Chapter 2

Back in my shared apartment, I packed my luggage.

"Audrey, are you moving in with your boyfriend already?" Mia, my roommate, came out of her room, hearing the commotion. "Ugh, you're really not renewing the lease? Wish you two all the happiness!"

I had a moment of disorientation.

It was true, Liam and I were the poster couple of our university, and I'd told Mia I'd move in with him once my lease was up.

Everyone thought we'd tie the knot.

The thought made my hands pause.

I offered an explanation. "No, we broke up."

Mia blinked.

"What? But you and Liam were the poster couple of our university. What happened?"

"I just fell out of love," I replied succinctly.

Mia looked confused.

"That doesn't make sense. Liam's handsome, and he was so good to you. He went out of his way to remember everything you liked, he took you to concerts and art exhibitions, practically anything you asked for. One time you got your period and I wasn't there, he came rushing over in the pouring rain at like, 3 AM, just to take care of you... He was just asking me if you'd liked anything recently. How could you suddenly fall out of love?"

How could I suddenly fall out of love?

Perhaps she was talking about the Liam of the past.

The boy who held me in his palm, who shielded me from everything.

Not the boyfriend who would now accuse me of being aggressive, all because of a 'best friend.'

It was that simple.

I forced a bitter laugh. "Maybe... it's just because he didn't pick up my call this morning."

Seeing that I didn't want to elaborate, Mia sighed and didn't press further.

A while later, she shook her phone, asking cautiously,

"Is it because of Chloe?"

She opened Ins. It was a new post from Chloe, a grid of nine photos of her and Liam playing games.

The center photo was them, heads practically touching, Chloe's head almost on Liam's shoulder.

They were both holding controllers, laughing like crazy.

The other photos were all screenshots of their high scores, their names topping the server leaderboards. Clearly, they'd been playing well.

The comments section was filled with Liam's buddies' praise:

"Damn, Chloe, you're a beast! That clear speed is insane!"

"Only Liam can actually keep up with Chloe's skill. I still haven't even beaten the first boss. Chloe, when are you gonna 'carry' me? Or get Liam to 'carry' me, that works too!"

"Is it just me, or do Chloe and Liam both look amazing? Talk about a power couple!"

Anyone who didn't know would think Chloe and Liam were the couple who'd been together for seven years and were about to get engaged.

I finished packing my suitcase.

Before I could say anything, Mia looked at the comments and started ranting,

"No, seriously, is Liam completely clueless? How can he not realize how suggestive these photos she's posting are? And his 'bros'? It's obvious they're rooting for him and Chloe! Where do you even fit in?"

"The gaming console they're playing on was my birthday gift to Liam,"

I added calmly.

"And the night before last, he just promised me he wouldn't cross any lines."

"I get it."

Mia looked at me with concern, then gently hugged me.

"Audrey, we don't need a guy like that. We just don't. But your lease is up, where are you going to live now?"

"I'll crash at my aunt's place for a bit. It works out, I can quit my job and go overseas for advanced studies."

I looked at Mia, smiling.

"Don't worry about me. With my qualifications, I can get any job I want."

Mia sighed.

"You're right. I mean, you only joined this company because Liam was involved. We all thought you'd keep going with your studies, everyone knows how brilliant you are in research. But promise me you'll take good care of yourself. Call me if you need anything, your ride-or-die always has your back."

"I will!" I nodded.

Just then, Liam sent me a SnapChat message:

"Baby, are you feeling better? I ordered you fried chicken and bubble tea. Please don't be mad at me, okay? [puppy eyes emoji]"

I stared at that message for a long time, then blocked and deleted all his contact information.