Chapter 3

I didn't respond to Robert's last words. Instead of saying in a playful tone, "I'll forgive you this time", I simply hung up the phone in silence.

Then I went back to our home and smashed both glass bottles. After packing my things, I sent Robert a message. "This is the end for us." Once sent, I deleted all his contact information. It was time for a new beginning.

Returning to my own little place, I finally felt truly relaxed. I no longer had to maintain a perfect image and could be myself without restraint. After taking a shower, I put on a red bodycon dress and did my makeup in a sultry style. This dress had been sitting at the bottom of my wardrobe since I bought it because Robert liked me in white dresses, looking pure and innocent. I had always tried to uphold that delicate image for him. But pretending for so long had exhausted me.

Once everything was ready, I called my friend. "Wanna go to the bar?"

"I'm in! This is rare!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Do you know how long it's been since we went out together?"

I bit my lower lip in guilt. Ever since I started dating Robert, my world revolved around him. I constantly worried about his sleep, his work stress, and whether he had eaten. In doing so, I had neglected my friends, as we only chatted online. It had been ages since we hung out together.

Just as I was about to apologize, she suddenly got excited. "Hurry up! I haven't even taken off my makeup yet. See you at our usual spot!"

I laughed and agreed, feeling good to know she hadn't changed a bit.

At the bar entrance, I was playing on my phone while waiting for her when someone slapped me on the butt from behind. Startled, I turned around.

"Madeleine! I knew it was you!" She giggled, "Finally dropping the goody-two-shoes act? You look stunning in this!"

"Strike a pose and let me take a picture," she insisted.

Though reluctant, I pretended to fix my hair and posed. Seeing the photo made me realize how beautiful and charming this style looked on me.

Elizabeth pulled me inside and ordered a bunch of stuff from the waiter once we sat on the couch. She showed me her Instagram where she had posted my picture. Within five minutes, it had over a hundred likes, mostly compliments from other girls and some old classmates.

"I haven't seen Madeleine dressed like this in ages! She looks absolutely gorgeous!"

One comment stood out glaringly. It was from Robert.

"Tell her to call me."

He still acted so high and mighty. Silently cursing him, I focused back on enjoying myself.

Soon enough, our orders arrived. Snacks, drinks, and male models. Shocked, I looked at Elizabeth.

She wrapped an arm around my shoulder and said, "Since your boyfriend let you out tonight, shouldn't we have some fun?"

"We broke up," I casually mentioned while spearing a piece of fruit with a fork and popping it into my mouth.

"He dumped you?" she shouted over the music.

"I broke it off," I rolled my eyes in exasperation.

"Good for you! Finally came to your senses." She looked at me with pride as if her daughter had grown up.

"So now I'm looking for someone rich," I joked as I pushed her face away playfully.

"Love can be faked, but money is real," I quipped.

"I think I'm pretty wealthy," a magnetic male voice interrupted.

Elizabeth and I turned simultaneously to see a man sitting with his legs crossed, swirling his wine glass. It was Robert's friend, Benjamin.

"So what do you think about me?"