Boyfriend Ran
Boyfriend Ran 7

Chapter 7

I found a new apartment online and quickly moved out of the place Michael and I shared. Once everything was packed, I sent Michael a message: [We’re not right for each other. It’s over. Enjoy spending time with your precious Emmy. Goodbye.] After sending it, I blocked and deleted his contact information. I immediately felt a rush of relief, no longer burdened by that tiresome pair.

At work that day, I was in high spirits, freed from something I’d been dragging around for too long. It was a big step, especially for someone like me who used to act solely from the heart. I was humming a song while working when my colleague, Jane, noticed. With a smile, she asked, “Juliana, what’s got you so cheerful today?”

“Just solved a big problem,” I replied.

“That’s great!” Jane exclaimed. “Mr. Brown is hosting some friends at a fancy buffet tonight. I can’t make it, so why don’t you go for me?”

Ever since I helped her out with some extra work, Jane always looked out for me. She thought of me first for such opportunities, and being free and curious about what a luxurious buffet might offer, I happily agreed.

Little did I know, one of the guests at Mr. Brown’s gathering was a familiar face: Ethan Carter, the CEO from the company across the hall. Mr. Brown introduced him enthusiastically: “Mr. Carter is young and accomplished, reaching such heights by 28. Truly impressive.”

I tried to blend into the crowd, but Ethan spotted me with a smile and asked, “Will you finally tell me your name today?”

21.07

1/3

Chapter 7

I stayed silent as curious eyes turned toward us.

Mr. Brown inquired, “Juliana, do you know Mr. Carter?”

I briefly recounted the story about the incident with the money tree, ending with a playful, “Mr. Carter, believe me, I wasn’t trying to steal your plant.”

The lighthearted quip earned laughter and eased the atmosphere, even earning me an approving nod from Mr. Brown.

The buffet offered many high–end delicacies I’d never seen before and didn’t know how to eat. Coincidentally, Ethan’s selections closely mirrored mine. I watched his method of dipping and cooking, and simply followed his lead, sample–for–sample. I had to admit, the food was impressively delicious. Coming from a modest background, this was an eye–opener for a first–timer like me.

Later, I sipped some wine, feeling a warm flush but stayed perfectly composed by the evening’s end. As colleagues exchanged farewells at the restaurant entrance, Mr. Brown left for the garage to retrieve his car, and others headed to the subway. Against all that was expected, only Ethan and I were left waiting for the elevator.

Outside, under the streetlights, Ethan turned to me with a charming smile and said, “Miss Juliana, you seem like a really intriguing person. Could we exchange phone numbers or maybe connect on Instagram?”

The word “intriguing” made me pause. In college, when I pursued Michael, he had described me the same way. My seamless blend of humor and sincerity could lighten any mood, which was what Michael said drew him to me. After all, who doesn’t want a partner who lifts their spirits?

Chapter 7

As I hesitated, a voice cut through the air: “No, she can’t.”

Ethan and I turned to see Michael, looking upset as he approached us. Grabbing my wrist, he positioned himself between Ethan and me, locking eyes with Ethan.

Michael declared, “She can’t because she has boyfriend.”

“Oh?” Ethan raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise on his face.

I didn’t hold back, “Michael, we’ve broken up.”

“No!” Michael practically shouted, “I didn’t agree to break up, so it’s not over!”

Ethan glanced at me, still composed, and said, “Ms. Juliana, I’ll leave you to it. If you need anything, feel free to call.”

Once Ethan was gone, Michael turned to me and growled, “Juliana, how could you be alone with another man?”

“What?” I was dumbfounded.

That line sounded all too familiar. Despite the drinks, I remembered it was the same accusation I’d thrown at Michael about Emily during a fight a year ago. That was right after our graduation ceremony. Michael admitted he stayed at a hotel, supposedly to accompany Emily who’d come to celebrate with

him.

I had been furious, shouting, “How could you be alone with another woman?”

Michael had brushed it off, saying, “Emmy’s just like a sister. We even used to nap together as kids. Why make such a big deal out of it?”

That day, I cried my heart out, overwhelmed with a heartache that left me breathless. I never imagined Michael would one day echo those very words back at me