Chapter 2

Ryan's POV

"But Ryan seems genuinely mad this time," someone said. "He's never just walked out like that before."

Amara laughed. "He's been simping after me for so many years, so I know him well. He'll definitely text me tonight."

Her tone was so certain, so smug.

But this time, I wanted to tell her, "I'm sorry, but you're about to be proven wrong."

…

I didn't go home. Instead, I went to the proposal venue I'd spent three months setting up.

The place was covered in Amara's favorite red roses, a grand stage she'd always loved, and breathtaking scenery. Every detail had been carefully designed to match her tastes.

I used to believe we'd make it to the end together. After all, she'd told me earnestly and repeatedly that she loved me.

And back then, she'd spent so much time and effort to pursue me. With one simple, "Let's do this right and be together", she moved me so much that I shed countless tears.

But I was wrong. Anyone could fake affection.

The proposal venue took three months to decorate and set up, but taking it all down only took 30 minutes. Then, I threw the ring I'd designed myself into the trash can.

I recalled how I'd stayed up late countless nights sketching designs for that ring and then searching everywhere until I found an expert craftsman to make it for me.

The ring was one of a kind. But now, Amara no longer deserved it.

After doing all that, I returned to the home I once shared with her. The apartment was located in an excellent neighborhood, and it was a gift I gave her for her 25th birthday.

I didn't plan on taking it back now, either. It'd just be my last gift to her.

I packed some of my clothes and daily essentials. Then, without leaving a single word for her, I boarded a plane for Altmarch.

When a person was hurting, it was always hard to go through it alone, so I decided to find my good buddy, Leo Dratch, who was in Altmarch as well.

…

Leo took me to a bar. A few other friends were there, too.

When they heard that I had broken up with Amara, Leo had the waiter bring over an expensive bottle of wine to celebrate.

"Out with the old, in with the new. The next one will be even better!"

I raised my glass, about to down it in one go, when I heard a friend exclaim in surprise, "Delilah? What are you doing here?"

"I was meeting a client here when I happened to see you all, so I thought I'd stop by," Delilah Hart answered.

Leo tugged at my sleeve and whispered, "Delilah has been staring at you the whole time. Do you think she's here for you?"

I turned around, and my gaze met hers.

She was dressed casually, in a high-waisted T-shirt and jeans—hardly what someone would wear to meet a client.

She, Leo, and I were all high school classmates, and we all knew each other.

Back then, Delilah was a top student in class, whereas I was just a slacker. We barely had any interaction, so I couldn't quite understand why Leo would say that.

She came over and clinked glasses with Leo. "Long time no see. You've gotten more good-looking."

Leo beamed. "Oh, come on, don't tease me. Ryan's the one who's really gotten more handsome!"

With the attention shifted to me, I could only give a polite smile and continue to drink.

Delilah sat right across from me and started playing a drinking game—rock, paper, scissors—with Leo.

…

I woke up in a hotel room.

When I noticed the unfamiliar surroundings, I jolted upright in panic. Turning to the side, I found a bare, makeup-free face—Delilah's!

She was lying asleep right next to me.

I lifted the blanket and glanced down. There was a small patch of red staining the white sheets.

My mind went completely blank. I tried hard to recall what had happened the night before. I remembered going out for drinks with Leo. Then, Delilah showed up. Then… I might have gotten drunk…

Right then, I received a message from Leo.

"You got wasted last night, so I asked Delilah to take you back to the hotel. Dude, you should really consider Delilah. She's way prettier than Amara, and she's a very down-to-earth person, too. She's not wild like Amara.

"Also, you didn't see the way she looked at you last night. Damn… It's the same look I give hot women. You and Amara are over anyway. You can't possibly punish yourself by staying single forever just because of her."

I only caught the words "Delilah took you back to the hotel", and in that instant, all the dots in my mind connected.

Fragments of last night flashed through my mind.

Delilah had helped me out of the car, then asked which floor my room was on and what the room number was.

I'd answered, "I don't know."

"Then, I'll get you a new room," she had said.