“Say whatever you like, but the truth is, the only reason you’re with Daniel is to get back at me for dumping you.”
“Let me tell you, I’m not falling for it. Ten years ago, I didn’t want you. Ten years later, I still don’t!”
“You think parading around with this loser will scare me? Keep dreaming!”
With that, Eric shot me a scornful glare and stormed out of the room.
When his sneering voice faded away, only Olivia’s heavy, angry breathing filled the silence.
Everyone else held their breath, too afraid to move.
I didn’t hesitate any longer—I grabbed Olivia’s hand and led her outside.
In the dim light of the parking lot, Olivia suddenly lifted her head, her eyes unreadable in the shadows.
“Daniel, do you also think I’m only with you out of spite, just to get back at Eric?”
“Of course not.” I answered without hesitation.
Ten years.
Countless days and nights spent side by side.
So many moments of hardship and joy shared together.
How could I doubt Olivia’s sincerity because of a few poisonous words from Eric?
And yet, when I saw her absentmindedly rubbing at her wound, my heart still trembled.
Ten years had made me used to this quiet, reserved Olivia.
But I had forgotten—back when she was eighteen, Olivia had once loved someone with a burning intensity.
My uncle hadn’t been wrong: Olivia really had been introduced to Eric by the family.
They’d put it delicately at the time.
They said Olivia was withdrawn, had just transferred back from abroad, and might not adjust well. They wanted to find her a friend to keep her company.
No one knew her true identity.
But Eric, drawn by her beautiful face, had pursued her anyway.
Back then, Eric was the proud, arrogant eldest son of the Smith family, the star athlete of the entire high school.
He was like a blazing flame, wrapping Olivia in his heat.
And so easily, he melted through her icy shell.
The two of them fell madly in love, inseparable.
At the height of their passion, Olivia defied her family and had Eric’s name tattooed on her collarbone.
They promised each other that after graduation, they would get married.
Olivia was full of hope, even painstakingly preparing a grand proposal.
But when she went to find Eric, she discovered him with another woman in his arms.
Outraged, Olivia confronted him, only to be slapped hard across the face.
Pointing at her, Eric sneered,
“Olivia, it was just for fun. You didn’t really think it meant something, did you?”