Chapter 3

After a quick greeting with my aunt and dropping off my luggage, I took a cab back to the university.

I was there to pick up my official English and Chinese transcripts, and to say goodbye.

I walked along the newly renovated track, listening to the cheerful laughter of the younger students around me, when I ran straight into the last people I wanted to see.

Liam and Chloe.

Chloe was intimately linked arm-in-arm with Liam.

The moment she saw me, a bright smile spread across her face. "Audrey, you're here too?"

Liam hurried over.

"Why are you back at school? I was just about to call you. The delivery guy told me you didn't pick up your stuff?"

I gave him a cold glance, my eyes lingering on Chloe's arm linked with his.

Liam finally registered it, awkwardly pulling his arm away.

"Chloe said she wanted to see my alma mater, so I brought her for a walk."

"Yep, I always regretted not seeing Liam's university,"

Chloe chirped, sidling closer

. "Liam and I are total bros. We've been like this for years, it's just how we are. You don't mind, do you, Audrey?"

I was so disgusted, I turned to leave.

But Liam grabbed me, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance,

"Audrey, are you still mad? I know you won't calm down that quickly. I bought you your favorite bag. Please don't be mad, forgive me, okay? I promise I'll never miss your call again!"

He pulled out an exquisite gift box from his backpack.

It was a designer bag from a luxury brand, the latest model—exactly the one I'd mentioned liking on Ins a while back.

Memories flooded back.

Liam in college was always like this. He would remember every casual preference I mentioned, and he'd especially keep track of my period. Every time he made me angry, he'd send me essay-long apologies, coaxing me until late into the night.

He was also generous, buying me flowers and gifts.

I often overslept and missed breakfast, so he'd wake up early to bring me food, saying he needed to take care of my stomach.

When I was down and stayed up late, he'd chat with me, keeping me company.

When I asked if he shouldn't be telling me to sleep, he'd say my feelings came first.

His thoughtfulness and tenderness had completely captivated me.

And that's why, time and again, I softened after Chloe appeared.

Chloe suddenly chimed in,

"Liam put so much effort into this bag! We went to so many stores!" She patted Liam's shoulder proudly. "In the end, I was the one who helped him pick this color. It really suits Audrey, doesn't it?"

I snapped my head up. "You picked it?"

Liam smiled and nodded. "Yeah, Chloe always has great taste."

Chloe looped her arm around Liam's neck.

"Well, duh! What do you expect? My taste is legendary!"

Liam naturally put his arm around her waist, both of them laughing without a care in the world.

The sight felt like a needle twisting in my gut.

"Liam." My voice began to tremble. "Do you remember what you said on our first date?"

He paused. "What?"

"You said, 'Audrey's gifts have to be picked out by me, and only me, because I'm the only one who truly knows what she loves.'" I hurled the gift box at him. "And now?"

The packaging scattered on the ground, revealing the exquisite bag inside.

"I..."

Chloe's face changed

. "Audrey, what's that supposed to mean? I was trying to help, and I messed up?"

"Shut up!" I cut her off.

"I'm talking to Liam. It's not your place to interrupt!"

Liam frowned.

"Audrey, don't be like this. Chloe's my best friend. Give her some respect."

"Best friend?"

I scoffed.

"Since Chloe came back, how many times has she tracked you down using the excuse of 'it's been ages'? Last time we were on a date, you left me alone in the restaurant after she called. This time, you let her stay over at your place again. I'll say it again: if you two get married, don't send me an invitation. I'd rather not deal with that."

People around us had already stopped to stare.

"Last time, I pulled some serious strings to get front-row tickets to Liam's favorite esports tournament, and our other buddies were there too!"

Chloe pouted, arguing back.

"Liam, I even told you to buy flowers then! Didn't you say it was all sorted?"

"The flowers then... were also chosen by you?" I trembled all over.

That night, I threw a huge fit. It was the first time I'd questioned my feelings for him so deeply.

But Liam came back, apologized profusely, and brought a huge bouquet of fresh flowers, coaxing me until the middle of the night.

I also knew that his favorite player was in that tournament, so I forgave him.

"What else?" Chloe said smugly.

"Do you really think Liam, Mr. Oblivious, would have figured that out? Audrey, since I came back, all your gifts? I helped Liam pick them out."

I stared at Liam in disbelief.

"I saw that you really liked what Chloe picked, so I didn't interfere,"

Liam awkwardly turned his head away, reaching out to grab my hand.

"Audrey, let's find somewhere to talk properly. There are too many people here."

"No need." I slapped his hand away, taking a deep breath. "Liam, you disgust me!"

The early winter wind stung my face, but I felt no cold, only kept walking forward.

Liam didn't follow.