Chapter 2

The next morning, I stretched and wandered into the kitchen, digging for something to eat.

But after turning the kitchen upside down, I realized it was completely empty.

I wondered why my brother didn't make breakfast for me today.

I checked my phone, and a couple of messages buzzed in.

My brother wrote: [Hey, Eric got hurt. I'm at the hospital taking care of him.

[Just pick up something to eat for breakfast.]

Since Eric was hurt, I felt that it was the perfect chance for me to make a move on him.

I quickly texted back: [How did he get hurt? Is it bad?]

My brother: [He got dumped, got drunk, passed out in some bushes, and ended up getting bitten by a snake.]

I cracked up.

I felt that Eric was so miserable.

Trying not to laugh, I asked my brother for the hospital address.

I made up my mind to head over and take care of Eric.

As soon as I stepped into the hospital room, I spotted Eric lying there. He looked quite weak.

There was an IV in his left hand. His right wrist was wrapped up in a bandage and a brace.

I wondered if he broke a bone as well.

When he heard me come in, he shot me a quick look, then immediately looked away.

His sharp eyes were now so swollen and puffy.

It looked totally out of place on his handsome face.

I almost burst out laughing.

"Just drop the stuff and get out." My brother was sitting by the bed, looking pretty intimidating.

I shot my brother a glare and quietly nudged him aside so I could take his spot by the bed.

Putting on my most concerned face, I asked, "Hey, are you feeling any better?"

Since my real brother considered Eric his buddy, I felt that Eric would be my brother, too.

Eric stared blankly up at the ceiling. "No."

My brother was fuming. "Eric's got the looks. He's such a good guy, but he still got dumped. Seriously, how is that even fair?

"What kind of heartless girl would do that? She must be blind!"

I muttered bitterly, "Didn't you say Eric's had more girlfriends than I can count?

"Maybe she thought he was just a player and dumped him."

As soon as I said that, Eric shot my brother a cold, icy look.

My brother just froze on the spot.

I gently pulled the blanket up for Eric. "Hey, Eric, you know what they say. If the old doesn't leave, the new can't come."

"Yeah, it was just an online fling anyway. No big deal," my brother couldn't help but add.

I couldn't believe that an online relationship could mess Eric up this badly.

I couldn't even imagine how much he'd cry if he actually dated someone in real life and got dumped.

"Speaking of online relationships, didn't you just break up yesterday, too?" my brother said casually.

Eric suddenly turned to me, his gaze dark and heavy.

My stomach dropped.

I hoped that my brother wouldn't lump me in with Eric's ex.

I felt that I was nothing like that awful girl Eric used to date.

I gave a dry laugh.

I said, "I ended up with a total loser.

"He was ugly, broke, and cheap.

"I mean, breaking up was the only way, right?"

Eric's eyes lost their spark again.

"Now that I think about it, your voice sounds a lot like my online crush," he said.

His words sent a jolt through me.

I couldn't believe it.

I was trying to pursue him, but he kept comparing me to his ex.

This was definitely not a good sign.

I tried to sound innocent and said, "Really?"

Eric suddenly sat up a little straighter, his eyes sparkling as he stared at me.

He said, "When you use that voice, you sound even more like her.

"She used to do that and talk all cutesy with me, using that squeaky voice.

"Come on, give me a couple more. Let me hear it."

I just stared at him, speechless.

I figured that I should change the subject.

I said, "Hey, Eric, add me on WhatsApp first. I'll grab you some food later, and you can just send me the money for it. No need to cover my delivery fee.

"Here, scan my code."

As soon as Eric scanned the code, his expression turned cold.

I gave him a playful grin. "Alright, I'm off to get your food!"

"I couldn't scan it," Eric muttered.

I was surprised.

I pulled up the QR code again and shoved it right under his nose.

It looked like he switched apps to WhatsApp and scanned it again.

I felt that he was acting weird.

Once we were friends on WhatsApp, Eric fixed his gaze on me, a half-smile playing on his lips. "People who break hearts should have to swallow a thousand needles. Don't you think so?"

I nodded in agreement.

I said, "Of course, Eric.

"Your ex is definitely going to have some serious bad luck!"

As I walked out of the hospital room, I heard Eric quietly saying something behind me.

But I was too far away to hear what he said.

It wasn't until much later that I finally learned what he said.

He whispered, "But I just can't bring myself to let go.

"I guess I'll punish her by making her pursue me again."