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.

I thought after my meeting with Bella, things would be calmer. I've had enough of Malik's drama and his approaching marriage. I just want my life back to normal.

But as it turns out, life always has a way of making things more complicated.

That day, I had just finished teaching on campus and was tidying up the files on my desk when a man walked into the lecturer's room. I didn't recognize him, but he seemed confident, as if his presence in this room was not unusual.

His hair is jet-black, a little messy, but still looks neat. A white shirt rolled up to his elbows revealed sturdy hands. As his eyes met mine, there was something in his gaze that felt... intimidating.

He walked over, standing in front of my desk. "Sorry, I'm looking for Ms. Ruby."

I raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "I'm Ruby. Can I help you?"

The man gave a small smile. "My name is Adrian. I'm a new lecturer here in Law. I was asked to meet you to coordinate the teaching schedule."

So, he's a new coworker. I nodded slowly, trying to ignore the strange feeling that arose at the sight of her. "Oh, good. Please have a seat."

He pulled out a chair and sat across from me. "I heard you're one of the favorite lecturers here," he said casually.

I chuckled. "Don't believe the gossip. Students only like classes that don't have too many assignments."

Adrian smiled, but there was something behind his expression that was hard to guess. "In that case, I'm curious how you teach."

I looked at her for a moment. Her demeanor was confident, but not arrogant. Instead, there was interest in her eyes-whether in this profession or... something else.

Our conversation went on for quite a while, discussing many things-from class schedules to teaching experiences. But somehow, I felt there was more than just a professional chat here.

And for the first time since the drama with Malik, I felt like there was something new in my life. Something that could possibly take me in a different direction.

In the days that followed, I began to get used to Adrian's presence. As a new lecturer, he often asked this and that, and somehow, whenever he needed help, I was the one he always looked to.

"Ruby, can I sit here?" Adrian suddenly appeared in the lecturer's cafeteria while I was enjoying my morning coffee.

I turned my head, a little surprised. "Sure, go ahead."

He sat in front of me, placing his coffee cup on the table. "I see our schedules overlap quite often. Looks like we'll be working together a lot."

I smiled faintly. "It seems so."

He looked at me intently. "I heard you've been teaching here for a long time?"

I nodded. "Yes, it's been a few years."

Adrian leaned his body against the chair, his expression relaxed but thoughtful. "Interesting. I've always been curious about people who can stay in academia for a long time."

I chuckled. "So what?"

"Because not everyone has the patience to deal with students every day," he replied with a smile.

I just shrugged. "When you get used to it, everything feels easier."

Our conversation flowed effortlessly, making me forget about all the drama in my life.

However, the calm did not last long.

***

That afternoon, when I had just left the lecturer's room, someone stopped me in the corridor.

Bella.

I sighed, preparing myself for another drama to unfold.

"We have to talk," he said matter-of-factly.

I looked at him flatly. "I'm not interested."

"But I'm interested," she replied quickly. He leaned closer, his voice quieter but stressful. "I want you to stay away from Malik."

I snorted. "I've stayed away. I don't even care about her anymore."

Bella squinted, as if in disbelief. "Don't pretend, Ruby. I know you still have feelings."

I laughed sarcastically. "It's funny how you can think like that."

She leaned closer, almost whispering. "Look, I'm not going to let you ruin my wedding plans. Malik is mine, and I won't let the shadow of his past continue to plague him."

I looked at him sharply. "In that case, you should be more confident in your relationship. Because I'm not interested in going back in time at all."

Bella gritted her teeth, clearly dissatisfied with my answer. "Don't mess with me, Ruby. I won't let you ruin everything."

I smiled faintly. "Then, don't waste your time threatening people who don't care."

Without waiting for his answer, I stepped away.

I think that meeting was enough to close an old chapter in my life.

But as it turns out, Bella is not the type to give up easily. And I have a feeling, it's not over yet.

It's been almost two weeks since I last saw Bella. Thankfully, she no longer showed up with the tiresome drama. I could refocus on my work as a lecturer-and on my preparations for something bigger.

Today, I'm sitting in the lecturer's room, tidying up some documents that I'll need for my departure to Norway. I've just finished meeting with the college to make sure all the paperwork is in order. I'll be doing academic work there for one year. The opportunity I had dreamed of for so long had finally come.

"So, you're really leaving?" Adrian's voice broke my reverie.

I turned my head and smiled. "Yes, it's finally all settled. I'll be leaving next month."

Adrian sat on the chair opposite me, his expression hard to guess. "That's amazing. But... why all of a sudden?"

I sighed softly. "Actually, this isn't out of the blue. I've been proposing this for a long time, it's just that the time is right now. I need a fresh start."

She looked at me for a few seconds before finally nodding. "I understand."

I looked at her curiously. "Why, you don't look very happy."

Adrian smiled a little, but there was something in his eyes that was hard to explain. "Because I was just getting comfortable working with you, but now you're leaving."

I chuckled. "Don't worry, I was only there for a year. I'll be back."

"Still, it's long." She looked at me seriously. "I'll miss our conversations."

I didn't know what to answer. Adrian was indeed someone who was fun to talk to, and over the past few weeks, I felt comfortable around him. But right now, my life can't revolve around just one thing. I need to move on.

"Thank you, Adrian," I said finally. "I'll miss our conversations too."

She smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in it. "Then, before you go, how about we celebrate? I'll buy you dinner."

I thought for a moment before nodding. "Why not?"

Perhaps, before I leave, I can enjoy a little happiness without having to think about the past.