Falling for My Ex-boyfriend

My ex-boyfriend moved in across the hall. The first day we met, I had just returned from a minor surgery and hadn't washed my hair for seven days.

Yet, he still looked as dashing as ever, making my heart race.

Ryan glanced me over from head to toe, his smile gentle yet mocking. "You're just the same as always."

I hadn't eaten well for seven days, so I knew my face was pale. For convenience, I had even worn pajamas to the hospital.

Annoyed, I retorted with a cold laugh, "Yeah, your dad would still disapprove of you, and he'd still dump you." As expected, Ryan's face turned dark, and he pressed his lips together, saying nothing as we entered the elevator together.

I pressed the button for the sixteenth floor. He didn't press any button, which puzzled me, but I was too annoyed to ask.

It wasn't until he walked to the door opposite mine that I couldn't help but ask, "Why are you following me?"

Ryan opened the fingerprint lock, ignoring me completely.

I stood there dumbfounded for a moment before heading home, where the first thing I did was take a shower.

My heart was racing the entire time.

Of course, I still liked him.

But he was complicated, and I had a bad temper and was troubled too. We had a huge fight three months ago and broke up for good.

The doorbell rang.

I put on a bathrobe to answer it, and there was Ryan, brazenly standing at my door, half-dressed and with damp hair, trying to seduce me.

"What do you want?" I asked, holding the door and squinting at him defensively.

Inside, I was already dying to be with him.

Ryan tilted his head slightly, looking a bit embarrassed. "The shower's broken. Can I borrow yours?"

"Oh, did you forget what you just said..." I crossed my arms, mocking him leisurely.

Sure enough, he gave me a look and was about to leave.

"It's not like you can't use it," I quickly stopped him.

After all, I still wanted to hook up with him.

Ryan turned back, gesturing for me to step aside, and I instinctively moved out of the way.

"Speak."

He knew me too well, like a worm in my stomach, knowing I wasn't being kind.

"Cook for me..." I hadn't even finished speaking when Ryan turned to leave again, not willing to negotiate at all.

This jerk used to cook for me every day when we were together and even coaxed me to eat breakfast.

"Just for a week. You can bring me some food when you cook. I just had surgery, and takeout isn't good for me." I softened my voice, not believing he wouldn't relent.

"Sick?"

"Yeah, just got out of the hospital. You know I can't cook..." "You might as well starve." Ryan's voice was harsh, but he was already heading to the bathroom.

Watching his tall, slender back and enticing waistline, I couldn't help but smile triumphantly.

When he opened the bathroom door, I suddenly remembered the underwear hanging on the doorknob.

"Wait!" But it was too late to stop him.

Ryan bent down to pick up my underwear, his long lashes half-lowered, and after a long pause, he finally said, "You've lost your style."

I felt like tossing it at him!

I rushed over in a few steps to snatch it back. "None of your business. It's not like I'm showing it to you!"

Even a casual remark could hit his sore spot.

"Then who do you want to show it to?" Ryan's face was so cold it could freeze.

I was so startled by him that I suddenly chickened out. "The hospital was too dirty, so I picked some cheap ones to throw away when I got back. I didn't mean for you to see them."

Seeing me in this post-hospital state had already driven me crazy inside a thousand times.

Hearing my explanation, he chuckled softly, like the rippling spring water, tickling me.

When he closed the door, I realized this was my ex-boyfriend, whom I had dumped. Why was he questioning me?!

"Wait a minute! I already dumped you, you jerk! Why do you care who I show it to?" I muttered powerlessly at the closed bathroom door.

Suddenly, the door opened again, and Ryan peeked out halfway. My eyes almost fell into his collarbone.

"I can hear you." He said, then gave a meaningful glance at his waist hidden behind the door, then at me.

It was a blatant tease.

I wanted to push the door open and go in. I subconsciously swallowed, my hand moving to the door, ready to push.

"What do you want to do? Tell me." Ryan held the door, smiling more enticingly than the mist.

His obstruction snapped me back to reality. I withdrew my hand and stood straight. "You didn't bring a towel. Don't use mine. There are new ones in the cabinet under the sink."

The door closed with a "bang," and Ryan didn't even bother to look at me again.

No way, even if we were to get back together, I wouldn't be a pushover.

I held my phone, watching videos while heading to the fridge for some bottled water.

My nose hit the corner of the kitchen wall.

I had just had nose surgery, and I instantly felt something was wrong. When I touched it, my hand was covered in blood.

Because I faint at the sight of blood, my legs went weak, and I collapsed to the floor, my voice trembling with tears, "Ryan..."

I never expected him to come out.

Ryan rushed out, wrapped in just a towel, looking slightly anxious. Seeing me kneeling on the floor with a bloody face, his already pale face turned even whiter.

Yet, I still had the mind to think about other things. Seeing his previously hidden waist and abdomen, I felt my nosebleed flowing even more fiercely.

He grabbed a handful of tissues from the dining table and wiped my face. "Close your eyes."

I didn't understand but obeyed, feeling him crouch down beside me. I regretted it a bit. Why did I close my eyes?

Just as I was about to open them, I was lifted horizontally.

"Let's rest on the sofa first. I'll change and take you to the hospital." His voice was calming and gentle.

Ryan changed clothes and thoughtfully brought a coat to wrap me in, naturally holding my hand as we went downstairs, completely forgetting we had broken up.

Since I needed his help, I wasn't about to remind him. I'd let him take advantage of me for now.

Heh, his touch was so familiar.

In the emergency room, I realized the doctor on duty was my attending physician, Karson.

"Dr. Adams." Seeing him lifted my spirits, easing the tension in my body from the fear of the examination.

For some reason, Ryan's grip on my hand tightened.

After the surgery, the night before the sponge was to be removed, it had swollen so much in my nasal cavity that I was extremely uncomfortable and restless, leaving the ward to walk around.

I happened to run into Karson, who was on duty at the time.

That was the hardest night, and I spent it sitting beside my attending physician until dawn.

"Miss Pearson? What happened?" Karson raised an eyebrow upon seeing me.

"I hit my nose on the wall, and it's bleeding."

Karson nodded, gesturing for me to sit in the chair for an examination.

Sitting in that chair always brought back painful memories, and I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.

Karson held a cotton swab soaked in anesthetic, speaking gently, "Don't worry, I'll be gentle."

His eyes were warm and calm, soothing me into relaxation.

As the swab was inserted deeper into my nasal cavity, I couldn't help but shrink back a bit.

"Alright, wait outside for ten minutes."

I walked out of the emergency room and sat on the bench outside with Ryan, noticing his unexpectedly low mood.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Do you have that doctor's contact information?" Ryan didn't look at me, his words light as if making small talk.

Probably trying to change the subject.

"Oh, right, I don't. I'll try to get it from Dr. Adams later."

Hearing my response, Ryan suddenly turned to look at me, his eyes deep and emotions swirling.

My first thought was that the sponges in my nose must look unattractive, so I instinctively turned my head, leaving him with a side profile. "What are you doing?" "Why won't you look at me?" Ryan's voice was a bit hoarse.

I inexplicably felt like his next words would be, "Am I not good-looking?"

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but pout. "What's there to see?"

Who knew Ryan would reach out and pinch my chin, trying to turn me toward him.

It wasn't too late, and there were still people coming and going in the hospital.

I angrily brushed his hand away, ready to lecture him about being mindful of appearances, when I heard Dr. Adams' voice, "Come in."

I didn't argue with him further and went in for the examination with Dr. Adams.

"It's nothing serious, just a bit of a tear. Use the medication I prescribed properly, and don't worry." Dr. Adams put away the nasal speculum and smiled at me.

"Dr. Adams, could I... I was just about to ask Dr. Adams for his Whatsapp when Ryan appeared at the door.

Leaning against the doorframe, he half-closed his eyes and said, "Let's go. You haven't had dinner yet, and we still need to go grocery shopping."

Dr. Adams glanced at Ryan and chimed in, "You should go. It's important to eat on time, rest well, and not overexert yourself."

With that interruption, I completely forgot about asking Dr. Adams for his Whatsapp and obediently followed Ryan out. It wasn't until we were in the car, leaving the hospital, that I remembered.

"Why did you interrupt me when I was asking Dr. Adams for his Whatsapp?"

"Are you planning to get sick again?" Ryan asked lazily as he waited at a red light.

A leopard can't change its spots.

"You're always cursing me," I muttered under my breath.

I was just trying to avoid an argument, thinking I'd have to be nice since I'm eating his food, but he twisted it into me feeling guilty.

"So, you really want to get sick again and have another appointment with your Dr. Adams?" Ryan's tone was dripping with sarcasm.

"What's wrong with you!" I snapped, then realized my mistake and leaned closer to his face. "Oh, could it be that you're jealous, dear sir? That's not cool."

The light turned green, and as Ryan hit the gas, I leaned into him and gave him a playful nip.

Ryan looked down at me, amused. "Throwing yourself at me and giving a playful nip? That's not cool either."

We headed to the supermarket to buy groceries.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Meat."

"Let's have something light."

"Then why ask me? Just buy whatever you want." I rolled my eyes at him.

Ryan chuckled softly and still picked out a piece of beef.

"Teach me how to cook," I said, watching him select vegetables, feeling inexplicably moved.

Ryan didn't look up. "Why do you want to learn that?"

I grinned mischievously, about to say something cheeky, when my fair-weather friend, Yvonne, appeared.

"Jenessa? Didn't you say you were seeing someone new recently? Why is it still him?"

Honestly, if you didn't speak, no one would think you were mute.

Ryan's face visibly darkened.

He silently tossed the chicken wings he was holding and took the beef out of the cart, glancing at me before walking away with the cart.

With his long legs, he was already far ahead before I could react.

I turned back and pointed at Yvonne, indicating that I'd settle the score with her later, then hurriedly chased after Ryan.

"Come on, let's have some meat," I pleaded, tugging at his sleeve and looking at him pitifully.

Ryan easily shook off my grip. "You're lucky to have anything to eat."

He remained cold and sarcastic no matter what I said or explained.

By the time we reached the underground parking lot, I couldn't hold back my sharp tongue any longer and slammed the car door shut. "Before you get angry, maybe you should consider whether you have the right to be upset." "I really didn't plan on getting back together with you. You moved into my place, and now you want me to coax you? Shouldn't you deal with your own little tantrums?"

"I even let you cut in line, and you still don't take a hint?"

After saying that, I felt relieved, the anger in my chest dissipating.

But Ryan's lips had turned pale, clearly furious.

Why couldn't I control my mouth? Seeing him like that, I regretted it so much I wanted to bang my head against the wall.

But when you're angry, it's really hard to hold back.

I closed my eyes, ready to apologize.

Ryan spoke first, his voice cold and emotionless. "I must be a real fool."

No, you're not the fool! I'm the fool!

If I weren't sick, I'd be being your doormat!

Before I could express my loyalty, Ryan transferred two thousand dollars to me via his phone, with a note saying "for a bath," then got into the car and drove off.

The whole process was smooth and uninterrupted.

I stood there, dumbfounded, only able to smell the exhaust from his car.

I'm such a failure, crying over my own incompetence.

I called Ryan three times before he finally picked up.

"Who is this?" a sweet female voice answered, making my face contort with anger.

"I'm his boss!" I shouted, ready to hang up when I noticed the loud music in the background.

So, he went to a bar to drown his sorrows?

I changed my tone. "Where are you guys?"

The woman, probably confused by my sudden shift, hesitated before telling me the name of the bar.

Back home, I quickly put on some makeup, changed into my battle outfit, and headed to Velvet Vines Bar.

As soon as I walked in, I saw Ryan sitting on the sofa, holding a drink. He didn't look drunk enough to need someone else to answer his phone.

The sweet-looking woman beside him was quite bold, wearing a low-cut top and laughing.

I marched over in my high heels, full of determination.

"Do you still recognize me?" I snatched the glass from Ryan's hand.

He glanced up at me. "The neighbor across the hall."

That really amused me.

The woman beside him laughed too.

"What's so funny? He's my boyfriend, can't you tell? We're having a fight, so why don't you go cool off somewhere else?" I glared at the annoying woman.

"Don't say that, sweetie. Your number isn't even saved in his contacts. You can't fool me. There's a line for chasing him, you know." This woman was clearly not easy to deal with.

Hearing the word "line," Ryan chuckled, staring at me, clearly mocking me.

Fine, you little brat.

You'll regret this.

I gave him a fake smile and called Yvonne.

"Jenessa, I was wrong. You were so confident the other day..."

"No need to apologize. I'm serious. Come to Velvet Vines now, and bring your brother."

"What? My brother?" Yvonne sounded incredulous. "He's only eighteen, just turned legal a few months ago. Are you out of your mind? When did you start having designs on my brother? I'm telling you, it's impossible!"

"Two thousand, hurry up."

"Okay, your servant is on the way."

Ryan, you keep acting smug. I'll use your money to flirt with another guy. Just wait.

Yvonne must have dressed up her brother for the occasion. He looked fresh and handsome, with a hint of shyness.

As soon as he saw me, he smiled sweetly. "Hello, sister."

I glanced at Ryan's dark expression and smiled, feeling pleased. I even mischievously took Joshua's hand and pulled him to sit beside me.

"Sister ordered you a drink. It's low in alcohol and tastes good. Want to try?"

"But sister, I don't know how to drink," Joshua said, blinking his puppy eyes at me.

I lied like a wicked witch. "It's okay. If you get drunk, I'll take you home. If that's not possible, you can come to my place." Joshua obediently took a big sip and then dramatically choked on it.

I gently patted his back, and finally, the sweet but clueless woman couldn't hold back. "Jenessa, do you think I'm dead?" "Oh, if you hadn't spoken, I would've thought you passed out from drinking," I teased, pretending to lean on Joshua's shoulder, mocking Ryan.

His anger was evident, flowing from his eyes and brows, unable to be contained.

"Let me introduce you. This is the new guy. Isn't he younger and more sensible than you?"

Ryan couldn't hold back any longer. He stood up, stepped over me, and was about to leave.

Stupid man, always like this. Calm down, my foot. If you stay calm any longer, your wife will be gone. Don't you know how to kiss me?

There's nothing a kiss can't solve, unless he's not handsome anymore.

Ryan seemed to have a sudden realization. He turned on his heel, bent down, grabbed my wrist, and started pulling me outside.

I stumbled along behind him, and after a few steps, he decided it wasn't enough. He took off his jacket and draped it over me.

Once we reached the underground parking lot, with no one around, I felt it was time for something indescribable to happen. Otherwise, all my effort to dress up so beautifully and seductively would be wasted.

So I stared intently at Ryan's smooth, handsome profile.

He noticed and turned his head.

"What are you looking at? Do you think I'm not as good as that kid?"

A perfectly good-looking guy, but he just had to open his mouth.

I never expected that Ryan would be so upset that night.

After dropping me off at home, he never showed up again.

I lived right across the hall, yet I hadn't seen him for an entire week.

Late Saturday night, I couldn't hold back any longer. I pressed my ear against his door, trying to catch any sound that might indicate whether he had left, abandoned me, or given up on me.

And then, the most mortifying thing happened.

"Jenessa?" Ryan's voice, tinged with a hint of confusion, broke the silence.

My mind went blank. I quickly stood up, tugging at my short skirt to greet him.

But my fake smile froze the moment I saw him.

Or rather, the girl beside him.

The girl from Velvet Vines Bar.

So, he had been missing for days because he was with her?

Did he think less of me because my chest wasn't as full or my hips as curvy as hers?

Fury welled up inside me, and I pointed at Ryan with reddened eyes. "You dog of a man!"

I spun around and stormed back into my apartment, slamming the door shut with all my might.

Despite my words, I secretly hoped Ryan would realize his mistake and change. I couldn't help but peek through the peephole.

To my dismay, he actually brought her inside.

A dark night, just the two of them, with tension in the air.

Ryan, we're done!

The more I thought about it, the angrier I became. I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep, and by the next day, I looked like a raccoon with dark circles under my eyes.

Yet, the culprit, Ryan, had the audacity to knock on my door.

"What do you want?" I opened the door slightly, trying to maintain a calm demeanor as I looked at him.

"She's my cousin. She came by yesterday to pick up something," Ryan explained, showing me a family photo on his phone.

I wanted to laugh.

Why didn't this idiot tell me yesterday?!

Perhaps he saw the doubt in my eyes.

Ryan chuckled and said something that made me want to slam the door in his face: "I wanted you to think it over calmly. You can't bear to lose me."

After closing the door, I opened it again to throw in a parting shot: "That's the biggest joke I've ever heard! I, the queen, can have eight guys at once without you!"

Before I could finish, he covered my mouth and pushed his way in, pinning me against the door. His fresh scent drew closer until it turned into a kiss. "Hmm, being with me is such a burden for you."

It really was.

"Can you bear it a little longer?" Ryan's kisses gently landed on my neck, leaving me dazed.

"Okay... okay."

His laughter was like a hook, slowly stealing my soul.

By the time I came to my senses, it was already dark, and I was too exhausted to even move a finger.

Regret was too late.

"Hungry," I muttered, lightly kicking his calf.

Ryan shamelessly wrapped his arms around me, raising an eyebrow. "Still hungry?"

"Go to hell! You jerk! I'm starving!" I used the last of my strength to push him away and crawled far away.

"Didn't you just figure out who's in charge?" Ryan got out of bed, completely shameless.

But remembering how he had pushed me earlier... I blushed with anger, pulled the blanket over my head, and ignored him.

The rustling of clothes stopped, and Ryan came over to pull the blanket off me. "Alright, don't cover yourself up. You'll suffocate. I'll make you something to eat." I blinked at him, noticing the tenderness in his eyes.

I turned away, refusing to look at him. Hmph, he might look decent once dressed.

"I, the emperor, command you to leave, Ryan."

Ryan chuckled softly without replying. Soon, sounds came from the kitchen.

He brought in a bowl of noodles and handed it to me, playing along with my act. "Your loyal servant has done his duty. Any reward, Your Majesty?"

"You insolent fool, daring to ask for a reward." I took the bowl and started eating, ignoring the rascal.

But later, when he was tormenting me, he said I wasn't a good ruler. How could I expect the horse to run without letting it graze?

I was truly impressed.

He always had a way to justify himself.

Ryan shamelessly moved back in with me.

Thinking back to that rainy night when we had a huge fight, and he stormed out while I left without a word, I couldn't help but feel a bit melancholic.

The truth is, the issues between Ryan and me were never resolved.

Or rather, this naive fool never believed my explanations and didn't want to listen.

I had secretly loved him for four years and been with him for three, wasting seven years of my youth on a foolish first love that ended up getting married.

Why do I call him foolish? Because in three years, he never showed any interest in me.

Eventually, I realized he might not be interested, so I suggested we break up.

He agreed without a second thought.

Our breakup was so amicable that we remained in each other's social circles.

Everyone said he was naturally indifferent. When I saw his wedding post, I was a bit incredulous. By the time I realized it, tears were already streaming down my face.

Honestly, I didn't like him anymore.

Those tears were probably just a farewell to my first love that ended without a trace, a seven-year dream.

But Ryan didn't believe it. After our fight, we gave each other the silent treatment for a week.

So, on a stormy night, we finally exploded, and that was it.

Forget it, I'll give Ryan as much security as he needs!

I can't afford to lose a man who, apart from his mouth, fits me perfectly.

But fate had other plans.

A new intern joined our company, my cheap first love Larry's wife, Sylvia.

Fate has a funny way of working things out.

The worst part is, she's also a naive fool.

Personally, I didn't want to confront her.

But as the department director, she couldn't blame me for always scolding her.

After making her cry for the third time in a week, I was numb. I gave her internship a big cross-she couldn't stay.

Ryan was usually busy, but he got off work early for once and offered to take me out for a nice meal.

Just then, we ran into Larry, who had come to pick up Sylvia.

The naive fool greeted me pitifully, "Goodbye, Director."

"She's your director?" Larry glanced at me, raising an eyebrow.

Judging by his expression, I knew Sylvia must have told him how I scolded her during the day.

I was afraid he'd imagine a drama where I was a scorned lover, so I turned to leave with Ryan.

But Ryan, with a strong sense of ownership, wrapped his arm around my waist and challenged, "What?" Larry chuckled, patting Sylvia's head. "Nothing.

She's a bit naive and has caused Ms. Pearson a lot of trouble. We'll treat you both to dinner sometime as thanks."

His words were impeccable.

Of course, I forced a smile and declined, "No need, no need, it's my duty."

As Larry's car sped away, Ryan's face turned completely cold.

Great, Larry didn't imagine I was a scorned lover deliberately making things difficult for Sylvia. He was fully aware of his wife's foolishness.

But my Ryan imagined I was a scorned lover deliberately making things difficult for Sylvia, purely questioning my character.

Of course, remembering why we fought in the first place, I patiently tried to appease him, "Why are you upset? Let's go eat first, okay?"

Perhaps my gentleness seemed guilty to Ryan.

I should have scolded him, calling him a naive fool and an idiot, for him to believe I was fine.

"Heh." His cold laugh was full of sarcasm.

I took a deep breath and calmly said, "Ryan, don't push it. I've explained about him to you eight hundred times already."

"Besides, I've never brought up the past with you, have I? I've never asked if you had an ex-girlfriend, right?"

"Ask me." Ryan stopped, standing in the silent underground parking lot, quietly watching me.

I was puzzled and let out a confused "Huh," not understanding his thought process.

"I don't have one." Ryan pressed my shoulders, pinning me against the car. "Only you."

I admit my DNA was moved. He looked so handsome saying "only you."

"If we break up, I'll never forget you." Ryan lowered his lashes, leaving the rest unsaid, but I understood.

Then why should I have forgotten Larry after our breakup?

How many seven-year periods do we get in life?

I shouldn't have thought I could gain Ryan's trust with a few words.

This is the unique anxiety and possessiveness in love.

Wanting, from birth to death, only you.