Chapter 8
Time passed slowly. Antonio and I drifted apart.
We never asked about each other again.
I even told my parents not to mention anything about the Kaufman family in front of me.
By doing so, I thought I could completely erase that memory from my life.
Later, I moved to a new place.
I made many new friends.
Every day, my schedule was completely packed. I was busy and fulfilling.
The unhappiness that once overwhelmed me gradually faded
away.
I realized that spending all my time revolving around one person was very boring.
Back then, all I could see was Antonio.
I missed so much beauty around me.
Realizing this, I began to agree with Antonio’s view.
Life is long, so why commit me so soon?
I was glad that I saw Antonio for who he really was.
100%
One day, a high school classmate visited Paxburg.
During our chat, she casually mentioned Antonio.
She said Antonio had broken up with Norah long ago and had been in several relationships since.
I stayed silent.
Leila sensed something was wrong and cast the classmate a warning glance.
The topic was dropped.
My friends thought I remained silent because I was sad.
But I wasn’t. I was just deep in thought.
When my first winter break in college started, I missed my parents so much.
I couldn’t wait to go home after the exams.
However, to my astonishment, Antonio came along to pick me
- up.
I didn’t expect to see Antonio again in such a setting.
It stunned me for a moment.
We had both changed a lot after half a year in college.
Antonio seemed taller now, his face more defined, still shining among the crowd.
But deep inside, I felt nothing.
Taking a deep breath, I walked over to greet him.
Chapter
“Long time no see.”
Antonio smiled awkwardly, looking a little lost.
When he saw my suitcase, he reached out to take it, but I stopped him.
Then I turned to my dad.
“Dad, help me with it,” I said in a playful tone.
Antonio’s face darkened.
When we got into the car, my mom leaned over and whispered in my ear.
“Don’t make that face. Antonio’s been waiting for you to come home the whole semester. Can’t you just talk to him. nicely? After all, you two grew up together.”
I felt that I had truly grown up.
Hearing Mom’s words, I didn’t even feel like arguing back.
I gave her a smile without saying anything.
Then I treated Antonio with more courtesy.
New Year’s Eve.
Hearing the knock on the door, I jumped off the couch and ran to open it.
Mrs. Kaufman smiled as she patted my shoulder. “Happy New Year, Grace.”
I answered cheerfully, “Happy New Year!”
But my smile vanished when I saw Antonio.
He gave an awkward smile. “Happy New Year!”
I gave him no reply.
Only a nod.
Our families had shared New Year’s dinners for many years,
and I didn’t mind that.
But I could no longer treat Antonio like before.
While I was thinking, a video call popped up on my phone.
My eyes lit up when I saw it.
I put aside my displeasure and rushed to my room to take the call.
It was Zack Salvin.
My boyfriend of two months.
Zack was very gentle, and calm, and spoke slowly.
The complete opposite of Antonio.
We spent quite a while chatting sweetly.
After the call ended and I was about to go downstairs for dinner, I was suddenly startled by Antonio standing at the door.
He had a cold face and his brows were tightly furrowed.
I looked back.
Chapter
The door was not closed well. I didn’t know how long he had been listening.
“Who were you talking to just now? You sounded happy”
Antonio tried to force a smile, but his smile looked ugly.
I didn’t want to tell him, but he kept staring at me.
He even blocked my way, eager to get an answer.
“My boyfriend,” I said calmly.
Antonio suddenly looked up at me.
“…What?”
“My. Boy. Friend.”
After a long silence, he said, “Your parents would never agree to a long–distance relationship.”
His words made me laugh.
“None of your business!”
Saying that, I pushed him hard.
Without looking back at his reaction, I ran downstairs to join the dinner.
I used to be so influenced by him.
I lived without a sense of myself.
But not anymore.
