Chapter 2

Within a couple of days, the gossip started flying around our social circle.

Scarlett was seeing a sophomore college guy.

Maybe he was sheltered, but faced with money and vanity, the guy fell for it in no time.

At a friend's gathering, Scarlett showed up with him.

The moment they walked in, everyone went quiet.

A few of my closer friends looked at me with concern.

I smiled. "Why’s everyone so quiet? What are you looking at me for?"

Scarlett wrapped an arm around the guy and sat down, then finally looked at me directly: "Alex, today’s a good chance, so I’ll just lay it all out."

"Okay, go ahead."

"These years of breaking up and getting back together have been meaningless. The feelings faded long ago."

I clenched my hand tightly, the ring hidden in my palm digging deep into my skin.

But I couldn't feel the pain.

"You’re not as young as him, and not as cheerful. I truly like him."

Scarlett held the guy’s hand, her eyes full of affection.

I nodded lightly: "Okay, I get it."

"We can still be friends in the future. If you need anything, you can always find me."

"No thanks."

I chuckled softly and stood up: "Since we’ve broken up, let’s make it a clean break. Save people from getting the wrong idea."

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, surprised, then after a moment, said: "Fair enough."

"Then you guys can hang out. I’ll head back."

"Want me to walk you out?"

"No need, I’ll just take a taxi."

As I walked out of the room and closed the door, I heard someone ask,

"How long do you think Alex will last this time?"

"Two days?"

"He seems genuinely angry this time. I’ll bet five days."

Scarlett glanced at the door, which wasn't fully closed, and smiled dismissively:

"Alex will definitely come back like a dog in less than three days."

"Hasn’t it always been like this for years?"

The people inside chimed in: "True, how could Alex leave you? Everyone knows he loves you like crazy…"

I gave a self-deprecating laugh and hurried towards the elevator.