Chapter 2

Lena and I were college classmates. We went from campus sweethearts to where we are now, the model couple in everyone's eyes.

For her sake, I fought with my parents and stayed in this city. When she wanted to start a company, I emptied my pockets and worked hard with her to build the business from scratch.

When she saw me vomiting uncontrollably after drinking too much at business dinners, she would hold me preciously, tears welling up in her eyes out of distress.

"Evan, you've worked so hard. When we make it big, I'll never let you push yourself like this again," she would gently comfort me, wiping the sweat from my brow.

"Then we'll get married, have the wedding at the best hotel, the most luxurious ceremony."

"I'll make everyone envy you."

Those words still rang in my ears, but the person before me was no longer the same. When she looked at me now, there was only disgust in her eyes.

"I've already explained everything clearly. Stop being difficult," Lena said impatiently, reaching out to pull me.

"No matter what, you were wrong to hit someone. Come with me now to apologize to Dylan."

Before I could break free, her phone rang.

After answering, her expression instantly changed. She shot me a vicious glare.

"Dylan is still coughing up blood from your beating. You'd better pray he's okay, or I won't let you off easy!"

After Lena left, I stared at the door that could no longer be closed and thought for an entire night.

As dawn approached, I finally went inside to pack my bags.

Something already broken can never be restored to its original state, no matter how much you try to fix it.

I had always thought about what I could do to keep her, but I forgot that someone who doesn't love you won't stay no matter what.

Taking one last look at the room I had lived in for years, no matter how reluctant and nostalgic I felt, I had to let go.

It no longer belonged to me.

Voices of laughter came from outside. When I opened the bedroom door, I was stunned by the scene before me.

Lena was helping Dylan sit down, her face full of concern and distress. But the moment she looked up and saw me, her expression instantly turned cold.

"You slept well, didn't you?"

"Dylan couldn't sleep all night because of you. I was so worried I didn't sleep either. How dare you sleep?"

Dylan patted her back soothingly. The atmosphere between them was so intimate, it seemed no third person could intrude.

It made me, the real boyfriend, feel like the shameful mistress.

My heart trembled with pain, and even my newly operated stomach began to ache faintly.

Dylan took Lena's hand, smiling magnanimously.

"Lena, don't blame Evan. He only hit me because he loves you too much."

Before I could say anything, Lena couldn't sit still.

"You don't need to speak up for him. I know him too well. He's just a born bad seed, jealous and selfish, who can't stand seeing me be good to anyone else."

Lena completely ignored the pain in my eyes and continued righteously: "Dylan is in this state because of you. I brought him home to help you atone for your sins."

Saying this, her expression turned haughty, speaking as if granting me a favor.

"These next few days, you'll personally take care of Dylan. Once he recovers, I might forgive you."

"If you don't agree, hmph, we'll break up."

Her arrogant demeanor suggested she was certain I would give in.

In the past, I would have already lowered myself to appease her.

Because I loved her and couldn't bear to see her suffer even a little bit of grievance.

But all of my compromises and concessions had become leverage for her to manipulate me in her eyes.

"Fine, then let's break up."

Time seemed to freeze. Lena's smug expression instantly cracked, her whole being filled with disbelief.

It took her a long time to react, pointing at me with trembling fingers.

"What did you say?"

Over the years, we had our quarrels and conflicts, but as long as she mentioned breaking up, no matter how angry I was, I would immediately calm down and beg her not to leave me.

But today, this usually foolproof tactic wasn't working.

Lena felt like she was losing control of something. Her eyes trembled fiercely.

No longer wanting to argue with her, I picked up my suitcase and strode out.

In the room, Lena stood frozen. When she came to her senses and wanted to chase after me, Dylan stopped her.

"You don't need to go after him. He'll naturally come back in a few days."

"He's just doing this on purpose to get your attention. I'm a man too, I understand."

Seeing her still wavering, Dylan immediately put on a pitiful expression. "I'm still feeling unwell. Can you stay and keep me company?"

With those words, he successfully kept Lena from leaving.