bChapter /bb650 /b

    When we started talking about work, Aiden’s voice instantly perked up. “Sis, I’m heading to Aurelia for some advanced training in a few days. Mypany had a spot open, and I got probation. Everyone’s calling me the chosen one.”

    I was stunned for a moment, tracing all the tangled threads in golden child.

    “ked–even though I’m just a rookie who barely finished

    my mind. Suddenly, it made sense—why Aiden was the

    It had to be Edward pulling strings. Because of our family ties, he made sure my brother got extra resources and opportunities at work.

    to achieve something big while I’m still young, just like Jared did,” Aiden said, his voice full of admiration. Even after my divorce from Jared, Aiden never stopped seeing him as

    his idol.

    “Don’t worry, sis. I’m going to work really hard. My biggest dream.

    “Alright, just keep studying hard and seize every chance you get,” I reminded him gently.

    “I will, sis. You’re not worried I’m some hopeless romantic, are you? Like, Sophia could just cry in front of me and I’d take

    my life.” someone who shattered my heart walk back into her back?” Aiden gave a bitterugh. “No way. I’m not lettin

    “Good. I know you can see people for who they really are. Guess I was just worrying too much,” I said with a smile. Looks like my little brother’s finally grown up. I don’t have to babysit him anymore.

    I couldn’t help but feel proud of him.

    “Sis, make sure you take care of yourself while you’re in the United Kingdom. If anythinges up, just talk to Jared–he is your boss, after all,” Aiden said, clearly worried about me..

    “I will. Bye,” I replied, gripping my phone tightly. I realized my eyes were already rimmed with red.

    ‘Is this what it takes for everyone to grow up–getting hurt, hitting rock bottom, and then wing your way back?‘ I couldn’t help but wonder.

    More than ten uneventful days slipped by, and then, all of a sudden, ine stopped going out. She just curled up on the couch, glued to the TV, watching those British romance dramas.

    I came home with a bag of fruit and caught her quickly wiping away tears before she greeted me. “Ms. Murphy, you’re

    back.”

    Thinking about how she’d been these past couple of days, I asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” ine leaned back on the couch, staring up at the ceiling, sounding all mopey and bitter. “My ex got back together with his ex. I couldn’t reach him for days, so I went to his ce. His parents said he went on a tripi./ii” /i

    I was stunned. ‘Seriously, what kind of move is that?‘ I thought ito /imyself.

    ine gave a self–deprecatingugh. “I should’ve known he was just chasing a bit of excitement, never the type to stick around for the long haul. I knew exactly what kind of guy he was, but I still fell for him again. Serves me right, I guess.”

    b13:20 /bWed, b17 /bbSept /b

    Turns out, she just got dumped.

    49%

    I sat down beside her andforted her softly, “If you already knew how this would end, don’t let it get you down. Just try to let it go and be a little more carefree about it.”

    ine rested her chin in her hand, giving me a wry smile. “Ms. Murphy, can you really be that chill about things yourself?”

    I chuckled. “It’s easy to give advice, but when it’s my turn… I can’t seem to take my own medicine.”

    ine bit her lip and smiled, taking the orange I’d peeled and tossing a slice into her mouth. “Ms. Murphy, I’m alright. Just need a few days to get over the disappointment.”

    “But you don’t really seem okay,” I said, knowing she was just putting on a brave face.

    ine’s eyes grew misty, and she suddenly leaned against my shoulder. “Honestly, I’m really hurting. Can I buy you a drink? There’s a bar just around the corner.”

    “I don’t drink, but I’ll keep youpany,” I said softly.

    ine threw her arms around me. “Deal, Ms. Murphy. If I were into girls, you’d never be able to get away from me.”

    She cracked me up. “Is that so?”

    ine looked at me with a dreamy, almost fangirl expression. “After all this time living with you, I swear, you’re the best. No matter how much of a mess I make, you always have the ce spotless when I get back. When I drink too much and puke, you clean it up. When my stomach hurts in the middle of the night, you make me noodles. Seriously, how did Jared ever let you go? How could he even stand to?”

    Hearing her say all that, I felt this sudden, inexplicable sadness well up inside me.

    Guys don’t really care how spotless the floor is or how delicious the food tastes. Sometimes, all it takes is some woman in a skimpy dress, half–heartedly waving a mop around in front of him, and he’spletely obsessed.

    Being the perfect, hardworking woman–it’s like a shackle, trapping a bunch of foolish girls who are just desperate for a little happiness.

    I went to the bar with ine. The vibe was chill, not noisy at all–everyone was just quietly catching up with friends in

    small groups.

    ine kept knocking back drinks, one after another, like she was trying to drown her sorrows. Since I didn’t have to drive, l had a couple sses of red wine to take the edge off and help me rx.

    When I got up to use the restroom, ine pointed at my phone on the table. “Ms. Murphy, your phone’s been going off nonstop. Maybe you should pick it up.”

    I picked up my phone and nced at the screen. The name “Fox” popped up.