Broken Hearts, Newfound Love

Zayne sent my private photos to his buddies.

"My girlfriend's got a nice figure, right?!" he boasted, adding two smug emojis.

One of his friends replied, "I prefer flat chests."

Reading the chat log made my skin crawl and my stomach churn.

Zayne shrugged it off nonchalantly, "They're all women, what are you afraid of?"

Yes, his buddy was a woman.

"Aren't you worried she might share them with others or use them for something else?"

I tossed my phone aside, not wanting to look at it any longer.

In the two years we were together, I lost count of how many times I argued with Zayne over this friend of his.

I said harsh words, did foolish things.

In the end, they remained inseparable, sharing everything.

While I was left feeling like a petty, unreasonable woman.

I was fed up; this was really not my style.

This time, I didn't want to play this game with them anymore.

1

In the afternoon, while Zayne was napping on the sofa, I came out of the bedroom with my suitcase.

"Zayne, let's break up."

He didn't even lift an eyelid, his tone tinged with mild resignation, "You're still mad, huh? I won't do it next time."

I smiled, said nothing, took one last look at the home I had lovingly maintained for two years, and gently closed the door behind me.

Strangely, saying goodbye to someone so close felt like nothing. I didn't even feel the urge to cry.

Instead, the sun seemed brighter, the clouds lighter, and the air fresher than usual.

I temporarily stayed at a hotel near my office, planning to work while looking for a new place.

On the third day after moving out, Zayne called me for the first time, opening with, "Are you done with your tantrum?

When are you coming back?"

I paused for a moment, not angry, just tired, and patiently told him, "We've already broken up."

He cursed under his breath, "Don't come back if you dare."

Then he hung up.

Staring at the darkened screen, I suddenly doubted myself.

Why did I fall for him at twenty?

What was so great about him that made me chase him for a year and endure two years of grievances?

2

Thanks to a kind colleague's introduction, I moved into the apartment next to his.

Saved me a brokerage fee.

The day after moving in, out of gratitude, I invited my colleague for dinner.

But at the restaurant, I ran into Zayne and his good friend Paige.

"Hey there, what are you doing here?"

Paige waved at me enthusiastically, her face beaming with a bright smile, her white dress accentuating her figure.

I suddenly remembered her saying she preferred flat chests and couldn't help but glance twice.

She wasn't flat either...

If she didn't like it, why wear something so figure-hugging?

I asked my colleague to find a seat first, then walked over to greet them, "Paige, Zayne and I broke up."

Zayne snorted derisively, pulling Paige by the wrist to sit down, and sneered at me, "Have you been seeing someone else all along?"

I glanced back at my colleague, "Zayne, you still don't understand respect. Let's not contact each other anymore."

Leaving those words behind, I walked back to my colleague and took him to another restaurant.

My colleague hesitated, "You broke up?"

I smiled, "It's been a while, and it feels great."

I didn't think much of this drama until I saw Zayne's Facebook post that night. He posted a picture of a bunch of empty bottles with the caption, "Let's just say I wasted my youth on this."

Paige commented below, "My best friend, I'll always be with you."

Never had I wanted to curse someone so badly.

I messaged Zayne, only to find he had blocked me a minute ago.

I wish I had blocked him first.

3

The next morning, I received many messages from mutual friends of Zayne and me, all offering condolences.

Reading through them, they all praised Zayne.

Said he was family-oriented, considerate, a good earner, even called him honest.

It's laughable. If he was so great, would he not know how to maintain boundaries with the opposite sex?

Would he not know how to give a girl basic security?

Would he post such cryptic messages after a breakup?

I was so angry my chest hurt, but I couldn't be bothered to respond. I dressed up carefully for work, even sprayed some nice perfume.

The receptionist saw me and teased, "Elliana, you look great. Is there something to celebrate?"

I tilted my head and gave her a playful smile, "Yes, I broke up. It's a big celebration. I'll treat everyone to bubble tea this afternoon."

The receptionist was stunned, and a delivery guy nearby laughed, "Good for you. I've never seen a guy so dramatic. Forgot his charger and had his girlfriend send it over. Couldn't figure it out himself, what a weirdo."

I almost forgot about that incident until he mentioned it.

That day, Zayne was playing games at Paige's place, his phone died, and Paige didn't have an extra charger. He didn't want to go downstairs to buy one or bother Paige, so he messaged me to figure it out.

I used a delivery service to send my charger to Paige's place.

When I got home that night, I didn't see my charger in his bag, so I asked him about it.

He casually told me he left it at Paige's place to avoid the hassle next time.

The word "next time" deeply stung me, and I couldn't help but complain.

He impatiently said, "Stop making a big deal out of it. You can use my charger. Paige isn't as troublesome as you."

"If Paige is so great, why are you with me?

Go be with her."

I was furious, overwhelmed by grievance and anger, which shattered my rationality.

"Paige is just my bro. I've never seen her as a woman. What's your problem?"

We argued for nearly an hour before he locked himself in the bedroom, leaving me with, "Think whatever you want."

I was left alone, sobbing uncontrollably in the living room.

4

I found out Paige and Zayne slept together ten days after our breakup.

Paige told me.

She messaged me on a messaging app, sounding a bit aggrieved, "Elliana, that day at the restaurant, after you argued with Zayne, he was in a bad mood. I drank a bit too much with him, and I didn't expect things to happen..."

What was she leaving out?

Why did she tell me this?

Elliana?

She used to call me sis-in-law.

"Did you sleep together before that day?" I asked.

The message seemed to sink into the abyss; she didn't reply.

Holding my phone, I was consumed by all sorts of speculations, feeling nauseous as if I had swallowed a fly.

When I didn't know how to escape my chaotic thoughts, there was a knock at the door.

It was my colleague from next door.

Today, he was dressed casually, looking more youthful than when he wore a suit.

His hair was fluffy and fresh, his eyes were beautiful, with double eyelids and slightly upturned corners. His amber pupils seemed to hold a spring of water, looking at people with a gentle glow.

He was tall, and I only reached his shoulder. Standing in front of him, I could just see a small mole on his delicate collarbone.

"Jerred, what brings you here?"

I asked.

He hesitated for a moment, his ears slowly turning red, "Um... Elliana, I remember you're a science major.

Could you help tutor my cousin in calculus?"

I needed something to distract me, so I agreed without thinking.

5

Following Jerred to his place, I tutored his cousin in the study.

He brought in sliced fruit and snacks, his whole demeanor filled with an inexplicable excitement.

At one point, when I finished explaining a problem, I looked up and caught him watching me.

Our eyes met for just a second before he turned away, his ears turning red, the color spreading visibly to his neck.

A hint of doubt crept into my mind. We weren't that close, were we?

Before he helped me find a place, we were just acquaintances who liked each other's Facebook posts.

After finding the place, we only had one meal together.

What was going on with him?

Jerred took a deep breath, looking at me, "Let's have dinner together. Didn't you say you wanted hot pot the other day?"

I had mentioned it casually in the colleague group chat while slacking off, not expecting him to remember.

"Sure, once your cousin finishes his homework."

Jerred blurted out, "He's already eaten."

Huh?

It's only three in the afternoon, how could he have eaten already?

My cousin smiled with a forced smile, casting a sharp glance at Jerred before turning to me, "Sis, I've really already eaten."

"Come on, join us. Even if you've eaten, you can have a little more," I replied with a smile.

6

My cousin insisted he had eaten and refused to join us.

When we arrived at the mall, Jerred and I took the glass elevator to the eighth floor.

As we passed the third floor, the elevator stopped.

The doors slowly opened, and I saw Zayne and Paige standing hand in hand, chatting and laughing, looking every bit like a couple in love.

Noticing me, Zayne initially didn't plan to enter the elevator, but Paige gently tugged him, and he complied with her wishes.

"Fancy seeing you here, Elliana! Is this really your boyfriend?"

Paige turned to look at me, a mischievous smile on her face.

Her every move and word exuded a natural confidence that I could never match.

I could never be so bold.

Her words were clear in their implication. Last time, when I invited Jerred for dinner, Zayne mocked me for cheating, and now Paige was affirming it.

I couldn't even muster a fake smile and chose to ignore her completely.

The elevator ascended smoothly, the small enclosed space silent. I stood in the back corner, my gaze fixed on Zayne and Paige's interlocked fingers, feeling as if my blood was flowing backward, leaving my hands and feet icy cold.

Rationally, I knew ignoring them was the harshest form of revenge.

But emotionally, I couldn't help but speculate-they were pretending to be just friends to hide in the shadows and mock my foolishness.

The relationship I had cherished had long been tainted, and in this three-person game, I had always been their source of amusement.

A wave of anger surged through me, and I didn't even notice my nails digging into my palm.

"Elliana," Jerred bent down, whispering softly in my ear.

I snapped back to reality, looking up at him in confusion.

He gazed directly at me, his eyes alight with a fiery intensity that seemed to melt me, "Elliana, I've liked you for a long time. Can I pursue you?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the elevator doors opened to the floor Zayne had selected.

But Zayne stood there, seemingly unaware, his back stiff, slightly turning his head as if waiting for something.

Paige tugged at him angrily several times before he finally reacted, giving me a deep look before leaving with her just as the doors were about to close.

7

The elevator was once again just Jerred and me.

I forced a smile, "You're just trying to help me get back at Zayne, right?"

Compared to him liking me, this reason seemed more convincing.

Jerred's cheeks flushed slightly, a hint of sweat at his temples, as if he were quite nervous, holding his breath.

After a moment, he seemed to make a decision, "No..."

Just as he started, he suddenly deflated, switching to a lighter tone, "Elliana, did it make you feel better?

Is there anything else I can do for you?"

I gave him a grateful smile as the elevator doors opened at the right moment, and I stepped out first, leaving the topic unresolved.

After dinner that evening, Jerred walked me to my doorstep.

The night breeze blew through the corridor, the dim light casting an intimate glow.

He looked down at me, his gaze clear and bright.

It seemed he wasn't used to such spicy hotpot; his lips were a bit swollen, and his white T-shirt was stained with several large spots of red oil, faintly emitting the aroma of hotpot.

"A good neighbor is better than a distant friend. Don't be so formal with me.

Just call if you need anything, and I'll be there."

"Alright, close neighbor," I replied with a smile.

Back home, I idly scrolled through my tablet when a friend request from a stranger popped up.

Without much thought, I accepted it.

Soon, a message came through: "What are you doing?"

"Who is this?" I asked.

"Your ex-boyfriend," came the reply half an hour later, followed by several more messages.

"Where do you live now?"

"My mom knows we broke up and wants to talk to you."

"We can still be friends even after breaking up. Don't be so heartless."

Looking at the screen, a strong sense of disgust welled up inside me. I grabbed a cold beer from the fridge, taking a big gulp to feel a bit more at ease.

Zayne's mom liked me a lot, but it was because I took good care of her son, was financially independent, didn't spend his money lavishly, and understood social etiquette, giving gifts and traditional cash gifts to their elders during holidays.

I once overheard her telling Zayne, "She's perfect wife material."

To which Zayne smugly replied, "Why else would I be with her? That's exactly why."

All my disappointments accumulated from such small incidents. I don't know when it started, but I was already waiting-waiting until I completely lost hope, until all patience and affection were worn away, until I had no regrets and fully awakened.

"We didn't part on good terms. I really dislike you. Please don't appear in my life again. I don't want a friend like you."

After typing and editing, I finally sent that line and blocked him.

Whether he was feeling sentimental late at night or had ulterior motives, he wasn't worth my time.

I sincerely hoped we could vanish from each other's lives forever-no well-wishes, no ill-will, just moving on.

8

The next day at work, the company chat suddenly announced Jerred's resignation.

Colleagues flooded the chat with "Wishing you a bright future."

I was a bit surprised and messaged him privately, asking, "Why did you suddenly resign?"

He was probably busy with the resignation process, as it took him over ten minutes to reply.

"Let's talk on the way home after work."

After work, I followed him to the parking lot and got into his car to head home together.

He drove with focused attention, his side profile looking particularly handsome, especially his nose-high and refined.

As we drove out of the parking lot, I thought I saw Zayne downstairs at the company.

But before I could confirm, the car had already driven far away.

"What's up?"

Jerred asked.

I withdrew my gaze, smiling at him, "I must have mistaken someone else."

Just as I was about to ask why he resigned, my phone rang.

It was Paige.

I hesitated for a while before answering.

On the other end, Paige's tone was unpleasant as she urgently questioned me, "Elliana, are you with Zayne?"

"No," my mood soured instantly, regretting that I had only blocked her on Whatsapp and not her phone number.

"Who are you kidding?

My phone's location shows he's right below your company.

Do you really need to do this?

You were the one who broke up with him, and now he's with me. Why are you still clinging to him?

Why is your revenge so intense?" she yelled at me.

I let out a bitter laugh, "You two are a perfect match, and I wish you a long and happy life together. Why would I want revenge?

Can't you see I don't want to deal with either of you?

Maybe you should think things through."

With that, I hung up and blocked her number.

This was the first time since breaking up, no, since knowing Paige, that I had spoken to her so harshly.

I used to think she was just carefree and low in emotional intelligence, tolerating what I could and gently addressing what I couldn't. But now, I realized I was the fool.

Beside me, Jerred burst into laughter.

I looked at him in confusion, "Is it that funny?"

"Very cute," he said, a faint blush on his ears, his tone suddenly serious.

I pressed my lips together, unaccustomed to such compliments from the opposite sex, feeling my cheeks heat up. I quickly changed the subject, "Why did you suddenly resign? Didn't your department head appreciate you?"

"A headhunter has been contacting me for a while. I thought it was a good opportunity, so I took it."

We stopped at a red light, and he turned to look at me, his smile gentle.

The setting sun streamed through the car window, casting an amber glow on his soft, tousled hair.

"I see."

"Yeah, you don't have to avoid me anymore. The new company is on the way, so you can ride with me to and from work."

I scratched my head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

When we first became neighbors, he suggested carpooling, but I was afraid of colleagues misunderstanding, so I declined and kept my distance.

9

After getting out of the car, I planned to go to the supermarket in front of the community to buy some daily necessities.

Jerred said he needed to go too, so we could buy some ingredients and cook hotpot together at home.

In the supermarket, Jerred pushed the shopping cart, carefully selecting ingredients in the fresh produce section. I followed behind him, watching his back, and suddenly felt a bit dazed.

Scenes like this were rare in my time with Zayne. I was usually the one worrying about how to plan our meals, what the house needed, and what items were on sale to stock up on.

Meanwhile, he would absentmindedly follow behind me, as if completing some tedious task.

Jerred suddenly stopped in front of me, and I, not paying attention, accidentally bumped into his back.

A fresh scent wafted into my nose, and I could clearly feel his body tense up. I quickly stepped back, "Sorry, I didn't see."

He turned around, his face slightly flushed, "Elliana, there's no fresh beef here. I'll check the market later."

I glanced at the empty cooler, "No need to go through the trouble. We can do without."

"It's no trouble. You seem to only like beef, so I'll go get some. It's just a short walk."

With that, he continued pushing the cart forward.

A warm feeling of being cared for rose in my heart, something I hadn't felt in a long time.

However, we never did get to have that hotpot.

After finishing our shopping, I ran into Zayne at the entrance of the neighborhood.

And his mother was with him.

Seeing the groceries and household items in Jerred's hands, Zayne's expression turned furious. He yelled at me, "Are you living with him now?

How low can you get?"

Zayne's mother looked at me with a pained expression, "Elliana, a girl should have self-respect."

My son calls me low, and his mother tells me to have self-respect?

A wave of anger surged within me. They shouldn't mess with a woman who knows her worth.

I forced a smile, "Ma'am, shouldn't boys also be taught self-respect?

Why don't you start by asking your son?

Besides, I broke up with your son and met someone ten times better. Shouldn't I cherish that?"

Jerred subtly moved closer, standing protectively in front of me.

I laughed almost vindictively, "Zayne, leaving you made me realize just how inadequate you are as a man!

In every way!"

"Elliana, how can you be so rude?"

Zayne's mother glared at me.

Rude?

My parents taught me to be humble and kind, but they also taught me that kindness must have an edge.

Why should I tolerate their disrespect?

Jerred freed a hand and held mine, "It's not worth getting angry with people like them. Come on, let's go home, and I'll cook something nice for you."

I calmed myself, leaning affectionately on his arm, "Alright."

Zayne blocked my way, gritting his teeth, "My mom called your mom, politely asking for your address, just to have a talk with you."

He paused, softening his tone, "Why don't you let him go home first? We can find a nearby restaurant and talk over a meal."

"No." I said firmly.

Zayne still wouldn't let me go. Jerred forcefully pushed him aside, took my hand, and walked away with long strides. As we passed the security guard, he reminded them not to let them in.

The incident had a profound impact on me. I had never been publicly humiliated before, especially by someone I once cared for deeply.

"Thanks for earlier, but I don't feel like having hotpot anymore. I just want to go home and calm down."

I said to Jerred, holding back tears as we reached our floor.

He looked at me with concern for a moment, then nodded.

Once inside, I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling utterly drained, as if a heavy stone was pressing on my chest.

I cried for who knows how long until there was a knock at the door.

I ignored it.

A moment later, my phone buzzed.

It was a message from Jerred.

He said, "I bought you bubble tea, sweetened to your liking, and made some Sichuan-style spicy stew with lots of beef. It's outside your door. Please remember to eat."

Tears flowed even more fiercely.

A few seconds later, he sent another message.

"Cook the ingredients with the hotpot base and serve it. I think it's called Sichuan-style spicy stew, right?"

Oh my, how am I supposed to know the difference between hotpot, Sichuan-style spicy stew, and mala soup...

This little distraction oddly lifted my spirits a bit.

That evening, I sipped bubble tea while video chatting with my mom.

She told me that Zayne's mother wanted to bring him over to apologize to me, which is why she gave them my address.

I shared everything that had happened recently with her, and she concluded that Zayne's mother hoped for us to reconcile because I am an only child. My parents had once mentioned in front of her that I would have a significant inheritance or financial support from my family when I got married.

The next morning, Jerred was waiting at my door to go to work together. Seeing my swollen eyes, he frowned slightly, "Maybe you should take a day off?"

I shook my head, "No, I won't let a loser mess with my career and income."

As the car reached the entrance of the neighborhood, Jerred got out to buy breakfast while I waited in the passenger seat. A casual glance revealed Zayne across the street.

He was crouched there, surrounded by cigarette butts, like a scene from a movie about a down-and-out character, his hair a mess, looking quite disheveled.

I remembered he had quit smoking a long time ago...

Oh, right, Paige smokes.

He must have picked up the habit again after being with her.

Knowing he has bronchitis and still chooses to smoke, ruining his health, such a person doesn't deserve sympathy.

I withdrew my gaze and closed my eyes to rest.

After yesterday's events, I was more determined than ever to stay away from his entire family and be grateful for dodging a bullet by not marrying him.

Jerred returned, handed me breakfast, and glanced in Zayne's direction, hesitating to speak.

It was clear he had seen Zayne too.

I thought he might urge me not to be so heartless and to talk to Zayne, but instead, he said, "Make sure to wait for me to pick you up after work. I'm really worried about your safety."

"Got it," I replied earnestly.

For the next few days, I went in and out of the neighborhood with Jerred and didn't encounter Zayne again.

Just when I thought the matter had settled, Paige caused a scene at my office on Friday night.

"Nannan, please stop badmouthing me to Jerred. He's my boss and has been targeting me," she said tearfully in front of my colleagues.

Instantly, curious eyes turned towards me.

I stood up abruptly, pulling her outside quickly.

At the elevator, I lowered my voice, "Paige, did you just say Jerred is your boss?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Why are you pretending?"

I thought for a moment and then smiled slowly, "So, the boss who helped you lie about your qualifications is no longer around?

If I casually mention your fake credentials to Jerred, you might get fired and face legal consequences."

Her expression changed repeatedly before she forced a smile, "Nannan, I was wrong to blame you. I'm sorry. I'll leave now. Please don't tell Jerred."

"Don't call me friend, and don't call Jerred colleague. It makes me uncomfortable."

With that, I turned back to my desk, feeling particularly pleased.

It was quite a coincidence that Jerred had switched jobs to Paige's company and became her boss.

Even more coincidental was that Paige had once boasted about having a powerful friend who helped her hide her credentials and get into the company.

Thinking of this, I messaged Jerred, "Why didn't you tell me you and Paige work at the same company?"

He replied quickly, "I didn't want to upset you. How did you find out?"

I sent a laughing emoji, "She said you like to target her!"

"That's because she's not competent and always tries to cut corners."

Sensing my good mood, he suggested, "How about a movie tonight?"

A department dinner was announced at the last minute, so I couldn't go. After I told Jerred, he replied, "Then message me when you're done, and I'll pick you up."

"Okay, thank you, Mr. Adams."

The dinner ended past ten at night.

I had drunk quite a bit, and my head was spinning.

The alcohol made me a bit giddy.

When Jerred came to pick me up, I impulsively left my colleagues and ran to him, grabbing his sleeve, "The HR lady told me today that you left because the company doesn't allow office romances.

Is that true?"

He glanced at my colleagues behind me, smiled, and said slowly, "Yes, it's true."

My heart skipped a beat.

I lowered my head, giggling, "They said you, with your charming looks, are a hopeless romantic."

"They're right."

His voice was soft, carried by the wind into my ear, like little pebbles dropping into the lake of my heart, creating gentle ripples.