The next night at 11 PM, my phone rang–it was Kieran.
I was in the living room chatting with my parents and didn’t see it.
An hour later, he called again.
turned off the screen, powered down my phone, and went to sleep. I slept until noon the next day.
When I turned my phone back on, I was shocked to see over a dozen missed calls.
Something made me check Instagram, I saw that the usually cold Kieran had sent several messages in a row:
What’s with the keys and note?]
I just forgot your birthday–big deal? Not answering calls or texts, playing hard to get much?]
Chloe, you have one hour to get your ass back here, or don’t bother coming back ever.]
The last message was sent three hours ago.
let out a deep breath and deleted Kieran’s contact.
Someone knocked on my door. After I said it was okay, Mom came in with a glass of milk.
Sweetie, you have stomach problems. Drink this while it’s warm.”
ast night when I showed up with my suitcase, my parents didn’t ask any questions–just took care of me like always.
hugged Mom’s arm, my nose getting stuffy as I said:
Mom, I found this apartment. It’s small, but it’s enough to keep me safe and warm.”
fom smiled brightly. “Then buy it. How much more do you need? I’ll cover the difference.”
ven though I smiled and shook my head, saying I had enough money, Mom still transferred me $200,000.
id girls need their own place and savings to have real confidence.
mmediately scheduled to sign the contract next Monday.
hat evening, Dad not only cooked an amazing dinner but bought a cream cake to make up for yesterday’s missed irthday.
ooking at the lit candles, I put my hands together and made a wish–I hoped for my parents‘ health and happiness,
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Nine Years Wasted–Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
61.79
Chapter 4
and for everything to get better.
But right after I blew out the candles, I got some totally unexpected messages.
Actually, several messages from different people, all saying basically the same thing:
[OMG Chloe! Congrats on your engagement! I’ll definitely fly back for the wedding and give you a huge gift!]
[Chloe, congrats to you and Kieran! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!]
While I was confused by these congratulations flooding in, Instagram notified me that Kieran was requesting to add me as a friend:
[Chloe, I announced our engagement on Instagram. You got what you wanted, so stop throwing your tantrum.]
Seeing the words “throwing your tantrum” made me actually laugh out loud.
Who exactly was throwing a tantrum here?
Come to think of it, my mom had asked me to add her on Kieran’s Instagram.
But he’d completely ignored that request and never added her.
Now I was actually grateful for his indifference. If this circus had reached my mom, she’d have been up all night with a headache.
After calming down, I first replied to friends who’d sent congratulations, telling them Kieran and I had broken up.
Then I posted on my rarely–used Instagram, with privacy settings so even strangers could see:
[Don’t believe rumors. I’m single with no boyfriend.]
Less than two minutes after I posted that clarification, Kieran called.
I didn’t answer.
But he kept calling persistently.
I just blocked his number.
With peace restored, I lay down on my soft, comfortable bed, put on headphones, and listened to music with my eyes closed.
Soon, Monday arrived.
After eating the loving brunch Mom made, I walked briskly to the housing authority, right on time.
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Nine Years Wasted–Now I’m Marrying Your Rival
Chapter 4
Just as the landlord and I were about to sign, his phone suddenly rang.
A few seconds into the call, the landlord looked at me in confusion and handed me his phone.
“Miss Reed, this person is looking for you.”
