Every time I tried to be part of her life, I got pushed away for some reason or another. But this time, I didn't feel defeated at all.

After I got home, I quickly freshened up and lay down.

My phone pinged with a message.

[I know it was just a coincidence. Focus on your work. Don't be so childish. Theodore and I are just friends, nothing more.]

I could sense Isabella's superior attitude through the screen.

Annoyed, I replied anyway.

[Am I the only one who doesn't belong in your group? I saw Theodore kiss you, and you didn't even pull away! Is that what 'just friends' means now? You slapped me hard for him!]

With every word, I felt the voice in my head roaring.

I held my phone, quietly waiting for her response. Maybe I just wanted her to fight with me.

I didn't know how long I waited, but I fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, it was already dark.

Staring at the blank phone screen, the last bit of warmth in my heart faded into the empty room.

Even though I'd slept, I didn't feel refreshed at all. In fact, I felt even more exhausted.

Lying in bed with my eyes closed, I tried to calm down. Before long, I heard Isabella open the door and come in.