Chapter 2

It was late at night when Evelyn called again. I was still practicing.

I glanced at the phone on the desk, hit the mute button, and ignored it.

Then came a barrage of texts:

"Why aren’t you home yet?"

"Where have you been?"

"The flowers I picked for you are wilting. Where are you? Didn’t you say you liked flowers from me?"

Do I need flowers given out of guilt?

I turned off the screen, a bitter smile tugging at my lips.

She was always like this—giving a slap followed by a sweet treat.

I used to love her so much that I didn’t see a problem with it. I even convinced myself it meant she cared about me.

But now, I’ve woken up. I see through her.

It was time to leave.

No one is irreplaceable. Neither her nor me.

...

That night, I stayed up training and then slept through the next afternoon.

When I finally made it to the computer room, Evelyn was sitting in my chair, lost in thought.

I wasn’t surprised she’d found me.

Where else could I go besides the dorm?

Hearing my footsteps, she turned and saw me.

"Where were you last night? I called and messaged you! I thought something happened to you!"

Clearing my throat, I replied flatly, "I slept early."

She looked stunned and frowned in confusion.

"What’s with you today? You’re acting all weird."

True. The old me would’ve been thrilled to see her showing up here, eager to unload all my recent frustrations onto her.

Now, there was only silence.

Naturally, she found it strange.

She also seemed to forget I had already broken up with her yesterday—or how she had humiliated me in public.

Before I could say anything, she spoke again.

"Today’s Damian’s three-year anniversary with the team. He’s hosting a dinner. Let’s go together."

I wanted to make up an excuse to decline. But as teammates, my absence might create unnecessary trouble.

Besides, I needed to tell everyone we had broken up.

I nodded indifferently, got dressed, and followed her to the hotel.

When we arrived, I realized the event wasn’t just for Damian’s friends.

It was practically a fan meetup.

Before I even entered, the commotion from the Bellwood Grand Hall was deafening.

I glanced toward Evelyn, but she had disappeared into the crowd.

"Looking for Evelyn? I’ll take you to her," came Scarlett Monroe’s voice, appearing out of nowhere.

She led me upstairs to a private suite, where I could see the stage below.

Evelyn appeared, pushing a giant cake while holding a string of pink and white balloons. It was Damian’s surprise gift.

The fans screamed wildly, chanting for them to "get married now" and calling Evelyn "sister-in-law."

Scarlett raised her eyebrows at me and gestured toward the stage.

"Don’t you think they look perfect together?"

I swallowed hard, bitterness rising in my throat.

They did. They really did.