Chapter 2

The next day was the annual family gathering.

Vivian Sterling and I were supposed to reveal our relationship to everyone today.

After we started dating, it was her idea to keep it from family.

“Our situation is a bit unique. If my sister found out I tricked a boy nearly her son’s age into being my boyfriend, she’d never approve.”

I believed her, so I willingly waited for myself to get older before going public with those we both knew.

Half a month ago, I hugged her, playfully asking,

“My career is stable now, and you’re a CEO. Can we go public on our three-year anniversary?”

She agreed without a second thought.

Then… the company projects suddenly piled up.

Forget meeting for dinner; I’d message her two days ago, and she’d only remember to reply today.

I spent a sleepless night. The next day, with dark circles under my eyes, I stared at the surprise gifts I’d prepared for her in my closet.

All sorts of little things she loved.

I wanted to offer myself as a gift to her.

But now, it seemed, there was no need.

I slammed the closet door shut.

My phone rang loudly. It was Vivian Sterling.

The moment I answered, she directly asked, “The Sterling family dinner is tonight. Are you coming?”

I clutched my phone, letting out a soft laugh as I countered, “Do you want me to?”

Vivian Sterling was silent for a moment on the other end, then sighed.

“Leo, it’s just a family gathering, after all.”

“Since you’re Sam’s friend, you’re practically a junior in the family. Why don’t you just come and join us?”

Three years of devotion, only to be called a "junior."

I wasn’t an idiot. She just wanted to use the gathering as an excuse to lay it all out for me.

That Vivian Sterling and I could only be elder and junior.

Or, perhaps, we had never truly crossed that boundary.

I suddenly understood the depth of her intention in never making our relationship public.

An unknown relationship could be ended so easily.

Just like now, without even a formal breakup.

How pathetic, truly pathetic.

I curled my lips. “Sure, I’ll be there.”

Vivian Sterling unhappily said, “I’ll be bringing Adam Cole with me…”

“Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you two.”

Vivian Sterling hung up quickly, as if shedding a huge burden.

I didn't understand why she was so loving yesterday, but today she was avoiding me like the plague.

I changed into my sharpest suit and left the house.

The Sterling family dinner was held at the city’s most exclusive hotel, with many business elites invited.

I didn’t know any of them. Vivian Sterling had once told me I didn’t need to meet these people.

But towards Adam Cole, they were utterly respectful, calling him “the CEO’s right-hand man” and fearing even the slightest disrespect.

The Sterling elders all sighed, saying that Vivian Sterling had searched far and wide, only to return to Adam Cole’s side after all.

Apparently, they had been the 'it couple' in high school.

It was just that Vivian Sterling had no standing in the family back then, and Adam Cole believed they had no future, so he left the city.

It wasn’t until Adam Cole returned and became Vivian Sterling’s right-hand man that their old flame rekindled at work.

Amidst everyone’s flattery, Adam Cole raised his glass to acknowledge them.

Vivian Sterling walked directly to him, clinked glasses, and drank it all down.

The cheers in the room nearly blew off the roof.

I just watched silently. In this setting, no one would notice me.

I suddenly felt I had come to humiliate myself.

Vivian Sterling knew my personality: gentle, obedient, always thinking of others, never one to cause a scene or embarrass her in public.

Of course, I wouldn’t. Even if I rushed onto the stage and told everyone I’d had a three-year secret affair with Vivian Sterling, only I would be the one to look foolish.

But since I was here, it would be a shame not to drink my fill of the fine wine at the banquet.

Eventually, Sam helped me, stumbling and drunk, to the entrance, telling me to stay put while he went to get the car.

As soon as he left, I staggered off in the opposite direction.

On this holiday night, couples on the streets embraced, whispering sweet nothings.

I just wanted to find a corner, cry my heart out, and then sleep for days.

Suddenly, the aroma of grilled meat wafted over.

Under the dim yellow lights, the BBQ joint was bustling. This place was famous for its spice, and I hadn’t been here in three whole years.

As if possessed, I walked inside.