Daniel was taken aback. Although he knew something had changed about Arwen, he still never expected her to be strict like that. In all the years he had known her, Arwen had always been the kindest and the sweetest person.

    She did have a cold and indifferent side, but that rarely never appeared around her friends and family. It was so rare that Daniel had almost forgotten she had one at all.

    Ryan was equally shocked. Frowning, he asked, "What did you just say?"

    Arwen repeated her words, without a hint of hesitation, "I said ''not even for the world''. That means I am not going apologize no matter what." Then, she looked at Delyth and added, "If you believe her ridiculous assumptions, that''s your choice. But don''t try to drag me into it, because I had nothing to do with it, nor do I care to get involved."

    She then faced Delyth directly. "And as for you, Delyth, get over your insecurities. If Ryan hasn''t informed you, let me be the first to tell you —we are no longer together. So, your claim that I am jealous of you doesn''t hold up. Get your facts straight before throwing accusations on me," Arwen said calmly.

    Delyth was caught off guard. Of course, she hadn''t known about the breakup. When had that happened? She glanced at Ryan, only to see him gritting his teeth, which only confirmed Arwen''s words.

    Though surprised, Delyth was pleased. She had wanted this to happen, and it seemed her plan hadn''t failed, after all.@@@@

    "Arwen, why did you break up with him? I told you, there was nothing between me and Ryan. We may have had something in the past, but it''s you who is in his life now," Delyth said, feigning innocence.

    Arwen couldn''t help but shake her head at Delyth''s skilful performance. "Why did I break up with him, Delyth, I am sure, you know better than anyone. After all, it was your text that made me decide."

    Arwen never realized that Ryan had such a low opinion of her. Maybe her devotion had been misunderstood, but she would make sure her actions in future would be crystal clear. "Your Delyth may be kind enough to forgive me, Ryan, but let me tell you, I am not the kindest —especially, when it comes to her."

    "Arwen, don''t test my patience."

    "I told you already that I won''t apologize. But since you didn''t understand that, let me suggest you something else." Arwen paused, then looked at Delyth. "Bring me the evidence proving I am guilty, and I will apologize. Because you can''t convict me based on your sweetheart''s words alone."

    "You —"

    "Delyth, remember, I said I am not the kindest. I will give you time to prove your accusations. If you can''t, then don''t blame me for what happens next," Arwen said, turning to leave. But she stopped and glanced over her shoulder at Ryan. "And yes, Ryan, you can rest assured that tomorrow, or any day in the future, I won''t come to pester you for marriage.

    The breakup is as real as anything in this world. Whether you believe it or not is your problem."

    With that, she left without turning back again.

    Ryan didn''t realize he was in a daze until he heard Daniel speak. "Ryan, what are you doing? Shouldn''t you go after her? I think Arwen is serious about whatever she said. Come on, go after her and explain."

    "I am not running after her. She will come back. Just wait and see." Ryan said, still very sure of himself.

    But Daniel didn''t share his confidence. Shaking his head at his friend''s attitude, he hurried out of the room after Arwen. But by the time he reached the elevator, Arwen had already gotten inside the elevator, descending down. And he was left standing, waiting for another one.