Chapter 2

It had been over a year since Matthew and I broke up. He was a year older than me and had graduated last year to start his own successful company.

He was already famous back in our college days, with excellent grades, basketball skills, and a lot of admirers.

But, most importantly, he was handsome with a great physique.

Narrow, single-lidded eyes, thin lips, a fierce and aloof appearance.

I don't know what possessed him to agree to my confession at the time.

Back then, I felt incredibly lucky, just like the female lead in a novel, who brought Matthew, this high-mountain flower, down from his pedestal.

But in the end, Matthew was a tough nut to crack, completely unattainable. Being with him made me feel like a doormat with no dignity.

So, I unceremoniously texted Matthew,

"Let's break up. Even dogs know when they can't chew on a bone anymore. I'm smarter than a dog."

Before he could respond, I blocked him.

Since then, I hadn't seen Matthew again, although I would hear about how much money he made and how many beautiful women were throwing themselves at him.

But I had sealed my heart with cement. Even though my best friend, Julie Galbraith, sang his praises every day, suggesting I should meet her brother.

My relationship with Matthew was a secret affair, known only to the two of us.

Lying on Matthew's back, I still felt dazed. I rested my head against his shoulder in silence.

Matthew suddenly stiffened and raised me a bit.

"Have you only been drinking cold tea for this whole year since we broke up? You're so light."

I buried my face and let out a muffled sound.

"So, you feel sorry for me now?"

"You're overthinking it."

His voice remained steady, distant between the lines.

"You don't need to meddle in my affairs."

Under the dormitory building, I asked Matthew to let me down, but he didn't respond.

Some people passing by recognized Matthew and gawked at us with curiosity.

Embarrassed, I buried my face in his back, sending a message to Julie and asking her to come down and help me.

"Brother, what are you doing here?"

Julie looked at Matthew with a puzzled expression, then greeted me with a grin.

"Hello, my brother’s girlfriend."

I peeked my head out and took a deep breath.

"Julie, it's me, not your brother’s girlfriend."

As soon as I said that, Matthew suddenly exerted force with the hands holding me. I was taken by surprise.

Matthew then set me down, and I leaned on his arm, trying to stand up.

"Thank you for today."

The person in front of me remained silent, a cold expression on his face. I was used to it, hobbling over to Julie.

Julie looked at me skeptically, then at Matthew, hesitating for a few seconds.

"Is there something going on between you two that I don't know about?"

I shook my head vigorously and explained immediately.

"Nothing. I just stumbled earlier, and he was a helpful citizen."

"I'm not that kind-hearted."

I shot Matthew a glare and grinned at him.

Matthew remained expressionless, his gaze fixed on me.

"Lillian, you don't need to thank me. Just removing me from your blacklist is enough."