Chapter 3
Suddenly, a strong urge to leave overwhelmed me. The mere thought of Elias giving Vivian a massage was unbearable. What if their old flame rekindled someday, leading to hugs? Kisses? Or worse...
The idea struck like a dagger, sending a shiver up my spine, as if ants were crawling there, making me restless.
I bolted towards the door, but the moment I touched the handle, a searing pain tore through me, sharper than the car crash I had experienced in the mountains.
I couldn't even scream; my body jerked back instantly.
After several futile attempts, I stood there, pale and drenched in cold sweat, finally grasping a harsh truth—
I couldn't leave this room.
More precisely, I couldn't leave Elias.
Every ounce of strength drained away. I stood there numbly, watching the two of them.
Elias had finished massaging Vivian and was about to leave when a hand looped around his neck, and Vivian opened her eyes.
Their eyes met.
"Elias, do you still love me?" Vivian asked directly.
Elias met her gaze, "I hate you."
Vivian's complexion went white. His hand rested on her cheek, fingers lightly brushing against her skin, almost like a gentle breath.
"But I've never forgotten you."
I twisted my lips into a bitter smile.
Vivian's eyes brightened with a smile, but then something seemed to cross her mind, and her gaze faltered.
"And what about Amelia? She's been with you for five years. What do you feel for her?"
Elias paused, his lips moved but no sound came out. The atmosphere grew tense.
Vivian's expression shifted subtly, her keen gaze fixated on him. The next moment, she tilted her head slightly and brushed a kiss against the corner of his mouth.
Elias visibly tensed, but only for a moment. Then he took control, pulling her onto his lap, his hand cradling the back of her head as he deepened the kiss.
A wave of nausea surged within me. I covered my mouth, fearing I might lose my composure any second.
"Elias, he's already left me. Please don't leave me too. I don't want to be alone," Vivian pleaded breathlessly against his lips.
"I know you only feel gratitude and guilt towards her. The one you truly love is me..."
Vivian's kisses trailed down to his collarbone, pausing slightly as she reached to unbutton his shirt—
Elias abruptly grabbed her hand.
"No."
His voice was icy, his eyes even colder. The chill radiated from him, spreading outwards, making even my spirit, devoid of physical sensation, shiver.
Vivian stared at him blankly, as if shocked by his refusal. "Is it because of Amelia—"
I too watched him blankly, my heart pounding wildly.
Elias remained silent for a moment, then lowered his gaze, masking his emotions. "Vivian, I have a girlfriend now."
"This wouldn't be fair to you."
Vivian understood, a slight smile curling her lips. "I'll wait for you."
I understood too, and let out a bitter laugh.
What Elias meant was that until we officially broke up, he wouldn’t engage in anything serious with Vivian. It wasn’t about his integrity or any respect for me as his girlfriend. He just didn’t want Vivian to bear any blemish or moral outrage.
He cherished her so deeply.
As I laughed, tears rolled down my cheeks, one after another.