Chapter 2

Once I was back from the mountain, I started getting ready to quit my job.

Most of my work was already wrapped up. All that remained was handing in my resignation.

I called home to let them know I was quitting.

The phone rang for ages before someone finally picked up.

There was so much noise in the background that I could barely hear my mom's voice.

When I told her I was quitting, she just said, "Be careful, okay? I'm busy right now. We'll talk later."

Before I could even respond, she hung up.

That was just how it always was.

Ever since I was a kid, my parents were always too busy for me.

They always skipped parent-teacher conferences with some excuse, and my classmates secretly called me "the absentee pro".

Eventually, I got used to being alone. After all, even the people closest to me often forgot I existed.

Then I met Alex.

He was like a ray of light, suddenly bursting into my world that had always felt colorless.

I remember one time when my period hit out of nowhere, and none of my usual friends were around. Alex noticed and, without saying a word, handed me a pack of tissues.

Even though I still ended up staining my clothes, that silent act of kindness from him has always stuck with me.

Back then, I really believed that it would be wonderful if I could keep going through life with Alex.

But then Wanda came back.

And just like that, my whole world turned upside down.

They grew up together, always so in sync. Just a glance and they'd know exactly what the other was thinking.

But me? I never felt like I belonged.

Every time we went on a date, Wanda was always around.

Even on the birthday trip that was supposed to be just for us, Alex was always thinking about Wanda.

I finally managed to snag those concert tickets after so much effort, but when Alex saw them, he just said, "Wanda likes this singer, too. We should bring her next time."

I threw the concert merch on the floor. "Are you here to celebrate my birthday with me, or are you just helping your childhood friend check out the concert venue?"

Alex shot back, clearly annoyed. "Come on, we're friends. What's the problem with bringing her to a concert?"

I snapped, "Are you seriously asking me what's wrong?

"Why is it always about Wanda with you? Whenever we eat out, you remember what she likes. When we're shopping, you know her size by heart. Alex, tell me, who's your girlfriend here, me or Wanda?"

I thought if I finally let all this out, Alex would understand how I felt and actually try to make things right.

But instead, he got even angrier, jabbing a finger at me and yelling. "You've never had a single friend your whole life, so of course you don't get what friendship means. No wonder you're always by yourself!"

That one line hit me right in my most vulnerable spot.

Alex knew all about my past, knew exactly what mattered to me, and he still twisted the knife.

After that, I started pulling my heart back, little by little.

It was not that I stopped loving Alex. It was just that I realized my feelings would never be matched by his.

He always thought I was being unreasonable, like I was only there to make him lose face in front of everyone.

But honestly, I couldn't stand it. Why did my boyfriend always care more about someone else than me?

Once I finished signing the resignation, my phone rang.

It was Alex.

I watched his name light up on my phone, letting it ring for a while before I finally answered.

His bright laugh rang out, as if nothing had ever happened between us. "Regina, how's your day going? I'm waiting downstairs at your office. Thought I'd pick you up today.

"Are you working late tonight? If you are, I'll hang around and wait."

With my phone in hand, I walked over to the window.

Sure enough, that familiar figure was waiting downstairs.

If it were before, I would've run downstairs to Alex in a heartbeat.

But now, I just felt drained.

"Don't bother. I'll be working late tonight. Maybe you should go pick up Wanda," I said.

Alex's laugh died abruptly, and his tone turned cold. "What's that supposed to mean? I came all the way here to pick you up, and now you're acting up for no reason?"

I said, "Nothing. I told you, Alex, we're done. Don't ever contact me again."

Alex scoffed, his laugh edged with anger. "So this is your little push-and-pull game, huh? Fine. Just don't blame me when you regret it."

After hanging up, I blocked Alex and deleted his number right away.

Not long after, one of his bros texted me: [Regina, seriously, that's enough. Alex means it this time. If you don't make up with him, you two are really done for good.]

I didn't reply and just deleted the message.

I meant it when I said it was over. There was no turning back.

This time, I was leaving for good.