Chapter 9
After hearing my story, my parents were heartbroken for me.
“Serves you right,” my father grumbled. “Now you’ve tasted the bitterness of love, maybe you’ll appreciate how well we’ve protected you all these years.”
But I could see the veins bulging on the back of his hand, his face darkening with rage as if he wanted to drag Ryan in for a beating right then and there.
My mother hugged me and reassured me, “Enough of these depressing matters now that you’re home. It’s just a diamond necklace–I’ll buy you several more tomorrow. You can wear a different one every day if you like.”
The pain of those memories instantly faded, and I broke into a smile. That night, I slept better than I had in weeks.
The next morning, my phone was flooded with missed calls from an unknown number.
I’d set my phone to airplane mode while sleeping, but the moment I turned it back on, the notifications poured in like an avalanche–over 99 missed calls, buzzing incessantly.
Seconds later, the phone rang again. Curious about this persistent stranger, I answered.
“Hello?” I ventured.
Ryan’s familiar voice came through immediately: “Evelyn, how long are you going to keep this up? You moved out of the apartment? Where are you staying now?”
“Chloe has already forgiven you, and I won’t ask you to apologize to her anymore. Just come back to work, and I’ll promote you to be my assistant!”
I laughed bitterly. “Did you read the message I sent you yesterday? If you were too busy with engagement congratulations, I don’t mind telling you in person.”
There was a sudden silence on the other end as Ryan held his breath.
“We’re over,” I continued. “Is that clear enough for you? Do you understand now?”
I hung up without waiting for his response, then blocked and deleted the number.
The day had barely begun, and Ryan had already ruined my mood.
How annoying!
20:53
