Chapter 4
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Rising to my feet, I bowed and walked straight out the door.
Behind me, Elias’s parents began questioning him about the situation. Still, he remained silent, only breaking his silence when he shouted, “You just believe whatever she says?”
He pressed on, “There’s nothing going on with Valeria. She’s just being paranoid and blowing things out of proportion. Why do you always side with Elsie? Who’s your real child here?”
Even now, he remained blind to his own faults. Instead, he thought I was the one clinging on, refusing to let go.
What else was there to discuss? It was time to say our goodbyes.
After all, he was a man I had cherished for ten long years, and my heart couldn’t help but bear some scars from that love.
When my best friend Atticus Campbell invited me out for drinks, I agreed without
hesitation.
Elias loathed the scent of alcohol and smoke, which meant I had refrained from drinking for years despite my fondness for it.
But Valeria indulged in both without a care, and he didn’t seem to mind at all.
The reality was that he had never loved me, and he had never made the effort to tolerate or
accommodate me.
Atticus watched me drink with a gloomy expression, unable to suppress his concern.. “Didn’t you mention that your boyfriend’s first love returned to the country? Is she the reason behind your drinking tonight?”
I nodded, and he pressed on, “Did you cancel the engagement announcement on social media because of this so–called first love?”
I nodded again, frustratedly prompting Atticus to tighten his grip on his glass. “That woman is shameless! She vanished for ten years, only to return just as you were about to get engaged!”
His anger surged as he continued, “And Elias is no better! He’s walked all over your dignity time and time again, and you let it happen. Now, at the first sign of her return, he ran off and cheated. It’s utterly pathetic!”
A bitter smile crept onto my lips as I reflected on my situation. “Now, I just feel like I’ve been foolish beyond belief.”
Atticus sighed deeply, a mix of sympathy and resolve in his voice. “Forget it. Better to discover their true colors sooner than later and make an exit before it’s too late. Seeing them for who they really are has saved you in the long run.”
He paused before shifting the topic. “Love life aside, your career is taking off. The mentor who admired you before has returned to the country and asked me to arrange a meeting with you. Are you free?”
Chapter 4
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with you. Are you free?”
Five years ago, that same mentor had invited me to study abroad with him, an opportunity I had turned down for Elias.
He had insisted he couldn’t handle a long–distance relationship, even threatening to break up if I chose to go.
Reflecting on it now, I realized I should have recognized his true nature then.
He only cared about his own happiness, showing little regard for my future; how could a man like that truly love me?
I nodded without a moment’s hesitation. “Of course, I’ll meet him.”
Atticus looked taken aback at first, his expression shifting to one of concern. “You gave up your dreams for Elias before. I’m just worried you’ll miss another opportunity for him this time.”
He continued, “The mentor will likely ask you to go abroad. If Elias returns seeking reconciliation, you won’t actually consider it, will you?”
I met his gaze with unwavering resolve. “There’s no chance of that. Don’t worry, from now on, I’m focusing solely on myself.”
I was determined that no one would ever influence my choices again. I refused to let anyone or anything hold me back.
After meeting with the mentor, we delved into plans and aspirations, and I confidently presented a piece of work that I was truly proud of.
He praised me endlessly, affirming that I remained as talented as ever.
With newfound resolve, I accepted his invitation to study abroad, setting my sights firmly on the future.
In the months that followed, thoughts of Elias never crossed my mind, not once. That was until I unexpectedly crossed paths with him again at a sculpture exhibition in Berlin.