Chapter 3

I spent the entire afternoon distracted and unable to focus.

I made an excuse that I wasn't feeling well and left in a hurry.

On the way back, I stared at their profile pictures.

Only now did I realize they looked like a couple's matching avatars.

My arms suddenly felt heavy. After hesitating for a long time, I finally chose to block and delete them both.

I never expected that the very next day, Cindy and Mark would appear in front of me. They looked exhausted from traveling.

Cindy's expression was dark as she scolded me.

"Just because you blocked us, Mark was afraid you'd misunderstand, so we rushed back overnight.

"How old are you already? And you're still playing this blocking game?"

Looking at her familiar yet unfamiliar face, I felt dazed.

Throughout our four years of college, Cindy had never once lost her temper with me.

I always joked that she was mature beyond her years.

Only now did I understand.

She only lost control of her emotions when it came to Mark.

Mark carefully stepped forward and grabbed my hand as he explained.

"Jason, did you misunderstand something? Cindy and I really have nothing going on."

My gaze landed on his wrist. He was wearing the watch Cindy had asked me to help her carefully pick out not long ago.

Back then, I was so excited. I thought she was finally starting to have feelings for me.

Now, seeing it on him, it only felt ironic and painful.

I looked at the hickey marks that hadn't completely faded on his neck and sneered.

"Testing her for me? Did you test her in bed too while you were at it?"

Mark's face instantly turned pale. He subconsciously let go of my hand.

Cindy supported him. Her heart ached for him.

"Jason, why have you become so bitter and cruel?"

I could no longer hold back the anger inside me. I shouted at them.

"Then what do you want me to do?

"I clearly see my girlfriend fooling around with my best friend, and you still expect me to act like before and keep being the idiot you two can manipulate?

"You already did something disgusting. Why don't you just admit it?"

Cindy stepped forward and raised her chin to confront me.

"Yes. Mark and I have been together behind your back since two years ago–"

Mark panicked and covered her mouth.

"Don't say it!

"Jason won't be able to handle this–"

She grabbed Mark's hand tightly and stared straight at me.

"Jason, you're boring, ordinary-looking, and suspicious of everything.

"If you hadn't clung to me so desperately, and if Mark hadn't been worried about hurting you, I would've broken up with you long ago."

Listening to her cruel words, my entire body trembled.

I still remembered the first time we met.

I had fallen into a man-made lake while trying to save a stray cat. She happened to pass by and jumped in without hesitation to pull me out.

She had looked at me with her bright eyes and smiled.

"How can silly guys like you exist? You're interesting!"

The resentment that had built up inside me exploded. I pointed at the door and roared at them.

"Get out. Both of you, get out of my house!"

Cindy didn't get angry. Instead, she laughed coldly. She crossed her arms as she looked at me.

"Is this your house?"

"This is Mark's house. You're the one who should leave!"

I froze and looked at Mark in disbelief.

"What did she just say?"

Mark avoided my gaze. He stepped between us and looked at me with a pleading expression.

"Jason, why don't you go and calm down in the maid's room first?"

Cindy stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. She complained unhappily, "You're just too kind.

"He's only the son of a housekeeper. Is he really worth making the heir of the Gunther family speak so humbly to him?"

I suddenly understood everything. I laughed.

"Mrs. Jefferson!"