Chapter 2

Before I saw Celine's post, I was still desperately trying to make excuses for her, to give her another chance.

But the picture made all my efforts feel like a sick joke.

The crystal chandelier, the soft light, the blissful smile on her face.

The necklace she was wearing was the cheapest one in her jewelry box, but it was the one she took the best care of.

I remember joking with her once, "That thing doesn't suit you at all. You should just toss it and get a new one."

She had smiled and said okay. I never saw her wear it again.

But there it was, sparkling on her neck. And in the reflection of the glass next to her, I could see the silhouette of a man.

There was only one person she would wear that necklace for.

Her first love, the one she'd been hung up on for years, Hayden.

A wave of disappointment washed over me. My heart ached, and my eyes started to burn.

Just this morning, she had promised me she wouldn't be late.

Why today of all days? I had tried so hard to make this relationship work.

My dad shot me a look, saying nothing.

My mom just shook her head, her voice laced with disapproval. "I told you, a woman like that is bad news. But you were so obsessed with her. Now look at you, all heartbroken."

"If you had just listened to me, you would have married Tori. It would have been perfect."

"Our families are on the same level, and that girl has been in love with you since you were kids. If you were with her, I would have no objections!"

I was silent for a moment, then I looked up. "Okay."

"I can't believe you didn't listen to me..."

"What?! What did you say?!"

My mom stared at me, her eyes wide with disbelief.

I turned to her, my voice calm. "I said okay, Mom. I'll marry Tori."

The complaints died in her throat, replaced by a radiant smile.

Even my dad paused, his chopsticks hovering in mid-air.

"If only you'd come to your senses sooner! Wasting all your time on that one woman!"

Wasting my time. She was right.

When I met Celine, it was like I was under a spell. She was all I could see.

The year I fell for her the hardest, I even bought breakfast for Hayden, the man she was in love with.

My friends all thought I was a joke. "Leo," they'd say, "don't tell people you know us. It's embarrassing to have a simp like you in our circle."

I just laughed at myself and sighed. It was time to let go.

I had tried, but when things don't work out, you have to move on, right? Why cling to something that's already gone?

I picked at the food, which had been reheated so many times it had lost all its flavor.

I said a quick goodbye to my parents and left.

"Leo, are you sure about this?" my mom called after me, a hint of concern in her voice.

I nodded, and they left, satisfied.

I had to go back to the apartment.

I had lived there for three years. Now, I had to pack up my things and say goodbye to the man I used to be.