My Boyfriend Tried to Ruin Me for Her

I didn’t reply. I just set his messages to Do Not Disturb.

But Caius still found me.

His face was stormy as he seized my wrist.

“Serene! How long are you going to throw this tantrum? We were all celebrating your birthday. Elowen even came specially. What more do you want? You’re really walking out over five thousand dollars?”

Looking at his furious, twisted face, I only felt drained.

“Caius, I have thirty-five dollars left in my digital wallet. Do you think I care about birthdays right now? I can’t even afford the dishes on your precious menu.”

“Money, money, money! Is that all you know how to talk about?” His voice rose, as though I’d said something obscene.

I nodded calmly.

“Yes. Because I have to survive. Now excuse me—my shift is about to start. Please move.”

That caught him off guard. He blinked, then snapped, “Part-time job? Don’t tell me you’re going back to that place again? Elowen’s already blaming herself for owing you money, and you’re making her feel worse. Come back with me, apologize to her, comfort her.”

For a moment, I thought I’d misheard.

“I lent her money, and I’m the one who has to apologize?”

He answered without hesitation.

“You’re sisters, aren’t you? She’s been so kind to you before. Can’t you be a little more generous?”

My face chilled. He must have sensed it, because his tone softened with false reason.

“Serene, I’m looking after Elowen for your sake. Think about it—your parents are the way they are. Elowen is your only family. Isn’t it right for sisters to help each other?”

For my sake?

What a grand excuse for betrayal.

I laughed.

“Caius, let me ask you something. If we broke up one day, would you still ‘take care of her for me’? Keep seeing her?”

He froze, brow furrowing like I’d said something insane.

“Break up? What kind of nonsense is that? Are you crazy?”

I smiled faintly.

“Nothing. Just curious. Answer me.”

He scoffed, insulted.

“I’m not as childish as you. Elowen is kind and fragile—anyone would want to protect her. I honestly don’t know why you’re always picking on her.”

Then, as if to shut me up, he pulled a small box from his pocket and shoved it into my hand.