Roland's self-righteous attitude instantly deflated. "Yesterday was Lysandra's birthday. She doesn't have many friends in this city, so I just went to celebrate her birthday. Last night, I was going to pick you up, but Lysandra suddenly called and said there might have been a burglar at her place..."
I pulled my arm out of his grasp and nodded indifferently. "Yes, that makes sense."
He was stunned, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. He had probably prepared words to deal with my crying and complaining, but I didn't react as he expected.
“It’s my fault. I didn't manage my time well. I'll definitely accompany you to see your parents this weekend.”
I casually applied some lipstick and replied, “We’ll see.”
His expression softened and with a bit of awkwardness, he apologized and said, “I have a class reunion today. Why don't you come along?”
In the past, I would have happily agreed, then put on makeup and dressed up to go with him. I always thought that loving someone meant integrating into their circle.
He used to be very against it and never took me to his friends' gatherings. I once threw a tantrum over it, but he said, “What would you do there? You don’t know them.”
But more than once, I saw on Lysandra’s social media that he took her to his friends’ gatherings.
“No, I don't know them! Besides, our company has a team-building event today.”
I used to long to be with him every moment I had free time, so much so that I rarely attended company team-building activities over the years.
Once, my world revolved only around him, while his world included games, sports, friends and his "first love" Lysandra.
Now, I want to step out of that closed-off world and see the wonders outside.
After repeatedly and humbly seeking reconciliation, all met with my casual refusals, Roland's patience finally ran out. "Go if you want, I don't care!"
He slammed the door and left, while I leisurely changed into a beautiful dress. I felt particularly good after no longer caring about his mood. But I didn't expect the company team-building event and their gathering to be at the same place.
After finishing in the bathroom, I happened to pass by a private room. To my surprise, I saw Roland inside. His close friends were teasing him. "Roland, why isn't your girl blowing up your phone with calls and messages this time? Did you two have a fight?"