Chapter 12
Having just unblocked her, Stephen saw all the messages Diana had sent him-
over 999 of them.
They were filled with apologies and memories, a barrage that made him feel helpless.
Stephen didn’t know what to say; a wave of complicated emotions washed over him, and his eyes drifted toward the corner.
There lay the expensive, high–end down jacket from Diana, worth thousands.
He hadn’t wanted to waste it, so it was the only gift he kept, though he’d never worn it.
He wanted to tell her that there was no chance for them anymore.
Just then, a voice on the line said,
“Time’s up.”
As the call disconnected, Stephen had just managed to say those words, unsure if she heard them or not.
The tea in his hand had gone cold.
And everything else was beyond return too.
Winter winds blew past the window, reaching all the way to Washington.
It was almost graduation season.
Diana had reluctantly returned to campus to take care of things.
As soon as she arrived, Wayne found her.
“Diana, I have great news!”
“My paper got published, and it’s gaining attention!”
Diana only responded calmly, “Hmm.”
She handed him a prepared tote bag. “These are the things you gave me. Take them back.”
Wayne froze, a flicker of panic crossing his face.
He’d heard that Diana had been gone for half a month, supposedly looking for Stephen.
And now this was happening.
Could it be…
“What’s this about? You can’t just return gifts like that.”
Ignoring his forced smile, Diana pushed the bag into his hands.
“Diana, did I do something wrong?”
Wayne quickly asked, “Tell me if there’s a problem, and I’ll fix it.”
Seeing Diana turn and walk away, he followed her.
“Diana, at least tell me why!”
At the word “why,” Diana couldn’t contain her anger. “You want a reason?”
“Because of your sneaky interference, I lost my boyfriend of twenty years. There’s your reason!”
Instead of being discouraged, Wayne seemed even more eager.
Stephen breaking up with her meant he had more of a chance, right?
She was just upset from the breakup–nothing more.
Wayne thought to himself that if he stepped in while she was vulnerable, he could make her depend on him.
This strategy had worked for him before.
So he immediately tried to console her.
“Diana, I know you’re feeling down lately,”
“But it’ll pass. Don’t be sad; I’ll be here for you.”
“How about we go see a movie? And then have dinner.”
But Diana only glanced at him.
“Don’t contact me again. Focus on what you need to do,”
Hearing this, Wayne was truly shaken.
1/2
Chapter 12
He realized now that she really had no interest in him; she’d always only wanted Stephen..
“No, don’t leave me.”
“You promised to take care of me, to treat me like a little brother!”
“What do you see in Stephen? Just tell me, and I’ll learn to be like him!”
Wayne clung to Diana’s hand desperately.
Annoyed, she shook him off.
X
At this point, she couldn’t believe a grown man would still expect her to “take care” of him.
He was nothing like Stephen.
“Let go right now, or I’ll report you for harassment.”
Diana had planned to end things quietly, considering Wayne had treated her well.
But his relentless clinginess stirred up a wave of disgust.
The more he clung, the more she thought of Stephen.
Eventually, Wayne let go, his tear–streaked face filled with frustration.
Clenching his teeth, an idea began to form in his mind.
