Janice was Josie's mentor and one of her few friends. Initially, Janice strongly recommended that Josie pursue further studies. Upon completion, she would join the new company in Scotland, with the potential to lead it if she excelled. However, Josie initially declined to focus on marrying Winston and building their life together.
Janice didn't push further after learning that Winston was her fiancé. It was also through Janice that she discovered Winston had been building his own company abroad and was now a rising star in the business world. "Listen to me. No matter what he does outside, just get married first. Love is fleeting, but money in hand is real security."
Josie blinked, holding back her tears. "I can earn money on my own. These past years, let's just call it repaying the debt I owed his uncle for supporting me back then. From now on, I should start living for myself."
After hanging up the call, she noticed a new friend request on social media. The profile picture was a photo of Zelda and Winston together. Josie took a deep breath and blocked the account. Shortly after, a barrage of messages came from Winston's account. There were photos of their wedding shoot overseas and snapshots of the ceremony itself.
"Blocking me won't work, you know. Winston's account is basically mine too. We grew up together. You won't be able to take advantage of a moment of weakness. Even if I made mistakes before, Winston will always forgive me."
Josie repeatedly looked through the photos of Winston's gentle eyes and his heartfelt smile when facing Zelda. She had supported him for seven years and dated him for four, but she had never seen him look so at ease.
She inhaled deeply before typing a single sentence. "Please tell Winston, I agree to break up." Then, she blocked this account, too.
Winston said Zelda wasn't a homewrecker, but they were already married. There was no point in talking to Winston anymore. It was time to end it. She didn't bother to ask why Winston's parents had abandoned him as a child, only to return to his life after so many years. After all, even Winston didn't care and had reconciled with them.
Her rented apartment was sparse, most of the belongings left over from Winston's school days. She had kept them all these years, taking them out to look at whenever she missed him. Now, there was no need to keep them. When she went downstairs to throw them out, Winston suddenly appeared. He frowned and asked flatly, "Have you found out?"
Josie met his gaze calmly and nodded. "Let's break up. I won't make a scene."
Winston sighed. "You know what Zelda is like. She's always been this way. I told you I'd give you a proper title. I won't go back on my word. Zelda has already been through so much. Can't you just let her vent her frustration?"
Josie repeated, "Let's break up."
Winston knocked everything from her hands to the floor with a loud bang. "Josie, don't push your luck. Do you really think acting like this will make me feel bad for you? Make me take your side? Look in the mirror. You're not a teenager anymore. When Zelda throws a tantrum, it's cute. When you do it, it's just pathetic."
Then, his gaze drifted to the scattered items on the ground. His old water cup and favorite magazines. His study materials include a diary.
Winston paused, then smiled at Josie. "Josie, you've been holding onto my things from seven years ago. Break up? You don't even believe it, do you?"
Josie didn't argue. After all, he could be so confident because she had spoiled him for so many years. If someone had told her before that she would be the one to initiate the breakup, even she wouldn't have believed it.
Winston gently placed a hand on her shoulder, speaking coaxingly. "Don't be stubborn. The photos Zelda sent were just from a drama club performance. We didn't actually get married. Just wait a little longer and I'll make it official with you."
Just as Winston reached for Josie's hand to go upstairs, his phone rang. Winston paused, his lips pressed into a thin curvy line. "Zelda took a long flight to see me. She doesn't know anyone here. I have to pick her up." After that, Winston answered the phone and left without hesitation.
