After Being Dumped, She Kept Chasing Me

After finishing the glass, I stood up.

"I'll settle the bill. You both enjoy yourselves; don't let me spoil your fun."

I slowly walked out of the restaurant.

The autumn evening breeze was a bit chilly.

I strolled along the riverside avenue.

The river waves lapped against the shore, rising and falling.

In my slightly tipsy state, I looked at the road ahead and had a fleeting thought.

Wasn't this the path I often walked while pursuing Victoria during college?

I fell in love with Victoria at first sight during university.

She was the renowned untouchable beauty of our department.

Young love had been fiery and all-consuming. I pursued her for a whole year before we finally became a couple.

Everyone envied me, saying I was lucky to win over such a high-profile girl.

But I knew that Victoria never broke any of her principles for me.

I found a bench to rest on and took out my phone. I happened to see a new post on Instagram from Rudolf.

In the familiar front passenger seat, the photo focused on a candy apple.

The caption: [Remember when we used to eat candy apples at this shop?]

My fingers lingered on the screen.

Victoria had a slight cleanliness obsession and never allowed me to eat in her passenger seat.

I smiled, but tears oozed from my eyes.

I had believed love was about mutual tolerance and compromise, where one would always have to make concessions.

I never minded his habits.

What hurt was that her principles and rules could be so easily set aside for someone else.

Victoria texted, asking if I had reached home.

I didn't reply.

When I didn't reply, she sent more messages.

[The food wasn't great today. Next time, let's try a different place.]

Another while passed.

[Jerome, are you asleep?]

[Remember to light the calming incense before bed. Good night.]

I scrolled through our past messages. They were filled with my long, rambling updates, met with her occasional short replies of "OK" or "Got it."

She was busy with work and focused on her career, and I always understood.

After getting home and showering, I noticed a familiar car parked below my balcony.

As if sensing my presence, the window rolled down, and I quickly retreated back inside.

The next morning, I went to work with dark circles under my eyes.

Just as I went downstairs, I saw the familiar car.

I tried to act as if I hadn't seen it and kept walking.

But then my phone rang. It was the taxi driver. "Sir, your location is too tricky to find. Could you cancel and book another ride?"

"Can't find the place? What's the point of being a taxi driver?" I was furious.

The pink car drove up beside me, the window rolled down, her beautiful and proud eyes meeting mine. "I'll drive you," she offered.

As it was almost time to go to work, I sat in the passenger seat in silence.

Usually, I would've chatted incessantly.

But now the car was filled only with the sound of the wind outside.

Victoria seemed uncomfortable.

"You haven't had breakfast, have you?" she asked.

"No." I turned to look at the scenery outside.

"Shall I bring you something later?"

"No need."

"Skipping meals is bad for your stomach."

"I'll be fine."

When we arrived at my office, I tried to open the door, but the lock was still engaged.

Victoria frowned. "I've cleaned up the apartment. When will you move back? Aren't you worried about me living alone?"

"I've already paid the first three months' rent there, and your place has great security. What's there to worry about?"

I opened the door and hurriedly got out.

"Jerome," Victoria called after me.

I turned around.

She was dressed in a sharp white suit, her hair fluttering in the wind.

"You're upset about the fire, and I've explained and apologized. If there's something else bothering you, we should talk it out instead of just giving each other the silent treatment."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Victoria, do you think my reaction in the car was indifferent? Isn't this the same way you've always treated me? Or is it only now that you think this kind of behavior means a silent treatment?"

She was speechless.

I turned and left.

For the next five workdays, I buried myself in my job.

Victoria occasionally sent food or messages, but I responded indifferently.

For the first time, I realized it was easier not having to worry about another person's life.

No need to fret about her being forced to drink at social events.

No need to figure out how to make her happier.

The daily chores seemed to be cut in half.

Then, one of our mutual friends got in touch.