Broken Love, Broken Future

I went home alone to pack my things.

I didn't have many things to bring with me. I didn't plan to take anything else, except for some personal items.

Before leaving, I put the diamond ring I bought for Fiona on the coffee table, and left her a note.

It said she could dispose of the ring and my other things as she pleased, without asking me.

I booked a ticket to Los Angeles.

A startup company there gave me an offer, trying to recruit me.

Although the salary was not as high as what Fiona gave me, it was an emerging industry I was interested in, with great development potential.

I refused the offer before because I didn't want to be separated from Fiona.

But now I seemed to be the only one who didn't want to be apart.

The next day, I went to that startup company to report for duty.

While I was waiting for the boss in the reception room, someone called my name.

"Is it really you, Miles? We haven't seen each other for a long time!"

I looked at the somewhat familiar face in front of me but couldn't remember him for a moment.

"You forgot me? We were roommates in college. Although I couldn't see you often, I had helped many girls give you love letters."

That was when I remembered something.

My roommate Wyatt Watson talked to me about recent developments and invited me to tonight's gathering, in which there were alumni from our school who came to Los Angeles.

I wanted to decline, but Wyatt spoke before me.

"Although you have only stayed in college for one semester, you are well-known among freshmen of that year. If they know that you are also going, they will be happy."

I couldn't decline anymore, so I agreed.

There were many people at the dinner, but I didn't know anyone.

When I was halfway through the meal, someone pushed the door open.

"Elise? What brings you here?"

"You're a rare guest, campus belle. It's been a long time since we last saw you, and you look even better."

Elise looked around and fixed her gaze on a certain place for a moment before slowly moving away. She said with a smile, "I just happened to be discussing a project next door. When it was over, I thought of coming here to join you."

I looked at the woman standing at the door.

She was wearing a plain long dress, pure and aloof. Although she was smiling, there was no warmth in her eyes.

Wyatt pointed to the empty seat next to me and pulled Elise over, saying, "Why stand when there's an empty seat? Since you're here, let's catch up."

Elise's gaze fell on me, as gentle as when we first met.

I slowly lowered my gaze and looked at the drink in my cup, feeling a bit absent-minded.

She then sat down next to me.

"Long time no see, Miles." Elise's voice was clear and pleasant to hear.

I suddenly glanced sideways and saw a gentle smile in her eyes.

When the gathering was about to end, Wyatt suddenly called out to Elise. "Elise, today is Miles's first day in Los Angeles. He's not very familiar with this place yet.

"Can you please show him around since you grew up here?"

I looked at Elise in a daze and met her gaze.

"Okay."

"Then I'll trouble you."

Wyatt whispered in my ear, "The best way to forget a relationship is to start a new one.

"I can only help you this much. The rest is up to you."

"Don't talk nonsense."

"I'm not. The whole school probably knows about Elise's feelings for you except for you."