“Ryan, how can you say that about Sophia? She’s just a young woman,” Emily said softly, breaking the tense silence.
Ryan clicked his tongue.
“Sophia, a young woman? Please. She’s tougher than all of us men here. Don’t worry, Emily, I’ve known her for years. I know her better than anyone.”
“Right, Sophia?”
He pinched my thigh in a hidden corner, signaling me to play along.
Disgust churned in me. I shoved his hand away.
“Ryan, are you joking? Seven years ago you were dumped like a dog. Now she’s back and you’re already groveling again?”
“So quick to forget how desperate you once were. If anyone has strong mental endurance, it’s you.”
The room fell into stunned silence.
Ryan’s face darkened like charcoal, his knuckles cracking as he clenched his fist. Then he suddenly smashed a bottle on the floor.
“Sophia!”
I glared back without flinching.
Friends quickly tried to defuse the situation, suggesting a game of truth or dare.
But it felt more like Ryan’s way of retaliating against me.
If he drew a romantic dare, he’d always choose Emily.
If it was truth, the subject was always me.
“Who’s the most annoying person here? Of course it’s Sophia. She’s getting older, still unmarried, no one chasing her. Thought she was nice enough, but now she seems borderline crazy!”
“What if I had to marry the person I hate most? Ha! I’d rather die. Even if I married Sophia, I’d still party every night—being stuck with someone I don’t love is torture!”
“In all these years, have I ever felt aroused by Sophia? Hell no! Who came up with that disgusting question? Sophia’s no different from a man. Forget arousal—I’m disgusted just touching her!”
I couldn’t listen anymore. I smashed a bottle myself and slipped away, excusing myself to the bathroom.
Cold water splashed over my face, and I realized I couldn’t even feel sadness anymore. Just revulsion.
When I finally calmed down and stepped out, I passed the balcony—
Only to overhear Ryan talking with another guy.
“Ryan, you were too harsh. After all, you’ve slept with Sophia so many times. Don’t you feel anything for her at all?”
Ryan lit a cigarette, irritated.
“How many times do I have to say it? I sleep with Sophia for two reasons. One, because she’s obedient, lets me do whatever I want. Two, because she’s free! Why not take advantage?”
“She’s just my bro. Nothing more. No romantic feelings whatsoever.”