I looked at Malik, who was standing in front of the apartment door with a face full of lies. I already knew everything. About Newcastle.

"Why?" My voice trembled, holding back the emotions I had been trying to suppress.

Malik sighed, a frustrated look on his face. "Ruby, it's not what you think."

I laughed sarcastically. "Oh yeah? I don't care about Newcastle, I don't care about you meeting Bella. I just want to know, why did you lie?"

He rubbed his face, his expression turning annoyed. "So, this is the case? Okay, I apologize. I should have told you from the beginning. But I didn't want you to get jealous, so I didn't tell you."

I sneered. "Jealous?" I leaned closer, looking him in the eye. "If I was jealous, would you stop seeing Bella? No, right?"

Malik averted his eyes, not answering. I laughed bitterly. "I guess we better break up."

His eyes widened. "Ruby, don't!" He grabbed my hand, his grip tight. "I can't live without you! I know I'm wrong, but I promise, you're my priority now."

Empty promises. Just like before.

But this time, I just smiled a little. "Alright, Malik."

I saw the relief in his eyes. He hugged me tightly, thinking that all was well again.

In fact, I was just pretending.

***

The following days, I stayed in the apartment. As usual, Malik came home less and less. I didn't ask. Didn't care anymore. I just waited for the right time.

However, one night, he came home drunk.

"Ruby..." his voice was heavy, hisbreath smelling of alcohol. He limped over to me, who was sitting on the sofa.

I sighed softly. "You're drunk, Malik. Go to sleep."

He shook his head, instead sitting beside me, his fingers touching my face. "You're so beautiful..." he whispered, then leaned in and kissed me.

I brushed him off. "Malik, don't."

But he didn't listen. His hand tightened on my arm, then suddenly he carried me to the bed.

"Malik, stop!" I tried to resist, but he was stronger. He kissed me again, this time lustfully.

However, he suddenly fell silent. I saw his face change, his eyes seemed empty.

"Bella..." he murmured.

I froze.

"Bella..." herepeated, more clearly this time.

My blood was boiling. I immediately broke away and slapped him hard.

Malik gasped, then looked at me with angry eyes. "Why did you slap me?" he snapped.

I didn't answer. I got up, grabbed my bag, and ran out of the apartment.

I didn't care anymore. Didn't care about Malik. Didn't care about anything we had before.

***

The next morning, I stopped by a café to grab a coffee before heading to work. However, my steps stopped when I heard a very familiar voice.

I looked over. Malik was sitting with his friends in the corner of the café.

"Ruby must still be expecting you," a man's voice sounded dismissive.

Malik laughed. "Let it go. She'll be back to her usual self."

"Do you still want to be with her?" his friend asked dismissively.

"Enjoying? Yes. But loving? No," Malik replied lightly. "I just need someone I can do things for. Come home and there's always someone waiting, cooking food, cleaning the apartment. Like a loyal dog."

Without thinking, I turned toward the door. However, just as I exited the café, someone confronted me.

Bella.

She smiled sweetly, but I could see the arrogance in her eyes.

"We need to talk, Ruby."

I folded my arms, looking at her sharply. "There's nothing to talk about."

Bella chuckled. "I just want you to know that I love Malik."

"And I want you to give up." Her eyes looked at me triumphantly. "After all, we're getting married in a week."

I froze.

"So... that whole thing about your mom being sick was a lie too?" I asked quietly.

Bella smiled. "Yes, Malik does love me."

My hands clenched into fists. Without thinking, I slapped her.

Bella was silent, holding her flushed cheek.

Without another word, I turned around and left.

That day, I went home to my mom's house.

I left everything behind. Malik, Bella, and all the memories that once existed.

I sat in the room, staring blankly at the window. The sky was getting dark, but I stayed here, silent. Everything that happened today felt so absurd.

Malik and Bella are getting married.

I chuckled, but it felt more like my breath was caught in my throat. All the effort, all the tears, all the hurt-in the end, I was just a fool who let myself continue to be toyed with.

Mom came into the room with a glass of hot tea. "Didn't you eat, Ruby?" she asked gently.

I shook my head. "Not hungry, mom."

Mom sighed softly, then sat down beside me. "I won't force you to tell me, but don't torture yourself like this. Malik is not the only person in this world."

I bit my lip. "I'm not hurt because of him, mom. I'm hurt because I let this happen myself."

Mom stroked my hair lovingly. "You're not stupid, Ruby. You just trusted the wrong person."

I closed my eyes, trying to swallow the emotions raging in my chest. "I have to get up, right?"

Mom gave a small smile. "You have to."

I took a deep breath. Yes, I have to get up. I won't let myself fall deeper just because of someone like Malik.

***

The next morning, I was determined to get back to living my life as usual. I woke up early, took a shower, and prepared for work.

When I arrived at the office, I was immediately immersed in my work. I didn't want to give my mind a chance to think back to Malik and Bella.

However, at lunchtime, someone suddenly stood in front of my desk.

"Ruby."

I lifted my face and immediately felt my heart skip a beat.

Malik.

The man stood there with a face that looked a little tired. His eyes looked at me with an expression that I couldn't read.

I sighed, trying to remain calm. "What are you doing here?"

"I want to talk," she said quietly.

I chuckled, though it was bitter. "Talk? After what I heard yesterday?"

Malik was silent. His eyes softened a little, but I didn't want to be fooled again.

"I... I didn't mean to say that. I was drunk," she said in a regretful tone.

I gave her a long look. "So, if you weren't drunk, you wouldn't say that? But still think that?"

She fell silent again.

I sighed. "You know what, Malik? I'm tired. I don't want to waste any more time with you. Congratulations on your marriage to Bella. I hope you guys are happy."

I stood up, grabbed my bag, and left without looking back.

This time, I really let go of everything.

I let out a long breath. I was already too tired to face Malik again, but he stood there anyway, looking at me as if I still owed him something.

"What else, Malik?" I asked, my tone flat.

He shifted his pace, approaching me. "I just want to talk."

I laughed sarcastically. "Talk about what? About how I'm just a loyal dog waiting for you to come home? Or about how your wedding is only a week away?"

Her face tightened. "Did you hear that?"

"I'm not a fool, Malik." I looked at her sharply. "And I've had it."

She stared at me silently, as if trying to find an opening to get inside my mind again. In the past, maybe I would have been tempted, but now I just feel disgusted.

"Ruby, I'm sorry," he said finally, his voice sounding desperate.

I chuckled. "I don't need your forgiveness, Malik. I just want you to stop interfering with my life."

He rubbed his face, frustrated. "I know I was wrong, I know I was a jerk. But I can't lose you."

I shook my head, stepping back. "You didn't lose me, Malik. You lost me. Big difference."

She wanted to say something more, but I didn't give her the chance. I turned around, stepping towards the door of my house without looking back.

For the first time in a long time, I felt free.

***

The following days felt lighter. I was busy working, spending time with mom, and trying to enjoy my new life without Malik's shadow.

However, life is never that easy.

That afternoon, while I was having lunch alone at a café near my office, a woman sat in front of me without permission.

I lifted my face, and instantly his face made my stomach churn.

Bella.

With a haughty smile, he crossed his arms on the table.

"We need to talk, Ruby."

I sighed, putting down my spoon softly. "I'm not interested in your ramblings."

Bella chuckled. "Oh, I'm sure you'll be interested."

I looked at her sharply, but said nothing.

He came a little closer, his voice quieter but full of menace.

"I want you out of Malik's life."

I smiled sarcastically. "I've already left. You're the one who bothered to come here."

Her jaw hardened. "Don't play games, Ruby. Malik is mine."

I shrugged. "Congratulations. Enjoy the asshole."

She looked at me hatefully. "I'm serious. If you still try to get close to Malik, I won't stay silent."

I chuckled. "Close? Are you kidding me? I don't even want to see his face anymore."

Bella snorted, then stood up haughtily. "Good then. Watch your language, Ruby. I can be meaner than you think."

Without waiting for my reply, she turned around and left.

I just stared at her back, then let out a long breath.

I thought everything was over. But apparently, Bella wasn't satisfied with ruining my life.

That night, I had just gotten home from work when my cell phone vibrated. An incoming message from an unknown number.

"Come out now. We need to talk."

I frowned. I didn't recognize the number, but somehow, my gut feeling immediately said this had something to do with Malik or Bella.

I typed a short reply.

"Who?"

Three seconds later, the reply came.

"Don't play dumb, Ruby. I'll wait outside."

I gritted my teeth. You guessed it.

With a heavy sigh, I walked out of the house and immediately saw a black car parked in front of the fence. The driver's window was open, revealing Bella's sardonically smiling face.

"It turns out that you do dare to come out," he said, his tone mocking.

"I have no reason to hide from you," I replied casually.

Bella looked at me sharply. "Come in. I want to talk."

I crossed my arms. "There's nothing to talk about."

He let out a long sigh, then got out of the car. This time, his expression was slightly different-still haughty, but also more serious.

"I want to talk about Malik," she said, more quietly.

I chuckled. "Bella, you should be talking to your future husband, not me."

"Shut your mouth," he snapped. "I just want to know one thing. Is Malik still looking for you?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Bella clenched her hands into fists. "I know he's still contacting you. Don't lie, Ruby."

I sighed, getting annoyed. "Look, I don't care about Malik anymore. If he's still looking for me, that's your problem. I'm done."

Bella looked at me for a long time, as if judging whether I was being honest or not. Then, she chuckled.

"Good," he said. "Because if you still dare to approach her, I assure you that your life will be hell."

I snorted. "I'm not afraid of your cheap threats."

She smiled wryly. "We'll see."

Without saying anything else, Bella got back into her car and drove off, leaving me standing with mixed feelings.

I thought it was over. But as it turned out, Bella wasn't going to let me go easily.

I thought that after last night's meeting, Bella would be satisfied and stop bothering me. But I was wrong.

That morning, while I was busy at work, my cell phone vibrated again. An unknown number again. I could already guess who.

**"I'll be waiting in the lobby of your office. We need to talk. "**

I let out a long breath. Why is this woman still not done with me?

I deliberately ignored her and refocused on my work. But after a few minutes, a receptionist walked into my room with a confused face.

"Ruby, there's a guest who insists on seeing you," she said hesitantly. "She says her name is Bella."

I sighed loudly. "Say I'm busy."

The receptionist nodded and returned to the lobby. I was hoping Bella would give up and leave, but she turned out to be more stubborn than I expected.

Thirty minutes later, when I went out for lunch, she was still standing in front of the office with a face full of anger.

"You think I'll leave just because you refuse to see me?" she said sharply.

I rolled my eyes. "Bella, I'm at work. I don't have time for this drama."

She approached, her expression growing colder. "I'll get straight to the point. Malik and I are getting married next week. So I need you to get away from him immediately."

I snorted. "I never approached Malik. In fact, I hope he never shows up in my life again."

Bella narrowed her eyes, as if judging whether I was telling the truth or not. Then she smiled wryly. "I don't believe it. Malik might still be expecting you. I see he still has your picture on his phone."

I was surprised, but quickly hid it with a sardonic laugh. "That's your problem, not mine. I'm done with Malik."

Bella raised her chin. "That's good then. Because if I ever see you approaching Malik again, I won't stay silent."

I looked at her sharply. "I'm not afraid of your threats, Bella. Now go away. I don't have time for this."

She leaned a little closer, then whispered softly, "Be careful, Ruby. I can do more than threaten."

After that, she turned around and left, leaving me with an uneasy feeling. I knew Bella was serious. And I had a bad feeling that this wasn't over yet.

Since my meeting with Bella, I tried to live my day as usual. I closed all the gaps that could make Malik or Bella come back into my life. But, life is never that easy.

Two days later, I had just finished work and was walking toward the parking lot when someone suddenly grabbed my arm. I was startled and almost screamed, but when I saw who was standing in front of me, anger instantly burned in my chest.

Malik.

"What are you doing?!" I tried to pull my arm away, but his grip was tight.

"We need to talk," she said quickly.

I glared. "I have no more business with you, Malik. Let go of me!"

"I know Bella saw you," she said, her gaze serious. "What did she say to you?"

I laughed sarcastically. "Why, afraid of me ruining your wedding?"

She groaned in frustration. "Ruby, please. I need you to trust me."

I looked at her with disgust. "Believe it? You're joking, right? After all the lies you made up? After you called me a 'loyal dog' in front of your friends?"

Malik looked devastated. He released his grip and wiped his face with both hands. "I... I didn't mean it like that."

I smiled bitterly. "Yes. Just like you didn't mean to say his name when you kissed me?"

He fell silent. Her jaw hardened. "Ruby, I know I was wrong. But I... I can't stop thinking about you."

I felt like throwing up. "You just feel like you're missing someone who's always been there for you. It's not me you want, Malik. You're just afraid of being alone."

He was silent for a long time, before finally saying, "I don't want to marry Bella."

My heart beat faster. But I quickly controlled myself.

"It's none of my business." I lifted my chin. "If you don't want to marry him, don't marry him. But don't drag me into this mess."

I turned around and walked away. But I could feel Malik's gaze burning into my back.

I know it's not over yet. And I hate that a small part of me still wonders-is he really sorry?

I thought that after my last conversation with Malik, I would be completely out of his life. But it turns out Bella had other plans.

That night, I had just gotten out of the convenience store near my mother's house when a luxury car pulled up right in front of me. The window on the driver's side lowered slowly, and Bella's face appeared from behind it. Her smile was still the same-sweet, but full of arrogance.

"Up," he said briefly.

I snorted. "Sorry, I have no business with you."

"I didn't ask, Ruby," he replied sharply. "Get on board now, or I'll make sure your life never settles down."

I grunted, but got into the car anyway. I wasn't afraid of her, but I also didn't want her to keep interfering with my life.

Bella drove her car, taking me to an expensive restaurant in the city center. We sat at a secluded table, away from the other diners.

She looked at me for a long time before finally saying, "I don't care what Malik tells you. I just want one thing-you to stay away from him."

I laughed sarcastically. "Are you serious? I've already left. You're still not satisfied?"

Bella crossed her arms over her chest. "I know Malik is still calling you."

I snorted. "Trust me, I'm not interested in him anymore."

She smiled faintly, but I could see the anger in her eyes. "Good. Because if you're still hoping, you'll only hurt yourself."

I looked at her sharply. "You scared, Bella?"

She lifted her chin. "I'm just making sure there are no distractions before my wedding."

I chuckled. "If you're sure Malik is yours, why are you still worried about me?"

Bella was silent for a moment, but then she grinned. "You know what, Ruby? You're too confident. You think Malik loves you? He just needs someone to occupy his time. And right now, he's already chosen who's better suited for him."

I clenched my fists under the table. I must not be provoked.

"I don't need a confession from you, Bella," I said coldly. "Enjoy your wedding. I'm done with all this."

I stood up, ready to go.

But before I could take a step, Bella leaned her body back and said softly, "Make sure you don't change your mind. Because if you dare try to go back to Malik... I won't stay silent."

I looked at her for a while, then smiled slightly. "I'm not afraid of you, Bella."

Then, I left, leaving Bella with an expression I couldn't guess.