Chapter 7

The day my study abroad approval came through, Julian sent me a message, saying he wanted to celebrate.

"Just as a farewell among friends," he said on the phone. "I know a good Cantonese restaurant."

I hesitated, thinking of his help, and finally agreed.

"Okay, thank you."

Julian chose a window seat. When I arrived, he stood up and pulled out a chair for me.

"Congratulations." He handed me an exquisite gift box. "Just a small gift."

Inside the box was a fountain pen, with my name and "Future full of promise" engraved on it.

I was about to say something when a commotion erupted behind me.

"Liam, I've wanted to try this place for ages!" A familiar voice pierced my ears. "I heard their roasted goose is incredibly authentic!"

I froze, knowing without turning who it was.

Julian subtly noticed my reaction.

His gaze went over my shoulder, and his brow furrowed.

"Want to change places?" he asked quietly.

Before I could answer, footsteps approached.

"Audrey," Liam's voice was filled with disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

I took a deep breath and turned around.

Liam stood a few steps away, Chloe by his side, followed by a few of his buddies.

They looked like they'd just come from a gathering, Liam's face flushed with a slight tipsy glow.

"Eating," I replied curtly.

Liam's gaze darted between me and Julian, finally settling on the fountain pen.

His expression slowly darkened.

"You already found your rebound, huh?" he sneered. "No wonder you were so eager to break up."

I felt a wave of dizziness, my fingers unconsciously clutching the napkin.

"Liam," Julian suddenly spoke. "Watch your tone."

"What's it to you?" Liam's voice rose sharply. "My girlfriend and I's business is none of your concern!"

"Ex-girlfriend," I corrected him, my voice surprisingly calm. "We've already broken up."

Chloe suddenly cut in, her gaze at me challenging.

"Liam, don't be like that. Audrey... I mean, Ms. Su, is free to eat with whoever she wants."

Liam pushed Chloe's hand away and strode up to me. "Just because I didn't answer your call? Just because Chloe stayed at my place? You were that desperate to hook up with Julian? He had a crush on you in college, did you think I didn't know?"

I looked at his distorted face, suddenly feeling utterly alien.

This was the man I'd loved for seven years.

"Slap!"

A crisp slap echoed through the restaurant.

Liam's head was turned, a red mark quickly appearing on his face.

"That slap," my voice trembled but was exceptionally clear, "is for slandering me and Julian. When you were all over Chloe, how come you didn't see anything wrong with that?"

Chloe shrieked and rushed forward. "How dare you hit Liam!"

She reached out to push me, but Julian swiftly blocked her.

"Get lost!" I slapped Chloe back. "That slap is for constantly trying to drive a wedge between us."

Chloe clutched her face, staring at me in disbelief.

Liam finally reacted, pulling Chloe behind him.

"Audrey, are you crazy?" he roared. "What's gotten into you?"

"What's gotten into me?" I laughed, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. "Liam, think about it. Who pushed me to this point? It was you, choosing Chloe again and again. It was you, trampling on my boundaries again and again!"

The restaurant manager hurried over. Julian whispered a few words to him.

The manager nodded, then turned to Liam and his group. "Guests, please leave."

Liam's buddies exchanged glances. One of them murmured, "Liam, maybe we should just go..."

Liam flung away the hand trying to pull him, staring fixedly at me.

"Fine, whatever. Audrey, you want to break up and be with Julian? Forget about it!"

He turned and stormed out.

Chloe scurried after him, not forgetting to shoot me a venomous glare over her shoulder.

The restaurant fell silent, all eyes on us.

My legs suddenly felt weak, and I almost collapsed. Julian quickly caught me and led me back to our table.

"Drink some water," he offered a glass of warm water.

"Do you need to go to the hospital?"

I shook my head, cupping the water glass with trembling hands.

"I'm sorry, I ruined your celebration." I forced a smile.

Julian shook his head. "It's not your fault.

" He hesitated, then asked, "Are you canceling your study abroad plans?"

"No." I wiped away my tears. "I'm definitely going."