After Being Dumped, She Kept Chasing Me

"Jerome, Victoria mentioned you've been quite distant with her lately. Come out and let's talk."

I thought it was time to properly explain things.

I went to the address he sent.

It was a cozy bar with gentle, melodious songs wafting through the air.

Following the waiter's direction, I walked towards the seats.

Before I got there, I heard teasing laughter from afar.

Someone said, "He went to great lengths to win Victoria over, but now, look what he has done to her? If it were anyone else giving her the cold shoulder, they wouldn't stand a chance."

Rudolf was sitting very close to Victoria, almost pulling her into his embrace. "Jerome doesn't trust you enough. We've all been friends for decades; you all know how close Victoria and I are."

"Yeah, and besides, Victoria once pursued Rudolf. If they liked each other, Rudolf would've accepted long ago instead of going abroad."

My head buzzed.

Victoria had pursued Rudolf? Before he went abroad?

I recalled that during that time, she suddenly accepted my confession, and I was overjoyed.

Now, my heart sank.

Victoria's voice sounded heavy. "That's all in the past."

I took a deep breath.

There had always been rumors about them in college—a heartthrob and a beauty in the art department were a perfect match.

I thought it was just gossip, but now I felt a dull ache in my heart.

I had believed she was naturally aloof, that her principles were steadfast.

Whenever she showed even a hint of tenderness, I was elated.

No wonder I could never figure her out, always treading carefully to please her.

It turned out she never really had me in her heart.

Rudolf waved his hand. "We're here to help reconcile them today. Let's not dwell on the past."

"Jerome's mistrust of Victoria must be due to childhood trauma, right?" someone speculated.

I walked over.

The group fell silent as I approached, except for the person who had suggested the idea.

Oblivious to my presence, he continued his enthusiastic analysis.

"I heard he had a tough upbringing. It's not surprising if he had some childhood trauma. He grew up feeling inferior, so he never trusted Victoria..."

He noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere, and his voice trailed off as he sensed something was amiss.

"My analysis is correct..."

I sneered. "Out there, you're a loser, but in here, you're a philosophy master? If you're so confident, why not share some of that with me?"

Victoria stood up, her eyes filled with concern.

"Jerome, he didn't mean any harm..."

Our mutual friends at the table looked awkward, and Rudolf quickly stood up to mediate.

"Sorry, we just wanted to help you reconcile."

I didn't look at Rudolf but instead smirked at Victoria. "I remember when I wanted my friend to rent the place opposite yours, you refused. Yet Rudolf moved in right after. So, there's more to the story, isn't there?"

Victoria's eyes darkened. "I was confused about my feelings back then. I only saw Rudolf as a brother."

"A brother, or a lover?" I smirked. "It seems he sees you as more than a sister."

Rudolf's face turned pale, but he stood up defiantly.

"Jerome Brewster, what are you implying? Want a fight?"

I grabbed a glass of red wine and threw it in Rudolf's face. "I don't fight with animals."

He looked utterly disheveled, and those around us gasped.

Victoria looked disappointed. "How can you take it out on others?"

My expression remained unchanged. "When I said we should break up downstairs, I meant it.

"It's not because you saved someone else first or because you're entangled with other men."

I glanced at Rudolf's face and continued, "It's because you don't understand love."

Persisting in a hopeless relationship was my ultimate act of sincerity. Now, it's not that I'm giving up on Victoria, but rather, I'm choosing to free myself.

There were murmurs from the crowd, "Is he really this tough?"

"He's putting on a show now. When Victoria actually breaks up with him, he'll regret it."

I remained indifferent.