Chapter 5
I knew Kieran had connections and influence. But I never imagined the usually rational, cold man would go to such lengths just to make me answer his call.
Finding a quiet corner, I couldn’t hold back my irritation:
“Kieran, are you insane?”
Not expecting my tone to be so cold and impatient, he was quiet for a moment before asking grimly:
“Chloe, why did you tell people you’re single?”
“Because it’s the truth.”
Kieran laughed coldly:
“Leaving keys and a note makes you single again? Chloe, I’m begging you–can you act like the almost–thirty–year–old woman you are instead of a child?”
“We’re engaged. And we’re getting married soon, just like you wanted. If you keep acting like this, how are our friends supposed to feel comfortable coming to our wedding?”
Fighting the urge to laugh, I said: “There won’t be a wedding.”
‘What’s that supposed to mean?”
Kieran let out a cold snort:
‘Hmph! Don’t tell me you’re actually serious about breaking up with me?”
kept my voice steady and final:
‘Yes. We’re done.”
He went silent.
I could hear background noise from his end–he was at the airport, about to board.
Glancing at the landlord who was nervously waiting to finalize the sale, I was about to hang up when Kieran’s voice softened, almost uncertain:
‘Chloe, I get it–you’re pissed about the birthday thing. I’ll admit that was my bad. When I get back from taking Ivy overseas for her heart surgery, I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
After listening to his whole spiel, I replied flatly:
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Nine Vas
Your Rival
Chapter 5
“You’ve got it all wrong. I’m not pissed, and I don’t need you to make up for anything. All you need to know is that
we’re over.”
With that, I hung up and handed the phone back to the landlord. I told him if that number called again, just block it.
After signing the purchase contract and finishing all the paperwork, I had my very own property deed in hand.
I snapped a photo for the memories, then immediately headed to meet my friend.
We had a blast until around ten, then I volunteered to walk Dad’s dog when I got home.
As I pushed open the glass door of our building’s entrance, a tall, familiar figure blocked my path. It was Kieran, looking like he’d traveled through hell to get here.
“Chloe…”
I tightened my grip on the dog’s leash and stepped back half a pace, my face tense:
“Don’t come any closer.”
My cold rejection seemed to sting him, but Kieran ignored my warning and moved closer anyway, frowning.
He opened his mouth to say something, but our little dog had already gone into attack mode, snarling and snapping at him.
With that, Kieran acted like he didn’t even notice, backing me into the corner step by step.
Standing against the light, he stared at me without blinking.
“We need to talk. I don’t want any misunderstandings between us.”
I frowned. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
He slammed his fist against the wall, trapping me:
“Chloe, did you forget we’re about to get married? You think you can just say ‘we’re done‘ and I’ll disappear? What the hell do you think I am?”
Faced with his furious questioning, I was too annoyed to waste another word on him.
I tried twice to push him away, but he wouldn’t budge.
The dog’s frantic barking to protect me had lit up several floors of hallway lights. Seeing more and more neighbors gathering to watch, and not wanting to disturb my parents, I had no choice but to compromise.
Half an hour later, at a 24–hour coffee shop, Kieran ordered two black coffees at the counter–one unsweetened with extra ice, which he placed in front of me.
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Nine Years Waster – Now I’m Marrvine Your Rival
Chapter 5
you like.”
“Chloe, see? I do remember what you
Hearing that, I couldn’t help but blink in amusement.
Since childhood, everyone from my parents to friends knew I hated bitter things.
We only kept black coffee at home because Kieran liked it. As for needing extra ice–for me, the more ice there was,
the less bitter the coffee tasted.
After just two days apart, the man had somehow become much more talkative. Before I could respond, he continued
rambling:
“About your birthday–I’m sorry. I was swamped with work and got the dates mixed up. I thought it was next month. But I actually bought your gift ages ago.”
As he spoke, he pulled an elegant velvet box from his pocket.
When I showed no interest in opening it, he pressed his lips together and opened it himself, revealing a pair of dazzling, expensive crystal earrings.
Two years ago, Kieran had casually promised me he’d pick out some crystal earrings suitable for formal events.
Now he’d finally kept that promise.
But too bad, I didn’t need them anymore.
“Chloe, won’t you try them on?”
