“Crystal!” Lyle seemed overwhelmed as he held on to Crystal’s hand. “I didn’t know you’re still in love with me. I’m sorry for everything. It’s all my fault.”
“Lyle, it’s not your fault I fell for you, but love is forever. We’ve known each other for ten years, became a couple for two years, and broke up for two years. I tried to forget you, but I couldn’t do it. I’m sorry, Lyle. I should have restrained myself from expressing my love.”
The two of them hugged and looked at each other affectionately. I, on the other hand, was getting accused and forced to apologize. Lyle had also long since forgotten what he said about living a good life with me.
I would have relented in the past. However, I was surprisingly calm instead of succumbing to pressure. I sneered as if I just watched a good show and clapped.
“This is so touching. But why am I not aware that I broke you two up? You want me to admit I’m a homewrecker? Dream on!”
“Miss, why do you insist on making things difficult for Crystal when she’s such a nice girl?” A stranger spoke up, displeased. I shot him a look and suddenly recalled that I had met him at Crystal’s party last time.
No wonder he looked so familiar. He appeared as Crystal’s senior whenever she was interviewed for her paintings that were published in the news. He was also the one who had pushed me into the water when I was a kid. He was Benjamin’s brother, Benson who had been out of the picture for quite some time.
“Eve!” Lyle walked over and pulled me into his arms, ignoring the fact that I was struggling to get away from him. I almost vomited when I caught a whiff of Crystal’s perfume on him. “Crystal is leaving soon. Why can’t you agree to such a simple request? We can live a good life after this, okay?”
I pushed him away forcefully. There wasn’t even a glint of disappointment in my eyes anymore. I only felt numb and wronged after everything. I pointed at myself and asked, “Crystal, oh Crystal, how affectionate of you. Her career is important, but mine’s not? Don’t you know I’m the one who’s going to get hurt if I agree to this?”
“But you don’t even have a job. No one would care.”
“So you’re saying I should be wronged because no one cares about my existence? Mr. Smith, is that what you mean by living a good life with me? You expect me to submit to you when I’m being called a homewrecker? I’m sorry, but I don’t need that. Have you forgotten what you wrote in the divorce papers?”
I would never forget it. The photos he took were enough to ruin the rest of my life when I wanted a divorce. “You took so many pictures of me with countless men. I didn’t even know I had so many boyfriends. Moreover, they’re all good friends of yours. Call them all over since you like to get cheated on so much. Let’s try it. It’s the perfect opportunity since I don’t even know some of their names.”
I felt like I was going crazy. Things had taken a turn for the worse in such a short time. I pushed Lyle away and ran out of the hospital. Fu** his true love, fu** his good life. These two fu***** can do whatever they want, I don’t care anymore.
As for Crystal trying to commit suicide, I found it very funny. It was blatantly obvious to me that she was putting on an act. How could she ever commit suicide when she was such a coward? She was simply asking for sympathy to clear her name.
I hailed a cab back to the apartment on my own, locked the door, and buried myself under the sheets. Lyle wouldn’t be coming back home tonight anyway. I was so tired of the never-ending quarrels and schemes.
It was as if my cousin was deliberately going against me. She would create trouble whenever I had peace of mind. Sometimes, I really don’t get why she does it. She’s successful in her career, pretty, and surrounded by eligible bachelors.
