Chapter 5

He even said he looked down on someone like her because she came from a poor family.

After the breakup, Travis returned abroad, while Vanessa sank into a severe depression. A person who had once been so bright and lively started drifting through the days in a daze without ever smiling.

I was the one who had stayed by her side, helping her through treatment, keeping her company, and doing my best to make her laugh. Slowly, she began to get better.

Once we got together, she promised me that she would love only me in this lifetime.

The company I had worked hard to help her build also thrived. I thought we would walk hand in hand into the future, side by side.

However, Travis, who was unable to survive abroad after his parents’ company went bankrupt, suddenly showed up in front of Vanessa once more.

Once again, she panicked, and her gaze toward him was filled with sympathy and sorrow.

She even went so far as to let Travis parachute straight into our company, skipping interviews and skill assessments entirely, just to help him.

Even though Travis had hurt her so deeply before, Vanessa forgave him so easily.

The company had always been strict with new hires. That was her own rule. Yet she broke it again and again for Travis.

I let out a deep sigh at the thought of this.

Perhaps I should have realized long ago that Vanessa had never truly let go of Travis. There had never been enough space in her heart for me.

Since that was the case, I did not want her anymore.

Just as I was about to leave, I suddenly heard Vanessa’s voice.

“Stephen, weren’t you just acting all tough? You even gave me an attitude. Why are you waiting here outside of the restaurant then?”

I turned around and saw Vanessa and Travis behind me, followed by a group of employees.

I remembered that there really was a restaurant above this coffee shop.

What rotten luck, running into them wherever I turned.

Travis tugged on Vanessa’s sleeve and pretended to speak on my behalf. “Vanessa, Stephen must’ve realized his mistake and came here to apologize. Don’t you usually have coffee before a meal? Look, the cup in Stephen’s hand is likely meant for you.”

He stepped closer to me and added, “Stephen, give Vanessa the coffee and join us for lunch.”

I could see exactly what Travis was doing. He was showing off how well he knew Vanessa, and he was deliberately provoking me.

Honestly, it was boring.

Vanessa shot me a disdainful glance and urged, “Since Travis is speaking up for you, what are you still standing out there for? Don’t think just buying a cup of coffee will…”

She held out her hand, waiting for me to pass her the coffee.

I glanced at the trash can outside the shop and tossed the coffee straight in. I answered in an impatient tone, “Don’t be full of yourself. It wasn’t for you. If you really want some, have Travis buy it for you.”

Then, I hailed a cab and sped away. Behind me came Vanessa’s hysterical shouting.

When I got home, I had just plopped down on the couch when the door was kicked open.

Vanessa stormed in. Her eyes were red as though they were bleeding. She yelled, “Stephen, were you out of your mind today? You went against me in everything and humiliated me in front of my staff!”

Travis followed closely, trying to intervene, “Stephen, it really was your fault today. Vanessa is a woman. She cares about her reputation. Are you upset because Vanessa and I are close? We really are just friends. I don’t want to cause trouble between you and her. I should leave.”