Chapter 4

Hearing Tiffany's words, Matthew stood up, looking at me with displeasure.

"Lily, mind the setting. Don't make a scene."

I sighed and shook my head. "I'm not making a scene. You two are being too sensitive."

My calmness surprised him. He snorted coldly. "You'd better really think that way."

He pulled Tiffany to sit down, comforting her in a low voice.

Chris couldn't help asking me, "You're just letting it go like this?"

I continued organizing documents, shrugging. "What else? In my heart, the relationship is already over."

At closing time, Matthew unusually came to my workstation.

"Let's go. I made a reservation at Moonlight Restaurant for seven-thirty."

His gaze swept over my bare neck and he suddenly froze, asking somewhat urgently, "Where's the necklace I gave you?"

"Put it away. Afraid of losing it."

He clearly relaxed, smiling. "You wore it every day before. Now you know to treasure it?"

I didn't answer, because Tiffany had already fluttered over like a butterfly, dangling car keys in her hand.

"Matthew, I brought your car up from the garage for you! It's downstairs."

Matthew was immediately drawn to her, nodding. "Wait for me in the car."

I watched Tiffany skip lightly toward his sports car, smoothly opening the passenger door and getting in.

In three years of dating, I'd never sat in that seat. He said it was reserved exclusively for his future wife.

At this moment, through the car window, Tiffany cast me a look mixing pity and provocation.

I calmly looked away, my heart a numb silence.

In the private room at Moonlight Restaurant, Matthew pulled out a chair for Tiffany.

Then the two of them huddled together discussing the menu, but no one asked my opinion.

After the main course, Tiffany suggested going to the terrace to see the night view.

I didn't want to follow, but Matthew forcibly brought me along.

Tiffany, wearing stiletto heels, walked beside me.

"Can you take a photo of Matthew and me?" She suddenly came over and grabbed my hand.

I was about to shake her off.

Just then, Tiffany let out a short cry and fell to the ground with a thud.

"Tiffany!" Matthew's face changed drastically. He rushed forward in one stride, holding her tightly in his arms, his voice carrying a panic I'd never heard before. "Are you okay? Where are you hurt?"

Tiffany leaned in his arms, her eyes instantly reddening. "I'm... I'm fine... I was careless, didn't stand steady... It's not Lily's fault. She might just... just not like me very much..."

"She's like this and you're still speaking for her!" Matthew suddenly looked up, his gaze like a blade stabbing at me. "Lily! I didn't think you could be so vicious! Pushing her? How could you do that!"

"I didn't push her." I stood there, my voice so calm it surprised even myself.

"Still lying?!" Matthew strode up to me.

His figure appeared especially tall in the night and lamplight, carrying an intimidating pressure.

I clearly saw the veins bulging at his temples.

"I was just standing here. She herself..."

"Enough!"

The sound of a loud slap cut off all my unspoken words.

A burning sting spread across my cheek, my ears ringing.

I turned my head, tasting a faint rusty flavor on my tongue.

"That slap was to pay you back on Tiffany's behalf." Matthew's voice was ice cold and piercing. "Apologize to her. Now. Immediately."

Tiffany's sobbing rose at just the right moment, full of helplessness and grievance.

I slowly turned my face back, looking directly at Matthew.

"Apologize?"

I stepped forward. Under Matthew's slightly stunned gaze, I picked up my purse that I'd left on the chair.

Then I said:

"I'm sorry for wasting your time watching such a boring show."

With that, without waiting for his reaction, I turned and left.

I walked straight to the waiting taxi by the roadside.

My phone vibrated in my bag. I didn't need to look to know who it was.

I got in the car, told the driver the airport location, then took out my phone.

Matthew's messages filled the screen:

"Where are you going? Come back and make things clear!"

"Tiffany sprained her wrist. I'm very disappointed."

"It's just a slap. You'll heal quickly. Don't throw a tantrum over such a small thing!"

"Answer the phone! Or don't expect me to marry you."

The last one said: "Fine. If you have the guts, don't come back!"

I replied expressionlessly.

"Okay."

By the time I was about to board, he sent another message.

"I have to take care of Tiffany tonight, so I won't come home. Take care of yourself at home."

I laughed coldly, already understanding everything.

"It's fine. You can even live at her place. I've already moved my luggage and left. We won't have any relationship from now on."

"Matthew, goodbye forever."

After sending him the last message, I immediately blocked and deleted him.