A Promise We Couldn't Keep

"No way, Chloe—did you find out I was coming here tonight and deliberately wait for me?"

I looked up.

Simon stood in front of me with his arm wrapped around a girl in a cropped top.

They had just arrived, with a server leading the way.

The girl clung to Simon and pouted. "Who’s she?"

Chewing gum, Simon smirked, his usual careless demeanor on full display.

"Just an ex from some backwater town who likes to act all high and mighty."

The girl covered her mouth and giggled before turning to the server.

"I thought this was supposed to be the most exclusive restaurant in town, only open to elite members. Since when did they start letting just anyone walk in?"

Her gaze drifted to my table, eyeing the oysters and caviar.

She leaned into Simon and whispered, "That must’ve cost a fortune."

Simon tilted his head and lazily reminded the server, "You might want to keep an eye on this one. She’s from the countryside—first time in a place like this. Wouldn’t be surprised if she tried to dine and dash."

The young server broke into a nervous sweat, caught in an awkward situation.

But I could see right through Simon’s little game.

I set down my utensils, wiped my hands with a warm towel, and calmly said, "Simon, being obnoxious isn’t a survival skill. You don’t need to use me to feel relevant."

The girl scoffed. "Wow, you’re really trying to provoke him just to get his attention, aren’t you?"

It was almost laughable how ridiculous people could be.

The server looked like she was about to step in when Noah returned.

Without a word, he walked straight to my side.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored dark suit, the sharp lines accentuated his broad shoulders and lean waist.

Noah looked down at Simon with an air of quiet authority, his voice low and icy.

"Just because you have some money in your pocket and a bit of fame, you think that gives you the right to trample on other people’s dignity?

"Mr. Jones, do you really think acting like this makes you impressive?"

Simon swept his gaze over Noah from head to toe, his eyes filled with nothing but mockery and disdain.

"And who are you?"

I stood up from my seat, casually linking my arm through Noah’s.

With a smile, I looked straight at Simon.

"Let me formally introduce you—He’s Noah Wells, my boyfriend."

Simon’s expression instantly darkened.

His eyes locked onto our intertwined fingers, and for a moment, hesitation flickered across his face.

However, that hesitation was quickly drowned by a wave of anger that spread through him like wildfire.

"I should’ve known, Chloe. You spent all this time following me around like a lapdog, and now, all of a sudden, you’ve grown a spine?"

His gaze turned sharp as he glared at Noah. "How long have you even known this pretty boy? You’re dumping me for him?"

Noah cut him off before he could finish.

"I’m Chloe’s first love."

It was as if an invisible force had sucked the air from the room, making every breath feel heavy and slow.

Simon’s lips pressed into a tight, thin line.

Something clicked in his mind, and his entire expression shifted.

He finally understood.

The way he looked at me now—it was pure, unfiltered rage, as if he wanted to tear me apart.

Just then, a group of security guards strode in from outside.

They lined up neatly, their presence imposing.

Then, in perfect unison, they dipped their heads respectfully toward Noah.

"Mr. Wells."

The room fell silent.

Even Simon and those around him looked stunned.

And for a moment, even I was caught off guard.

Noah pulled me into his arms, his grip firm, his gaze icy as he stared Simon down.

It was a silent declaration of ownership.

"Throw these two out.”

"Yes, sir."

The security guards surged forward.

Simon had never been humiliated like this before.

He pointed a finger at them, his tone laced with fury.

"You guys dare lay a hand on me? Go ahead, try it!"

The girl clung to Simon’s back, trembling, but still managed to put on a defiant front.

"Do you even know who he is? He’s Simon Jones, a famous artist, a big name in the industry! If you touch him, I guarantee you’ll be all over the news tomorrow, getting dragged through the mud!"