Chapter 6

My parents came to visit me over the weekend.

My dad's leg was hurting, so I took him to a big hospital for a check-up.

Thankfully, it was nothing serious, so I showed them around the city for three days.

When I dropped them off at the airport, I posted about it on Instagram.

Leopold called me right away. "Your parents were here? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Why should I tell you?" I replied.

He sounded anxious. "I could've spent time with you all."

"Didn't you say you weren't ready to meet my parents?" I shot back.

He went quiet.

I said, "Leopold, let's talk tonight. There's no point in dragging this out."

At the airport, Leopold came running over, carrying a bunch of bags.

Leopold said, "Sir, Madam, I'm Jessica's boyfriend. I've been so busy these past few days that I couldn't spend time with you. Here are some gifts I picked up for you."

My parents looked at me, surprised.

"You guys go ahead. I'll explain everything later," I said, gently pushing them toward security.

I turned back to Leopold, my expression dark. "Who said you could show up?"

He shrugged, "I'm your boyfriend. It'd be rude if I didn't come."

I reminded him, "That's not what you said before."

Back home, I was about to speak when Leopold took out a small box from his pocket.

Inside was a diamond ring.

"Jessica, let's get married," Leopold said.

I looked at Leopold calmly.

"I don't want to," I replied.

Leopold looked like he'd seen it coming.

"Was it because of that night when I stood you up?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No, that was the last straw."

"I know I messed up before. If you give me another chance, I'll change. I promise," Leopold pleaded.

"That won't be necessary," I replied.

His eyes were red as he said, "But I love you, Jessica. I really do."

I looked at him calmly. "I never felt that love from you. All I ever felt was your coldness and neglect."

"That's all in your head. It wasn't until you left that I realized you're the one I love!" Leopold insisted.

I said, "But I don't love you anymore. Leopold, I don't want to keep compromising myself for you."

Leopold sank to the floor and broke down, sobbing.

The doorbell rang.

As soon as I opened the door, Doran burst in, calling out, "Leopold, why did you block me on WhatsApp? I can't get through to your phone either!"

When she spotted me, she squared her shoulders and snapped, "Did you make Leopold do this? Don't get all jealous. I swear that Leopold and I are just siblings!"

"Yeah, you two are siblings. I won't get in the way of your little sibling bonding. Do whatever you want," I said.

I didn't want to argue, so I went straight to my room and started packing my things.

Leopold's voice rang out from the hallway. "This is none of your business. Why are you even here? Get lost!"

Their argument erupted, voices rising and echoing through the apartment.

As I tried to leave with my suitcase, Leopold grabbed it, refusing to let me go.

He sobbed, "Don't leave. I'm begging you.

"If it's over between us, do you not even want to be my friend?"

I looked at him and said, "Yes."

"Why?" he asked.

I gave a small smile. "Because there's no point, Leopold."