I stared at Lucas intently.
He was the one who’d introduced Nash to me years ago.
Back then, I’d just landed a major project. During the team celebration, I’d gotten tipsy and gazed dreamily at the young people dancing.
“Look at them–so full of life! I’ve only been in the corporate grind for three years, but I feel like I’ve aged a decade.
No excitement left.”
Lucas, then an intern on our team, overheard me and promptly brought his friend over.
“Why not give him a try? He’s young, energetic, and hasn’t dated anyone yet.”
Nash had been awkwardly pushed in front of me. I’d looked at him with an amused smile, tilting his chin up with my finger. Nash had actually blushed.
That was who he was then–shy and easily flustered. He’d called me “sis” so sweetly that I was the one caught off
guard.
But now Lucas was basically telling me ‘boys will be boys,‘ suggesting our breakup was a pity and we should start over. I couldn’t figure out whose side he was really on.
Lucas hesitated before speaking. “Harlow, that’s not what I meant. Nash just made a stupid mistake. He’s too embarrassed to approach you himself, so…”
“Lucas, we work at the same company. You know me well enough. Nash and I can’t go back. I can’t tolerate betrayal. He messed up–why should I suffer for it?”
Lucas opened his mouth, while the other friends had varying expressions..
“But you’re not getting any younger. If you pass on Nash, who else will you end up with?”
“Harlow, think about it. Don’t you think that girl resembles you? He still loves you–she’s just a substitute.”
They didn’t need to continue and I knew what they were implying–he made the mistake all men make, they believed this was a forgivable mistake.
I stood up, blocked all their numbers right in front of them, and said, “No need to stay in touch.”
They were all Nash’s friends, around his age. Naturally, they wouldn’t understand my perspective,
I left without eating and found myself wandering to the street food market where Nash and I used to go.
15:18
Nine Years Wasted–Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
38.39
Chapter 7
More accurately, where we went while dating–after marriage, we never returned.
I ordered two beers and a plate of skewers, eating alone while mocking myself. As I sat there, a group of college guys approached.
“Mind if we join you?” one asked.
I turned to see a handsome, clean–cut face. He wore a basketball jersey and was drenched in sweat, yet somehow looked refreshingly vibrant.
I smiled and patted the bench beside me. “Come sit with me.”
However, my tongue slipped, and it sounded like I’d invited him to sit on my lap. He immediately blushed.
With blurry vision, I thought fleetingly how much he resembled Nash from years ago.
That night, I drank with these college boys at that roadside stall, sharing stories and laughter.
I don’t remember how I got home. All I know is that when I woke up the next morning, I was in my apartment–with a young guy sleeping next to me.
I immediately held my head in my hands, but felt relieved when I saw we were both fully clothed.
While I despised Nash’s infidelity, I wasn’t looking to jump into another relationship so quickly.
My movement woke him. When he saw me, his face turned bright red as he quickly sat up.
“I… I swear nothing happened! You told me your address, and I brought you home. But it got too late, and I fell asleep.”
15:18
