was wheeling out a massive cake, the centerpiece of a surprise party for Sarah, his assistant. “Luna, it’s my fault,” Sarah said timidly, stepping forward as if to shield him. “I made a bet with Mr. Sterling, and things got out of hand. If you’re upset, you can take it out on me.” Her voice was soft, apologetic, but it was the glint on her wrist that caught my eye—a diamond bracelet identical to the one he had given me. I turned to him, only to meet his cold, indifferent gaze. His brows furrowed in irritation as he said, “It was just a joke. Why are you acting like this? Who are you trying to impress?” The tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Everyone seemed to expect me to explode, to throw a jealous tantrum befitting the “overly possessive girlfriend.” But instead, I smiled, calm and composed. Reaching for Sarah’s hand, I placed it gently in his palm, my voice light and steady. “As long as you two are happy, that’s all that matters.”
“Mr. Sterling lost the bet! The punishment is to pick someone here to drink a cross-arm toast with!” “Come on, Mr. Sterling hasn’t even said who he’s picking, and look—our birthday girl is already blushing! Be a gentleman, Mr. Sterling, make your move!” Hearing that Noah Sterling had been in a car accident, I sped through the pouring rain, my heart pounding as I pushed my car to dangerous speeds. But when I arrived, drenched and disheveled, I was greeted by laughter, bright decorations, and a massive banner reading, “Happy Forever 18th, Sarah!” The man I’d been so worried about, the one I thought might be injured—or worse—stood in the center of it all, perfectly unharmed. Dressed in an immaculate suit and holding a wine glass, he walked toward Sarah with a charming smile. Sarah’s cheeks flushed as their eyes met. Their arms linked together, and they were just about to drink the cross-arm toast when someone spotted me. “Oh my god, Luna!” The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to me. Noah paused mid-motion, his brows furrowing as he turned to the door. His gaze landed on me—soaking wet, pale, with mud splattered across my face and clothes. Before he could say anything, Sarah clung to his shirt like a frightened rabbit, her wide-eyed expression making it seem like I was some vengeful ghost. Noah gently patted her shoulder, his voice soft and reassuring. “It’s fine—it’s just Luna.” Then, his expression shifted, irritation flashing in his eyes as he looked at me. His voice carried a cold edge. “It was just a joke. Why did you make such a spectacle of yourself? Go home. Stop embarrassing me.” I glanced down at myself, taking in the torn, muddy clothes, the blood seeping from scratches on my knees and hands, and my tangled, rain-soaked hair. Yes, I’d embarrassed him. Before I could respond, Sarah stepped forward with a sweet smile, her voice soft and kind. “Luna, I didn’t know you’d come! It’s my birthday, and Mr. Sterling got me the biggest cake! Would you like some? I’ll cut you a piece.” She reached out as if to take my hand but stopped just before touching me. Her expression shifted, and she covered her mouth dramatically, gagging. After a few exaggerated dry heaves, Sarah looked up at me with an apologetic smile. “Oh, Luna, you smell awful. You should clean yourself up. Mr. Sterling and I both have a bit of a germ thing, you know? And this venue—it cost thousands to book. Please don’t get it dirty.” She grabbed a packet of wet wipes, tossing it at me with a loud smack against my face before it fell to the ground. My cheek stung, but I didn’t react. I saw the challenge in her eyes, the smugness she didn’t bother to hide. I glanced around the room. The decorations alone must have cost at least $10,000. In the seven years I’d been with Noah, he’d never spent more than $3,000 on me in total. Even on my birthdays, the cakes he bought were tiny, four-inch specials on sale. “Luna,” he’d always said, “you’re not a little girl anymore. You don’t need all those flashy things.” Back then, I’d thought he just didn’t understand women. Now, I realized he’d simply never cared enough to bother. The room remained silent, everyone watching to see what I’d do. I bent down to pick up the wet wipes, then cleaned my hands methodically. Without a word, I walked toward the towering cake. Everyone stared, confused about my intentions. I grabbed the knife, cut a small slice, and took a bite. The frosting was sweet, almost cloying, masking the bitterness rising in my throat. I smiled and nodded. “The cake’s good. Sarah, happy birthday.” Then, placing the plate down, I took Sarah’s hand and pressed it into Noah’s palm. “Go on. Continue your game. You two enjoy yourselves.” Sarah’s smile froze, her eyes wide with shock. The room buzzed with whispers, but Noah’s expression darkened instantly. He wrenched his hand away from mine, his voice cold and threatening. “Luna, are you trying to test my patience?” Normally, his anger would have made me panic, would have driven me to apologize and beg for forgiveness. But tonight, I simply smiled. “What’s wrong, Noah? Can’t take a joke?” His eyes narrowed, ice seeping into his gaze. Before he could speak, Sarah stepped in, her small frame shielding him as she pleaded. “Mr. Sterling, it’s my fault! Luna’s mad because of the bet we made. Please don’t blame her.” She turned to me, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. “Luna, I didn’t think you’d believe it without checking first! You could’ve called to confirm. I’m so sorry. If you’re upset, take it out on me. You can hit me if it’ll make you feel better.” She raised her arm, her expression one of exaggerated fear. But as she moved, the bracelet on her wrist caught the light—an unmistakable sparkle. It was the diamond bracelet Noah had given me when we first started dating, the most expensive gift he’d ever given me. I’d never worn it, keeping it tucked away like a treasure. Sarah noticed my gaze and quickly stepped back, clutching the bracelet nervously. “I’m sorry, Luna. I just mentioned once how much I loved your bracelet, and Mr. Sterling gave it to me. I’ll return it right away.” She fumbled with the clasp, pretending to struggle before the bracelet fell to the ground. Diamonds scattered across the floor like broken glass. “Oh no!” Sarah gasped, biting her lip, her eyes brimming with tears. “Mr. Sterling, I’m so clumsy. I broke it!” Noah hesitated, glancing at me. His silence spoke volumes—he didn’t know how to defend her without making things worse. The room was suffocatingly quiet. I bent down, picking up the broken bracelet. My voice was calm, almost detached. “It’s fine. I didn’t want it anymore anyway.” Without hesitation, I tossed it into the trash can. The clinking sound echoed in the silent room. Noah’s face darkened further, his anger barely restrained. Sarah glanced at him, then fell to her knees in front of me, tears streaming down her face. “I’m so sorry, Luna! It’s all my fault! Please don’t take it out on Mr. Sterling. He doesn’t understand these things—he’s a man!” Her sobs grew louder as she continued, “I shouldn’t have let him throw me this party. I didn’t realize it would upset you so much.” She bowed her head dramatically, as though preparing to beg for forgiveness, but before she could, Noah moved swiftly, pulling her to her feet. “Why are you apologizing to her?” he snapped. “It’s her fault for ruining the night!” Noah shot me a cold glare. “You can’t even take a harmless joke? And now you’re bullying a sweet girl like Sarah?” His voice turned sharper, dripping with disdain. “Luna, are you just waiting for me to actually get into a car accident and die so you can finally be happy?” I stared at him, barely recognizing the man in front of me. He looked so unfamiliar, so distant, it was almost frightening. It was him who lied about a car accident. Him who ignored my frantic calls. Him who took the bracelet he had given me—the one I had cherished—and gave it to Sarah. I had risked everything to get to him tonight, speeding through dangerous rain-soaked roads with my heart in my throat, terrified for his life. My tires had nearly skidded off the road. And for what? To be met with his accusations, his scorn, and his indifference? In the past, I might have cried. I might have let the tears fall while pleading, trying desperately to make him see how much I cared—how much I was hurting. But now, I felt nothing but exhaustion. Taking a deep breath, I nodded. “You’re right. I overreacted. You all enjoy yourselves.” With that, I turned and walked away. As I reached the door, I heard someone hesitantly suggest, “Mr. Sterling, maybe you should go after Luna? She didn’t look… well.” Noah scoffed dismissively, his tone annoyed. “You don’t know Luna. She’s just playing the victim again. Don’t waste your time.” He raised his glass. “It’s Sarah’s birthday tonight. No one’s leaving until we’ve all had our fill!” Cheers erupted behind me, growing louder as I stepped outside. The storm hadn’t let up. Rain poured relentlessly, soaking me to the bone as I trudged back to my car. By the time I climbed into the driver’s seat, my teeth were chattering despite the heater running full blast. My hands trembled, and before I could stop them, tears spilled down my cheeks. But I knew those tears weren’t for Noah. They were for the version of myself who had once loved him so foolishly, so desperately, for so many years. I had loved Noah for seventeen years. From the shy crush I carried in middle school, to the unwavering devotion that lasted through college and beyond. Even his mother had been moved by my persistence, going out of her way to encourage our relationship. That’s how I finally became his girlfriend. Noah had always been distant, his affection lukewarm at best, but I clung to the small moments. I convinced myself that he cared, that deep down, he loved me too. Why? Because he had once said, “Love is about two people living a steady life together, growing old side by side.” I believed him. I gave up a prestigious opportunity to study abroad, choosing instead to stay by his side. I became the woman who took care of him, who managed his meals, his schedules, his life. I told myself I was protecting our relationship. Even when my professor urged me not to waste my potential, I just smiled awkwardly and nodded, feeling guilty for letting her down. “You’re better than this,” she’d said. “Your peers—people who were once your juniors—are now running their own companies or earning doctorates overseas. You should think about what you’re giving up.” But I stayed. For him. Then Sarah joined his company as an assistant. Noah, who had always been so serious, so indifferent, suddenly smiled when her name came up. Even when I told him their closeness made me uncomfortable, he didn’t care. He chose her feelings over mine, every single time. By the time I got home, the rain had stopped. Sitting in the quiet of my apartment, I picked up my phone and dialed my professor. “Professor Carter,” I said, my voice steady. “Are there any opportunities left for me to study abroad?” Her reply came almost immediately. “Luna, I’ve been waiting for this call! I’m leading a research team overseas next week for a three-year program. If you’re interested, you’re more than welcome to join.” My chest tightened, but not with hesitation—with relief. “I’d love to. Thank you.” The next week would give me enough time to close this chapter of my life, to say goodbye to everything that had been holding me back.
I returned home, showered, and was just about to change into my pajamas when Noah suddenly pushed open the bedroom door. For a moment, my instincts told me to turn my back and tell him to leave, but then I stopped myself. What’s the point? He’d seen everything before. So, I calmly slipped on my pajamas and turned around to face him. That’s when I noticed he was holding a glass of milk, which he placed on the nightstand. He looked tired, his expression worn. “Sarah’s birthday party is over,” he said, pausing for a moment before sighing. “You really overreacted tonight.” He hesitated, then added, “After you left, I saw your missed calls. I’ll admit… that was my mistake.” I cut him off, my tone light. “It’s fine. It’s all in the past. As long as you had fun.” Noah froze, his brows furrowed as he stared at me, as though trying to figure out what I was thinking. I smiled slightly. “Is the milk for me?” He nodded. “Thanks.” Still feeling thirsty after my shower, I picked up the glass and downed it in one go. Noah’s gaze shifted, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. “You’re… not mad?” “Mad about what?” I replied, genuinely confused. His expression twisted slightly, as though he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. I yawned, covering my mouth. “Anything else? I’m tired. I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight.” Noah stared at me in disbelief, his tone turning sharp. “If you’re upset, just say it.” “I’m not upset,” I said, meeting his eyes with sincerity. Noah’s patience snapped. He grabbed my arm, his grip firm. “You are upset. Stop pretending.” Unfortunately for him, his fingers pressed right into a tender spot where I’d scraped my arm earlier. The pain made me flinch, and I instinctively pushed his hand away. His hand froze in midair, and for a moment, he just stood there, staring at me. Then, without a word, he abruptly stood up, glaring at me with a stormy expression. I ignored him, pulling the blanket over myself and lying down as though he wasn’t even there. He lingered by the bed for a while, his presence heavy and suffocating. Finally, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. I knew exactly why he was angry. In Noah’s mind, he’d already extended an olive branch. He expected me to accept it, to “come down” from my imaginary pedestal. But this time, I had no intention of playing along. I slept soundly and didn’t wake up until noon the next day. As I made my way downstairs, Noah approached me, holding a pale yellow dress with the tag still attached. “I noticed your clothes were torn when you came to find me last night. I went out this morning and bought this for you,” he said. “Do you like it?” I glanced at the dress and shook my head politely. “Thanks, but I don’t need it. I have plenty of clothes.” “Try it on,” he insisted, holding the dress up against me. “I even prepared a surprise for you.” As he pressed the dress against me, I felt something small and box-shaped in one of the pockets. Suspicion flickered in my mind, but I didn’t bother to ask. “Just put it aside for now,” I said, brushing past him. “I’m hungry.” Noah stood there, stunned, watching as I walked toward the dining room. He clearly thought that a simple dress would make me light up with excitement, that I’d rush to try it on and post a photo online to show off how much he “cared.” Too bad for him—he was wrong. When I reached the dining table, I noticed takeout containers neatly arranged. Noah must have picked them up earlier. That was new. “Thanks for the food,” I said, sitting down to eat without hesitation. Noah followed me to the table and sat across from me, his gaze fixed on me in silence. I glanced up after a few bites. “What is it?” “Nothing,” he said, shaking his head, though his eyes seemed to hold something unspoken. I ignored him and continued eating, but his stare was impossible to ignore. After a few minutes, I sighed and looked up again. “Why don’t you eat something? The food’s pretty good today.” Noah didn’t move. Instead, his expression darkened slightly. “Aren’t you going to ask about the surprise I mentioned?” I blinked, genuinely surprised. “I figured you’d just show me when you were ready.” His face stiffened, and without another word, he pulled a small, elegant box out of his pocket and opened it. Inside was a diamond bracelet, sparkling under the light. “This is a new design. It’s more expensive than your old one. Consider it yours.” I pushed the box back toward him. “Return it.” Noah’s expression froze. “Things like this are just overpriced luxuries,” I said casually. “You work hard for your money. Don’t waste it.” For a long moment, he didn’t say anything. But I noticed his fists clenching tightly, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to contain his anger. Finally, he spat out through gritted teeth, “Unbelievable.” With that, he stood up abruptly, storming out and slamming the door behind him. I glanced at the table. The food he’d brought remained untouched. The dress and bracelet were tossed carelessly onto the couch, forgotten. Noah didn’t contact me for the rest of the day. He didn’t come home that night, either.
The next day, I finalized my paperwork with my professor. In just two days, I’d be leaving the country. When I returned home to pack, I was surprised to find the house filled with people. The chatter and laughter were almost overwhelming. “Sarah, that dress with the diamond bracelet? You look like a movie star!” “Come on, tell us—who’s the lucky guy who bought it? Is he handsome?” Sarah twirled around in the living room like a butterfly, soaking up the attention as she flaunted her outfit. A small crowd had gathered around her, teasing and admiring her. “Well, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Sarah said with a coy smile. “It’s actually from my boyfriend.” As she spoke, she cast a deliberate glance at Noah, who was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone, pretending not to hear. Seeing that Noah didn’t react, Sarah’s smile grew even brighter. She continued bragging, her voice dripping with pride. “At first, I didn’t even want it. But my boyfriend insisted! He said a woman’s wardrobe reflects her man’s status.” Just then, Sarah spotted me walking in. Her expression shifted immediately to a wide, sugary smile. “Oh, Luna! You’re back!” I knew she had seen me enter long before this. Her entire performance had been for my benefit. She wanted me to hear every word, to see her basking in attention, and to watch me lose my composure. But I didn’t give her the satisfaction. Instead, I walked in with an easy smile and greeted everyone warmly. “Another gathering today? Make yourselves at home! Feel free to enjoy yourselves.” The room fell quiet for a moment, the atmosphere awkward. Clearly, last night’s events were still fresh in everyone’s minds. Noah glanced at me briefly but said nothing, his expression unreadable. I approached Sarah, giving her an appraising look from head to toe. With a nod of approval, I said, “Sarah, your boyfriend has excellent taste. That dress and bracelet suit you perfectly.” I smiled wider. “When’s the wedding? Don’t forget to invite me, okay?” Sarah froze, her confident demeanor faltering for a split second. Noah’s gaze flicked over to me, his phone momentarily forgotten. The others in the room exchanged uneasy glances, likely expecting me to lash out or make a scene. Instead, I beamed at everyone and added, “Don’t you all think Sarah is the most beautiful woman here today?” That seemed to break the tension. The group relaxed, laughing along as if nothing had happened. “Sarah, be honest now. Where’d you find such a wealthy guy?” “That dress and bracelet together? Must’ve cost at least a hundred grand!” “When did you start dating, huh? Keeping secrets from us?” The teasing came from all sides, and Sarah soaked it up, though her gaze kept darting toward Noah, hoping for a response. Seeing that Noah remained indifferent, she gave me a smug little smile before continuing her performance. “Oh, stop it! It’s not time to go public yet. But let’s just say…” She paused for dramatic effect, her tone growing softer and more intimate. “Last night, I spent the whole night with him. This dress and bracelet? Well…” Before she could finish, Noah, who had been silent on the couch this entire time, suddenly spoke. “Take it off.”
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