Chapter 4

Back at my temporary place, I made a packet of instant ramen and settled down in front of my computer to continue organizing my contest entries.

Only when my eyes started to ache did I reluctantly close the laptop.

My phone suddenly pinged with a notification.

I opened it to find that Harper had posted on SnapChat.

[So glad to have you. You even made me hangover soup when I was drunk.]

The photo showed Liam in an apron, busy in the kitchen, looking incredibly cozy in the soft lighting.

So, Liam could cook for others.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh and commented: "Your boyfriend is so thoughtful. Wishing you two a happy ever after."

Then I completely blocked both him and Harper on SnapChat.

Soon after, a call came in from an unknown number. Liam's voice came through.

"Chloe, what was that comment about?"

"Do you have to make everyone miserable to be satisfied? Apologize to Harper right now, or you won't see me for days!"

I smiled faintly. "Don't worry, I won't bother you again."

Then I hung up.

In the days that followed, I focused entirely on my new photography project, already adapting to life without him.

It wasn't until the industry networking event that he reappeared before me.

At the entrance to the venue, Liam stood tall and handsome in a sharp suit.

He really was attractive. I remembered being struck by him the first time we met.

Back then, he'd also been at the studio looking for someone.

Thinking about it now, he was probably looking for Harper even then.

I scoffed, walked around him, and headed straight into the venue.

He paused, then quickly followed behind me.

"Chloe, how long are you planning to give me the silent treatment?"

His tone was slightly impatient. "You haven't been home for days, and you blocked me. What exactly do you want?"

Inside the venue, Harper and other colleagues cast curious, gossipy glances our way.

I swept my gaze over them, deciding to make things clear. "Liam, we've already broken up."

He looked at me in disbelief. "Are you serious? Just because fans are shipping me and Harper?"

A note of accusation crept into his voice. "Chloe, when did you become so arbitrary?"

"You know perfectly well those are just online jokes. Harper and I are just friends. Can you please stop making assumptions about our relationship?"

At his words, Harper's expression turned complex, and she looked at me with a hint of triumph.

But I didn't care anymore.

I smiled faintly. "You'll never realize what the problem is."

"Then tell me, what's my problem? Is it not that you're overly sensitive?" Liam stared directly at me.

I didn't respond. As the organizers and other guests arrived, I simply picked an empty seat.

Liam seemed to want to say more, but, with everyone else present, he had no choice but to leave, planning to confront me after the event.