While I was pestering my aloof boyfriend to pick a boba tea flavor, the cashier suddenly spoke up in a passive-aggressive tone: "This offer is for couples only~" "Mistresses cannot participate." By the time I snapped out of my daze, Liam had already paid for two cups of boba. He took my hand and led me away. Seeing I was upset, he gave a helpless, mocking smile: "It's just an extra five bucks, is it really that big of a deal?" I was just about to argue. When we heard his neighbor exclaim: "Liam, your girlfriend has been home since noon, cooking dinner for you... "Are you doing right by her doing this?" 1 As soon as her voice fell, Liam's apartment door was opened from the inside. A fair, plain-looking girl, holding a garbage bag, locked eyes with me— She didn't panic in the slightest. Casually tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, she smiled gently: "You must be Chloe, right?" "I'm Mia." Then, Mia shot a playfully reproachful glance at Liam. "Chloe coming to Capitol City is such a big deal, and you didn't even tell me~ "Bring her inside first. "I'll go take out the trash. I haven't made your favorite sweet and sour spare ribs yet." I looked at the scene before me, feeling somewhat bewildered. For a moment, I genuinely didn't know who Liam's real girlfriend was. I instinctively tugged at Liam's hand. Just as I was about to demand an explanation. Liam let go of my hand. Frowning with a serious expression, he took a step forward and said to Mia: "Your wrist is bothering you, didn't the doctor tell you not to do chores?" Without leaving room for argument, Liam took the garbage bag from Mia's hand. And strode onto the elevator. Leaving me standing there, my mind a mess. After a long silence, the neighbor lady finally gave an awkward laugh: "So she's a relative from your hometown... Haha, I was wondering, since you and Mia are so in love... "And Liam is so handsome and upright, how could he bring a mistress home? "Sorry about that, it was a misunderstanding. I even wanted to stand up for you." Having said that, the neighbor lady hurriedly carried her groceries into the apartment next door. But Mia had no intention of explaining. She merely pushed up her glasses, smiled, and opened the door. "It's quite cold, hurry and come in. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll give Liam a call and ask him to pick up a package from the lobby. "If he doesn't get it soon, we won't have any cotton tissues to use." I stood in the living room. Watching Mia bustling about, acting completely like the lady of the house. With a cold face, I finally spoke: "You know I'm Liam's girlfriend, right?" 2 Actually, from the moment we bought the boba, I vaguely felt something wasn't right. But Liam was as aloof, restrained, and indifferent as usual. It didn't seem like there was a problem. Besides, I didn't want to cause a dramatic scene in a public place. But now. Looking around Liam's rented apartment, seeing the matching couple slippers and the room filled with pink items. I couldn't maintain my dignity anymore. "Liam and I have been together for four years, and doing long-distance for just one, and you shamelessly insert yourself—" "What are you talking about?" Liam suddenly appeared, his stern voice cutting me off. He stood tall and straight, looking down at me from a commanding height. "Mia is the comrade I told you about, the one who studied for the grad school entrance exams with me. "As for the 'girlfriend' thing, it's just a lie we tell to fend off unwanted attention for each other. "I am equally a beneficiary of this fake relationship. How can you have such malice towards Mia?" I pinched my palms tightly, trying my best not to let my tears fall. Mia smiled helplessly. Generous and understanding, she smoothed things over: "Liam, don't be so fierce to Chloe~ It's only human nature for her to think this way since she doesn't know the truth. "She's a young girl, it's completely normal for someone so focused on love to subconsciously feel competitive. "This is why I told you not to tell her about this. See, she's angry as expected, right?" I laughed out of pure anger: "Are you not a girl?" Mia let out an "Ah?", a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes: "I didn't mean it like that. "It's just that Liam mentioned you went to an ordinary college, and upon graduating, you just went with the flow and joined an ordinary company— "I just feel it's a bit different from our... well, our value system of striving for the top." She smiled sweetly and handed a glass of warm water to me. "Besides, you're so pretty and know how to do makeup, unlike me, I have no aesthetic sense, I only know how to study. "Don't worry, I'm planning to stay single forever. My life plan doesn't include men. "So you don't have to treat me as an imaginary rival~" The water glass hovered in mid-air. I didn't take it. After a long while. The smile on Mia's face became difficult to maintain. Until Liam chuckled lightly, took the glass, and intimately pulled me into his arms, saying affectionately: "Alright, we haven't seen each other in months, how did you turn into such a little jealous pot? "The boba will get cold if you don't drink it soon. I'll give you mine too, okay?" Mia turned her head away, wearing a knowing "auntie" smile, and tactfully went into the kitchen. While Liam grabbed my hand, slipping it under the hem of his white shirt. "Want to inspect the eight-pack abs you love to see if they pass the test?" Instantly, a firm, warm sensation was transmitted from my hand. My face flushed red. I quickly pulled my hand back. Looking up at Liam's ascetic, cold face. I suddenly remembered that when I first met him, he was as cold as an iceberg to all women. Only when he was with me would Liam show a different side. He spoke very seriously: "It really is just to fend off unwanted attention, nothing more. "We're doing long-distance, don't you even have this little bit of trust in me? "If you really can't accept it, then hurry up and quit that job, come to Capitol City and end this long-distance—" "Oh right." I almost forgot the purpose of my special trip to see Liam. I hesitated: "My boss values me highly and plans to—" I hadn't even finished saying he planned to transfer me to the headquarters when a scream came from the kitchen. Liam's expression changed drastically. "Mia, what happened?" I watched his tall, broad back as he hurried into the kitchen. Then I looked down at the message from my boss on my phone: [Have you thought about it?] I fell deep into thought. 3 To be honest. Out of this batch of newly hired interns, the opportunity to transfer to the headquarters was only offered to me and one other male colleague. It was a rare opportunity. But once I transferred, my relationship with Liam would face an even tougher situation. I couldn't bear to let it go. After all, I put a lot of thought and effort into winning over this unattainable "flower on a high peak." Just as I was agonizing over the decision. My boss sent another message: [I'll give you three days to consider.] I breathed a sigh of relief. Put my phone away. And called out towards the kitchen: "What happened? Is everything okay?" 4 I had heard Liam talk about his "comrade." A straight-A student from a small town. Supported by her entire family's sacrifices to get to where she is today. Strong-willed, unafraid of hardship or exhaustion. So, even though I didn't have a good impression of Mia, Seeing her pale face and pained expression now, my heart still sank. "Do we need to go to the hospital?" "Obviously." Liam's eyes were icy, showing no mercy. After picking up the frail Mia, he said coldly: "Mia knew you love double-cooked pork slices, so she wanted to make a plate for you— "That's why her hand got burned by splashing oil while frying the meat. "Chloe—" He looked at me, enunciating every word: "Did you know her dream is to become a doctor? "If something happens to Mia's hands, her dream will never be realized." I looked at Liam in astonishment. I couldn't believe it. That these words would come from someone usually so rational and calm. "Chloe, I'm so sorry my presence has brought you trouble." Mia's voice trembled, tinged with a sob as she spoke: "But right now, I need your boyfriend to take me to the hospital. "Don't worry, we only pretend to be a couple in front of outsiders. We haven't crossed any boundaries. "Today is a special circumstance, I didn't expect the hot oil to splash while frying meat... My original intention was just to..." "It's not your fault, you don't need to grovel like this." Liam said while grabbing his phone: "Even if it were a complete stranger, I would take them to the hospital." He carried Mia in his arms horizontally. Looking at me expressionlessly, he ordered: "Open the door." I pondered over Liam's words. Feeling somewhat confused. It's not her fault, is he insinuating— That it's my fault? 5 After Liam and Mia left. I stood alone at the door. I stood in a daze for a long time. Then I replied to my boss: [No need to consider. [I'll go.] When Liam's mother called. I was discussing the details with my boss. Her voice was as kind as always: "Chloe, have you seen Liam yet?" I gave a muffled "Mm," "I saw him." Full of grievances, I didn't know where to start for a moment. Just as I was about to speak, I heard Liam's mother say earnestly: "A few days ago, Liam and I talked on the phone, and he was hesitating to speak. "I knew he had something hard to say. "After pressing him repeatedly, he finally said he wanted your Uncle Vance to use his connections to get you a job at a big tech company over in Capitol City..." She sighed. "Hearing him, I felt pretty bad. "After all, you are his first love, and your personalities complement each other so well. It's only in front of you that Liam can relax and be himself. "You've been doing long-distance for so long, I guess he can't stand it anymore but feels bad asking directly..." My deadened heart instantly reignited. I confirmed, somewhat nervously: "Really? I thought—" "Of course! When I said no problem, Liam was so incredibly happy." Liam's mother stated definitively: "Since he was a child, he never showed his emotions openly. It was the first time I'd seen him like that. "So Chloe, when are you quitting your job—" I took a deep breath. "Thank you to you and Uncle Vance for your kindness, but I have no plans to quit my job for now." I interrupted her very softly, speaking gently: "I really like this job. "My bosses also value me highly. "I can't give all this up for Liam. A big tech company is great, but it might not be suitable for me." Seemingly not expecting me to refuse. The other end was quiet for a long time. Then Liam's mother gave an awkward laugh: "You chased Liam for so long back then, this is a good opportunity... "It's fine, Chloe, think about it some more..." I wanted to say "no need to think about it," but I felt Liam's mother had good intentions. I could only give a slow "Mm." 6 After hanging up the phone. I stood in the empty room. Let out a long breath. Prepared to leave. But at a glance, I saw a small gift box on the floor— It must have fallen out of Liam's pocket when he left in a hurry. As if possessed. I stopped and picked it up. Inside was a pair of dazzling, sparkling diamond rings. From Darry Ring. A brand where a person can only customize one ring in their lifetime. And the purchaser was indeed Liam. Connecting it to what Liam's mother had just said. A sudden wave of guilt washed over me— So, Liam had already been considering our future. And here I was, acting out of spite, planning to leave without communicating with him. I calmed down. Put on the ring. Ready to call Liam. But his name jumped onto the screen first. I clicked answer, impatient to speak, "Liam, you left something behind, right?" "Mm." Liam hadn't expected me to answer so quickly, showing a bit of surprise before calming down again. "Mia's wound has been treated, no major issues. She just needs a dressing change tomorrow morning, and then she can leave. "Sorry, I was too anxious earlier." He paused, his voice hoarse. "Do you have time now to help me—" I looked at the striking diamond ring on my ring finger, thinking of the happy times I spent with Liam. I answered preemptively: "I do. "I can." Liam's tone became much more relaxed, chuckling lightly: "That's good. "Mia's period started early, and the sanitary pads she usually uses are in the compartment of the bathroom cabinet. "I didn't want to bother you, but Mia is alone at the hospital, and I can't leave. Her constitution is weak, so she can't just use any brand you'd buy at a random store—" Mia's voice calling out came from the other end. Liam quickly sent his location and hung up. My smile was still frozen on my face. My hand was still suspended in mid-air. Only the beep beep beep of the disconnected call remained in my ears. Seeming to remind me: The dream was over. 7 After thinking it over repeatedly: We are all adults. Ending a relationship should be done clearly face-to-face to do justice to these four years. Thirty minutes later. I stood in the emergency room lobby. I spotted Liam and Mia at a glance. In the noisy, chaotic environment, only the two of them seemed to exist in a tranquil bubble, completely out of place. As if sensing something. Liam happened to turn his head. And locked eyes with me. He looked at me, then looked at the bag in my hand. He curled his finger casually and freely, like an enchanting fairy from a myth, his voice also gentle: "Chloe, how can you be so cute?" Saying that, Liam raised an eyebrow and smiled at Mia: "I told you, my girlfriend isn't the petty type. "See?" Mia's face looked ugly for a second. She gave two perfunctory laughs. Only when she lowered her eyes did the darkness in them flash by. Liam didn't notice. He was just focused on taking the things from my hand. The next second. He suddenly noticed the diamond ring on my hand. His expression changed drastically. "Why are you touching other people's things without permission?" Before I could react. He coldly took the diamond ring off my finger. "Mia has been pestered by a senior recently, so she used the money she saved for a long time to buy these rings. "It's just to make others believe she has a boyfriend and that their relationship is very strong. "It's to fend off bad romances—" Liam's eyes were cold, seemingly forcing himself to stay calm and lowering his voice. "I know you are very anxious about the progress of our relationship. "But you can't just take other people's things as your own like this." I kept my head down. Looking at my somewhat red finger, I couldn't help my eyes tearing up. No wonder it was so hard to put on. I thought I had gained weight, turns out... Just as the atmosphere was tense. The male colleague who was supposed to transfer with me initiated a video call. On the other end, he smiled brilliantly and freely: "Only half a month left before we have to leave. "Hey Chloe, when are you coming back to hand over your work?" ... Clatter. The things in Liam's hands fell all over the floor. His eyes were deep, his voice hoarse: "Hand over your work? "Chloe, where are you going?"
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