Chapter 3
“Oh, by the way, Diana specifically asked me to tell you that,” Wayne’s smug tone carried through the phone, and Stephen found it almost laughable.
Just two sentences from him made it clear how much Diana usually spoiled this so–called junior, giving him the confidence to act so arrogant.
But Stephen had already decided to leave, and he didn’t care about Diana’s affairs anymore.
“No need to bother. I never said I’d deliver it.”
“Let her come get it herself. I’m busy.”
With that, he ended the call and continued packing for his trip abroad.
In less than half an hour, Diana stormed through the door, a hint of anger on her face.
“Didn’t I say I needed to help Wayne with his studies? You couldn’t even deliver something for him, but you have time to pack?”
“If this messes up his future, how are you going to make it up to him?!”
Hearing that, Stephen didn’t even bother to question her.
He decided to think of everything he had done for her as wasted on someone who didn’t appreciate it.
Diana seemed to realize she’d crossed a line and quickly muttered a half–hearted apology before going to the study to grab the textbook.
But before leaving, she noticed something strange.
“Why are you packing? Are you going on a business trip?”
“Throwing everything away. I don’t want it anymore,” Stephen replied, his face expressionless.
Diana seemed like she wanted to say something but ultimately left in a hurry, closing the door behind her.
After discarding the last photograph, Stephen booked his ticket to Europe.
He looked at the confirmation screen, taking a deep breath of relief.
Just one more week, and he could leave for good, disappearing from Diana’s life.
Two days passed. Stephen had nearly completed his work handover and was about to contact the aerospace base in Germany.
Diana hadn’t come home the previous night, claiming that Wayne’s paper was on a tight deadline and that she’d be staying at school all week. Stephen didn’t question it.
Knock, knock, knock!
A knock on the door broke the silence. Opening it, Stephen saw his friend Benjamin standing there.
Stephen had told him about his plans just yesterday, and now Benjamin had rushed over.
“You finally came to your senses, huh? I can’t believe everything you went through for her,” Benjamin said loudly. “You gave up an opportunity because of Diana before, but you can’t miss this one.”
Stephen exhaled deeply as he continued typing on his laptop. “I won’t change my mind this time.”
“Good.”
Benjamin offered him a cigarette, surprised when Stephen took it without hesitation.
This brand was the one Stephen had smoked since middle school. Every time they confided in each other, they’d light one up. But after Diana insisted he quit, he hadn’t touched one since.
Sensing something, Benjamin softened his tone.
“So… did you tell her about this?”
“No need.”
Benjamin glanced at the bag full of souvenirs and photos, hesitating for a second before realizing what Stephen wasn’t saying.
He finally understood how much his friend had endured all these years.
“We’ve been best friends since grade school, and I’ve seen you and Diana go through everything together.”
“To be honest, you’re a good guy. She doesn’t deserve you.”
“On your last day, I’ll gather everyone for a farewell party.”
“Alright.”
Stephen stayed silent, just quietly blowing smoke.
He had grown up in poverty, his mother remarried, and his father passed away, so he’d always longed for a stable family.
Looking around the house, he could still remember when they’d first moved in, lying on the sofa with Diana and imagining their future together.
1/2
Chapter 3
Noticing his friend’s sadness, Benjamin quickly changed the subject.
“Look at your packing! Europe’s freezing; you won’t survive with just this.”
“Come on, let’s go buy some essentials.”
They bought plenty of items along the way.
But while shopping for a winter coat, they unexpectedly ran into Diana.
She was holding hands with Wayne, carefully helping him choose a down jacket, zipping it up for him, looking every bit like a woman deeply in love.
