After Falling in Love with Him, Life Becomes Interesting

He probably thought I had other close male friends, so he was upset.

Although Robert and I weren't biological siblings, we grew up together and were closer than real siblings. To him, I was a very important person.

After Robert washed his hands and came out, I patted his shoulder and forced a particularly kind smile.

"Robert, is there any New Year's gift you want? I’ll take you shopping."

Robert was silent for a while. "I'm three years younger than you, not three years old."

Alright, my attempt to mend our sibling relationship failed.

"Have you ever thought that maybe Robert doesn't see you as just a sister?"

Taking advantage of my mom going out to play poker, I hung out with my best friend Madison, whom I hadn't seen in two years.

The two of us were having a feast at a barbecue restaurant, chatting about recent events. I happened to be troubled by the matter with Robert, so I thought I'd get Madison's opinion.

Unexpectedly, her first words shocked me.

"Don't question the nature of our relationship! Robert and I practically grew up together, and he has called me sister since he could speak. I don’t see him in that way."

"Sure, sure." Madison grabbed a skewer of meat. "Growing up together means childhood sweethearts to other people, but to you, it's sibling affection.

"Besides, you may not have feelings for him, but can you guarantee he sees you the same way?

"He went to your university and your new address to see you. Do you have any other 'good little brother' who would do that? I'm telling you, Liana, you're blind as a bat."

Madison smacked her lips, still unsatisfied, and grabbed another skewer of meat. "Let me guess, are you thinking now that Robert doesn’t know what he’s doing? You two are only three years apart, so what's wrong with going out with him?"

"I still have a boyfriend."

"I've never liked that man. Look at his face, and you can tell he's no good!"

Madison grabbed my hand, her mouth greasy and shiny. "I’m a cougar relationship advocate. Go, girl! Be brave!"

I sighed.

Just when I was tossing and turning, not knowing how to face Robert, I received a message from Wilson. "Liana, let's go to the Hamptons next week."

But it was Madison's birthday next week. Birthdays only came once a year, so I planned to celebrate it with my best friend.

"Okay, you guys have fun. We can go next year."

Wilson was always gentle and considerate, and he was great with people. Many who knew him envied me for being his girlfriend, but Madison never liked him.

I shook my head, trying to shake off those confusing thoughts.

Madison didn't invite too many people to her birthday, just a few close friends.

We had dinner and went to Karaoke, but we still didn’t want to call it a night.

Someone suggested, "Let's go to the Hamptons to see the fireworks. I saw some photos. The decorations are nice, and there are many entertainment activities."

"Sure!"

The birthday girl nodded, and everyone immediately sprang into action, booking cabs and telling their families where they were going.

I had already informed my mom that I'd be back late, but I hesitated whether to tell Wilson since he also wanted to go see the fireworks with me.

My fingers hovered over our chat history when Madison suddenly gave me a heavy pat on the shoulder.

"Gotcha! It’s my birthday, and you’re still thinking about some man!"

I shook her hand off, laughing. "Alright, I'll think only about you."

But I didn't expect to see Wilson there.

I saw him carrying a bag for another woman and gently draping a coat over her shoulders.

When I noticed him from behind, I thought it was just someone with a similar build, but next to the man was a woman with long hair, wearing a furry bunny ear scarf that looked very similar to the one Wilson gave me.

So many people looked alike in this world. I should trust my boyfriend.

I turned my head slightly, thinking I must have made a mistake, but my eyes couldn't help but follow them. Finally, as they stepped into the store, I saw the man's profile.

The man who was sending me affectionate messages yesterday was now holding hands with another woman.

He gently tucked her hair behind her ear, whispering something to her.

I stared at them, raised my phone, and took a photo.

"What are you looking at?"

Seeing me standing there, Madison followed my gaze.

"Damn it, that guy really isn't any good! He’s cheating on my friend!"

Her voice was loud enough that all our friends heard it.