Chapter 8
F
At the airport, Adrian moved with steady efficiency, pushing two large suitcases while handling every tedious detail–check–in, security, customs forms–with an organization that seemed beyond his years.
I simply followed, feeling unprecedented ease. How different this was from trips with Blake, where I’d managed everything while he scattered about like a kid, forgetful and complaining.
In the waiting area, Adrian handed me a hot drink and delicate pastry exactly my preferred matcha flavor and sweetness level.
“Rest for a bit, we still have time before boarding.” He pointed to the seats nearby.
l’accepted them, feeling warmth in my heart.
Just as I settled into my seat, my phone suddenly rang.
Without checking the caller ID, I answered reflexively.
“Emily… A familiar voice came through, slightly hoarse. “Where did you put that necklace you gave me for my birthday last year? I can’t find it…”
I gripped the phone, my fingers tightening.
“And that tie we bought together when we went shopping? The blue one.. He kept rambling
as
it
we’d never broken up.
“Closet, second drawer of the standing cabinet,” I replied coldly.
He seemed stunned for a moment, then pushed further. “What about my underwear? Where did you put it? You used to…”
“Blake,” I interrupted him. “We already broke up.”
Silence on the other end for a few seconds, then heavier breathing with stubborn grievance. “What about your stuff then? The dresses I bought you, the bags… and all the things you left at my place…”
I replied, “Throw them away.”
“What about your favorite teddy bear? You don’t want that either?”
“No.”
“What about me?” He sniffled, his voice hoarse and pitiful. “Emily, don’t you want me anymore either?”
I looked at the hurried travelers outside the window, closed my eyes. “Blake, I don’t want anything that has to do with you.”
“I won’t throw them away! Come get them yourself!” he said petulantly.
In the past, whenever we fought, he’d always use “packing up” as an excuse,
When I actually went over, he’d hug me and act cute, sweet–talking until I couldn’t leave.
Perhaps in his mind, this was just another one of my usual tantrums–the kind that could be smoothed over with some coaxing,
I said, “I’ll send a delivery service.”
“Emily! Stop this…” His tone softened. “Did you hear my song? I sang our song. After finishing it, I suddenly remembered so many things, remembered how we grew up together, all our promises. Emily, we’re good together. How can we just break up like this? So many big producers are looking for me now! Really! It’s just that I’m new to the industry, in the spotlight, I can’t go public with you yet. Let’s date in secret for now, okay? Once I’m established…”
Blake,” I interrupted his endless promises. “None of this has anything to do with me anymore.”
“If it’s not about you, then who? You really want to break up with me? Break up and go to who? Huh?” His tone carried ridiculous certainty. “In this world, who else cares about you more than I do?”
He paused, as if making some concession. “I admit I let you down recently. Maybe Madison was a bit inappropriate, but I swear we’re Chapter 8
47.06%
completely innocent!”
Hearing this, I couldn’t help but sneer. “See, Blake? You do know she was inappropriate. But what did you say before? Outgoing?
Innocent and thoughtless? You weren’t oblivious to her intentions. You just enjoyed her attent enjoyed the thrill of that ambiguous
flirtation. Simply put, you wanted some excitement outside our relationship.”
Caught in my accusation, he became defensive. “Emily, I’m already humbling myself here. What more do you want? I’ll keep my distance from her from now on, okay? In a few years when things are stable, I’ll go public and give you security. Is that enough?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Blake, maybe in your eyes, I’m just this boring, plain person. But my love can’t tolerate any impurities,
especially not your knowing ‘inappropriateness. From the moment you failed to firmly choose me and protect me, we were completely over. Go chase your dreams and success. I’m going my own way. We’re done.‘
Chapter 8
