Chapter 5

The next day, I moved out of Santiago's apartment and into my own.

When Santiago called to ask why, I simply told him that I had been busy lately and didn't want to disturb his rest, then I hung up.

During that time, I was indeed very busy. Projects piled up, and it became normal for me to leave early and return late. Sometimes, I even had to sleep in my studio.

As for Santiago, I didn't have the energy to think about him.

The day one of my projects wrapped up, an unfamiliar number called me.

It was Serenity.

"Miss Howard, if you have time, let's have a talk."

In the café, she sat across from me, exuding an inexplicable confidence.

She took a small sip of her coffee and then spoke calmly after setting down her cup.

"Evelyn, you should know that Santiago never liked you. That so-called birthday wish was just a gimmick. I wanted you to see that Santiago never refuses me when I want something."

"Even if I wanted him to marry me, he wouldn't say no."

"If it weren't for Santiago's mother, I would already be his wife."

Her tone was so assured as she said this.

As if no matter what, she would be the winner in life.

Seeing her like this, I couldn't help but laugh instead of getting angry.

"Serenity, even if I leave him, are you so sure that you'll be the one by his side?"

She seemed to have anticipated my response and continued speaking slowly,

"Evelyn, you're just a little better off than me in terms of family background. What's there to be proud of?"

"If you don't believe me, just come to Room 809 of the Four Seasons Hotel tomorrow night at eight o'clock. You can see for yourself."

That night, against my better judgment, I found myself at the hotel room door.

I saw Santiago cooking for Serenity with my own eyes.

And Serenity accepted it gladly. They looked like a couple who had been together for years.

During the time Santiago and I were together, he never cooked for me once.

He even found it troublesome to make me a cup of coffee.

I took a deep breath to suppress my dissatisfaction.

Then I pushed open the ajar door and appeared unexpectedly before Santiago.

Ignoring his surprised look, I asked him,

"Santiago, since you've never gotten over Serenity, why did you get involved with me?"

He pressed his lips tightly together and answered my question with silence.

Even though I had decided to let go of my feelings for him, it still hurt knowing that my love had been worthless.

"Santiago, we've been together for so long. Watching me become a clown in your relationship with her, did you find it amusing?"

"Did you enjoy toying with me like this?"

Seeing Santiago's difficulty facing me, Serenity pulled him behind her protectively and spoke to me,

"Miss Howard, Santiago and I truly love each other. Can't you just back off?"

Santiago grasped her hand tightly and interlocked their fingers.

Throughout it all, he never looked at me once.

At that moment, I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces.

It was also at that moment that I made a decision within myself.

"Fine."