After My Boyfriend Cheated

I went to drop off some hangover cure for my best friend, Kristina Rowe, at the hotel.

But I heard familiar intimate sounds coming from the next room.

My boyfriend, Darren Holland, who whispered promises of loving me forever yesterday, was now making love to another woman.

Later, others mocked him. "Darren can never get satisfied."

1

Kristina was drunk at a social gathering, so I bought a hangover cure and took her to the hotel.

She was clutching a trash can and throwing up in the room.

After she was done, she looked at me with bleary eyes. "Julie, I'm just too miserable. I broke up with my boyfriend yesterday, and I was forced to drink at a business dinner today. The couple next door is so affectionate. I can't get through anymore. Wooo."

While I teased her for pretending to be tough, I paid attention to the sounds from next door.

I was curious.

Suddenly, a suppressed growl came through.

The tissue box in my hand fell to the floor.

I'd listened to the voice for ten years.

I turned my head and said, "Kristina, you think you're miserable. The one having sex with another woman next door is Darren."

"What? Darren cheated?"

I looked at Kristina and was lost at what to do. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. I was overwhelmed by a sense of suffocation.

She said, "Damn! Let me help you bust those cheaters."

I stopped her.

I took out my phone and dialed Darren's number while my fingers were trembling.

The ringtone rang next door.

He didn't answer the call.

When I called him again, I could no longer hear the ringtone from next door.

In the end, I stopped Kristina from confronting them for me because I didn't know how to deal with that situation.

Back home, I sat on the sofa.

I looked around at the place Darren and I had shared for six years.

Tears fell uncontrollably.

Betrayal felt like a sharp blade slicing through me.

If I told anyone about Darren's infidelity, no one would believe it.

In everyone's eyes, Darren and I had known each other since we were kids and fell in love a long time ago. He was always quiet and reserved, and he was different only with me.

After I cried my heart out, the sadness and grievances gradually subsided.

Darren had always been the most important one in my life.

He presented me with choices when I was at my most desperate and helpless.

However, perhaps we were not meant to spend the rest of our lives together.

Darren came home late at night.

Seeing me still sitting on the sofa, his drunken face froze for a moment. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I couldn't sleep. Have you been busy lately?" I watched him closely and tried to discern something on his face.

Was he too good at acting, or was I too foolish?

It was still the same face, yet now it felt unfamiliar.

"There's been a problem with a project recently," he replied. Watching him lie so calmly, I felt anger and disappointment.

My hands and feet were cold.

So was my heart.

2

The next day, I took a day off to accompany Darren's parents on a hiking trip.

I had my reasons.

Darren's parents had been kind to me and treated me like their daughter.

If it weren't for them, maybe I would have to struggle with my life in the mire.

As I was leaving with my handbag, Darren said he wanted to come along.

I was surprised but didn't object.

I couldn't stop him from spending time with his parents.

He could just be a driver.

When Mrs. Holland saw us getting out of the car together, her smile deepened.

She teased, "Oh, how come the busy man has time today?"

Darren sighed helplessly, "Mom..."

"If you didn't show up, I'd forget I have a son. No wonder they say daughters are more considerate. Kristina always remembers to visit us, no matter how busy she is. When are you planning to get married? I want Kristina to be my daughter-in-law sooner."

I forced a bitter smile. "Darren is busy with his work. There's no hurry to tie the knot. Even if we don't get married, I see you and Mr. Holland as my parents."

"Kristina, you're so sweet. This brat, he knew how to bring a wife home since he was a teenager."

Darren smiled faintly. "I have a good eye."

I pinched my fingers hard to maintain my composure.

The four of us sat in the car, and the scenery outside gradually changed from gray concrete to lush green.

There were fewer cars on the road.

Suddenly, a sharp ringtone pulled me back from the scenery outside.

It was Darren's phone.

I glanced at it casually.

It was his secretary, Vivian Thorpe.

When did he have a new secretary?

I suddenly realized I hadn't visited Darren's company in a long time.

I didn't know what the one on the other end said, but Darren frowned and pressed his lips together. He was seemingly troubled. "I'll have Ethan handle it. Okay. Wait for me there."

After hanging up, Darren pulled the car over to the roadside.

He told us that there was an urgent matter at the company.

His mother scolded him unhappily.

"I'll go with you next time." With that, he hurriedly got out of the car.

I said nothing and silently drove to the foot of the mountain.

There were few people there.

The trees on the mountain were lush, and the birds chirped melodiously.

Without the noise of people or cars, it was finally quiet.

On the mountain, there was an old house converted into a guesthouse. It might be old.

After showering, I went to bed.

I suddenly had a mysterious premonition, which compelled me to open a social app and check my follower list.

Among the many followers, I immediately spotted the familiar silhouette without even clicking on the image.

In the account's videos, the man didn't show his face, but the watch around his wrist hinted at his wealth.

I had bought that watch.

After I got promoted and became a team leader, I finished the first project successfully. So I got a big bonus.

I used the money to buy gifts for everyone in the Holland family.

And I had gritted my teeth and spent half a year's salary on that watch.

The account had updated a video in the afternoon.

The caption read, "The most handsome and considerate boss ever. He drove 50 kilometers to help me when my car got scratched. Love you."

There were comments below.

"You see him as a boss, but he doesn't see you as an employee."

"This is the kind of drama that happens in real life, a CEO's domineering love."

"I'm jealous. If he doesn't have feelings for you, I'll kill myself."

"He must be cute, just by looking at his hand. You are so lucky."

My stomach churned. I wanted to vomit but was unable to.

I lay on the side of the bed, feeling disgusted. Tears came from the corners of my eyes.

It was cold at night on the mountain.

Moonlight spilled in.

It illuminated the empty half of the bed.

I was sleepless all night.

3

Though the guesthouse was old, it boasted beautiful scenery, with a forest just outside the door.

In the distance, I could faintly see clouds like the sea beyond the forest.

The morning light illuminated the pointed pavilion on the mountain ridge.

I composed myself and took a leisurely walk with Mr. and Mrs. Holland.

I tried to secretly inquire about the company from Darren's father.

He said, "Everyone is busy, of course. With such a big business and so many branches under it, the boss has to be busy. He could have a good rest only after retirement or bankruptcy."

I lowered my eyes and felt a dull pain in my heart.

Whether Darren was busy or not depended on whom it was about.

The sweet memories of the past tightly enveloped me like a fine net, and I couldn't escape from them.

The past was so beautiful, and therefore, the pain was deep when it was shattered.

Memories flashed before my eyes. "Time flies. I was only fourteen when I came here the first time."

The pavilion's pillars were covered in mottled marks.

Mrs. Holland smiled gently. "Fifteen years have passed in the blink of an eye."

I nervously pinched my clothing hem and asked cautiously, "If back then, Darren and I hadn't fallen in love, would you still have treated me like a daughter?"

She looked at me for a while and hesitated. Then she asked if Darren and I had fought.

I tried to deny it.

But in the end, I said nothing.

She gently patted my hand. "When things happen, it's important to communicate well. Matters between two people should be resolved by both of you. There will always be something unexpected in life."

I kept my eyes wide open and was afraid that blinking would unleash my tears.

Darren's father seemed to guess something. "Kristina, no matter what happens, we will see you as our daughter. If Darren bullies you, let us know, and we'll teach him a lesson."

Hearing his words, I could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down and splashed onto the ground.

They splintered like dark blossoms on the ground.

Darren's mother saw the scene and seemed to realize something. She took to the pavilion, and we sat there.

"If it's something bearable, grit your teeth, and both of you work together to get through it. If it's insurmountable, then find the strength to overcome it on your own. Kristina, even though I didn't give birth to you, I have seen you as my daughter since the day you decided to stay with us. Don't compromise your happiness for others. I want Darren to be happy, and I hope you can be happy, too."

I suddenly burst into tears and held her tightly.

I couldn't hold back my sobs. "No matter what happens, I'm always your daughter."

4

Perhaps because I had cried too long, I started to have a fever after I got home.

I took some medicine to reduce the fever, but after a nap, it only got worse.

I felt completely drained.

I hadn't been sick in years, and now it was hitting me hard.

I forced myself to change clothes and make my way to the hospital.

Moments later, my boss, who had just granted me sick leave over the phone, appeared magically before me.

He asked why I was alone.

"My boyfriend is busy," I replied.

Clint Harrison gave me a meaningful look. "He doesn't have time to take care of you when you are sick. You might reconsider your choice."

Even though I was used to his sharp tongue, I couldn't help but feel pain in my heart.

Clint was my boss and my senior at the same college. He was two years ahead of me and the most ambitious rich young man I'd ever met.

Before he even graduated from college, he had started his studio with a few classmates after he convinced his parents to invest in it. Now, the studio had grown into a well-known company.

"Whatever you say is right, as you are the boss. Did you come here for something specific?"

"Well, a little mishap," he said, looking at me guiltily. "The proposal you did last week was leaked. The new proposal from Universal Corp. is ten percent cheaper than ours. There's a mole in the company, and I'll find it out. Well, you have to work on the new proposal."

I stared at him, dumbfounded. "Mr. Harrison, I'm sick, and you actually came all the way here to give me a task."

He touched his nose with embarrassment. "No rush. Just get some rest. Hand over the new proposal in three days."

I was shocked.

Three days? I had to finish it in three days? It usually took half a month. He was a ruthless boss. I wanted to quit my job.

"I can't..."

Before I could finish, he interrupted. "Double bonus for the entire team, plus my personal subsidy."

"I can't... possibly... fail the task, Mr. Harrison. You can count on me."

He asked the nurse for a disposable cup, filled it with warm water, and handed it to me. "Just rest today and regain your health before you continue working hard for the company."

"I won't let you down, Mr. Harrison. Don't forget the overtime pay."

Clint's face darkened as he turned away. He quickly left after telling me that he had to go to work.

5

Across from me sat a young woman. She was pale-faced and was clutching her belly.

I was about to ask if she needed help when I heard hurried footsteps approaching us.

A young boy in a school uniform appeared.

He stopped in front of her, and sweat glistened on his brows. "How are you feeling? I brought you a warm water bottle. Warm yourself for a while."

Although the young woman was in too much pain to straighten up, she smiled and shook her head. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Her words brought tears to my eyes instantly.

The scene was so familiar.

Back then, during a class meeting, I was suffering from an unusually painful period.

I felt so much pain, and I lay on the table. I sweated profusely and couldn't even raise my hand.

The teacher was too focused on speaking to notice my discomfort.

That genius boy in the teacher's eyes suddenly stood up. He ignored the curious gazes and rushed to me. The chair scraped loudly across the floor.

Darren rushed over and picked me up in a panic.

His hands were trembling as he took me to the infirmary.

I nestled in his arms, endured the pain, and whispered, "I'm fine. Don't worry."

Back then, Darren had ignored others' weird looks to buy feminine hygiene items for me at the supermarket.

That bright, gentle boy spent half an hour in front of the feminine hygiene aisle and studied which brand was the safest.

He was full of my memories.

A sudden wave of self-destructive desire surged within me.

Since it hurt so much already, why not let it hurt a little more?

I opened the social app on my phone.

Vivian had updated her content. "It's my birthday in a few days, but my boss wants me to accompany him on a business trip to Highland. What a pity!"

Her followers were all excited for her.

"Innocent sweetheart, your boss wants to take you to celebrate your birthday."

"I envy you. I've only seen such a plot in novels."

"You must start dating. Make my ship come true."

I gripped the phone tightly.

"Darren, you promised that you would never abandon me. You promised me that you would never abandon me as my parents did to me. You said you wouldn't do that forever."

I buried my head in my knees and hugged myself.

I was like an ostrich hiding in its own world.

I hugged myself.

6

In my memory, there was no my mother. I only had my father as my sole family.

I heard my mother ran away with another guy when I was one year old.

My father was addicted to alcohol.

When he wasn't drinking, I thought he loved me.

He would buy me yogurt.

But after he drank, he would throw the yogurt in my face and beat me up.

Only when he was sober could I feel a faint trace of fatherly love.

I silently endured the unavoidable violence and clung to the only warmth in my life. I stubbornly refused to escape the confines of my family.

Until one day in eighth grade, I realized my life could only get more terrible.

My father got hooked on gambling and lost the house deed. He even gambled me away.

Many tattooed men stormed into the classroom and loudly asked who Julie was.

The security guards couldn't drive them away.

Before the police arrived, everyone learned that my father had gambled me away as a chip.

Instantly, everyone pointed fingers at me. My classmates deliberately isolated me, and rumors swept through the school. Everyone avoided me.

They gossiped about me, and their malicious eyes tore me apart.

Julie's father was giving her to others.

Julie was going to be sold.

Julie was already a whore.

She went to school during the day and worked at night.

I hid in a corner of the playground, covered my ears, and broke down in tears.

I was nearly crushed.

I was fourteen, and I stood on the brink of an abyss.

What did I do wrong?

Clearly, I hadn't hurt anyone.

Why did everyone want to hurt me?

Suddenly, someone lightly tapped my shoulder from behind.

I wiped away my tears and turned around.

Sunlight spilled through the clouds and illuminated the boy. He seemed to have walked out of a dream.

His soft, fluffy hair danced in the wind, revealing gentle eyes under his bangs.

He offered me his hand, and his eyes were sparkling like stars. "Julie, don't cry. I'll take you home today. From now on, my home is yours."

He took me home and convinced his parents to let me stay with them.

From that day on, I lived in the guest room of his place.

Mrs. and Mr. Holland used legal means to resolve my family's issues.

I silently accepted their kindness and vowed secretly to work even harder.

Hard work paid off. I was accepted into a prestigious high school.

I must work harder.

Darren and I consistently ranked first and second in our grade.

He was innately intelligent, while I made up for my shortcomings with hard work.

7

In the evening, after Darren returned home, I feigned a casual demeanor and asked him, "What if we get tired of each other someday?"

His hand paused while pouring water. "Are you tired of me?"

"I'm just wondering if we'll forget why we started this journey together. Will we still have feelings after we have spent a long time together?"

He was silent for a short moment.

He told me not to overthink.

His non-answer was an answer, actually.

As the door closed, I collapsed onto the sofa.

Tears streamed down silently.

I couldn't help but imagine what Darren and Vivian were like when they were together.

Did he look at her with the same tenderness? Did he kiss her passionately while holding her tightly?

I was overwhelmed with despair.

The unbearable agony tore at me and left me wounded and bleeding.

8

If only life stayed as perfect as when we first met.

9

The next day, I threw myself into work and tried not to think about anything related to Darren.

On the other end of the video call, Clint frowned. And he looked worried.

"Mr. Harrison, the Universal Corp suggests using new materials to replace old ones to save money. But these materials have only been on the market for a short time. If we can prove the risks of replacing old materials in large quantities, we might buy more time. Otherwise, we don't have a good chance to win even if we come up with a new plan in three days." I held my forehead and suddenly felt dizzy.

Perhaps I was exhausted. My fever hadn't subsided, and my temperature went up and down repeatedly.

"Alright. Leave it to me. You don't look well. Take a good rest today... And tomorrow..."

His voice in my ears grew faint, and my vision suddenly went black.

I seemed to have a dream in a daze.

In the dream, Darren was eighteen again.

At the desk in his home, I was writing furiously, and he sat quietly beside me after finishing his homework.

He offered me some fruit or a glass of milk.

I asked him jokingly if he was raising me like a daughter.

Darren glared at me without speaking, though the tips of his ears secretly turned red.

The scene shifted.

Outside the middle school classroom, I was cornered by a group of girls against the wall.

"So what if you have good scores? It's too bad that you don't have a good dad."

"Hahh, you don't have a mom."

Each word turned into a knife, stabbing me repeatedly.

The overwhelming malice paralyzed me and rendered me weak before them.

Just when I was at a loss, a pair of warm hands held mine firmly.

It was Darren, the eighteen-year-old boy. He faced them with a cold expression and said, "She is more outstanding than any of you."

I didn't cry in the face of the girls' harsh words, but his words made me cry loudly.

I seemed to pour out all my grievances.

10

I awoke with tears on my face.

"Julie, you're such a hopeless romantic. When you passed out from a fever, you still kept calling your boyfriend's name. Tsk tsk."

I asked Clint why he was at the hospital.

"You suddenly fainted during the meeting, so I called the ambulance, and you were brought here." He glanced at me awkwardly. "Why didn't you tell me you still had a fever? I could have had someone else work on this project."

A nurse suddenly entered and interrupted us. "Family of patient in bed 35, please accompany the patient for a CT scan. Come back to see the doctor after the report is ready."

I asked Clint to leave.

He felt guilty and refused me.

I had no choice but to call Darren.

I sighed inwardly. What a coincidence!

He was supposed to head to Highland that afternoon.

I asked if he could come to the hospital and delay his work for a day.

He suggested I find a friend to accompany me there.

At that moment, I felt a chill of loneliness.

I had believed we had a bond, even if there was no love between us.

But now I realized that it was just what I thought.

11

Clint helped me with the CT scan before I asked him back to the company.

He told me to call him anytime if I needed him.

I smiled faintly.

The doctor took the scans and frowned.

He asked me to go back tomorrow for a biopsy.

I sat in the hospital corridor for a long time and stared blankly at the patients and families coming and going.

Loneliness swept over me and drowned me.

It seemed that I would be alone again...

I slept fitfully that night.

I woke suddenly in the early morning. Moonlight streamed through the gap in the curtains and illuminated the other half of the bed.

How long would it take for me to get used to being alone again?

I gave up sleeping.

I opened my phone, and Vivian had posted a new photo.

She held a strawberry cake and smiled at the camera. A guy's hand was reaching from behind her and was about to take another piece of cake. The caption read, "You guessed right. I celebrate my birthday when I have a business trip with my boss."

I stared at the photo for a long time.

Suddenly, I remembered that I had seen her before.

A month ago, Darren had been drinking at a social event, and she drove him home.

That day, I was focused on supporting Darren.

I only glanced briefly at her in the driver's seat.

I gave her a fleeting look and didn't pay much attention to her.

I didn't even ask who she was.

I trusted Darren so much.

So when he hurt me, I was completely unprepared.

Now I was shattered and in agony.

12

We met again five days later.

Darren returned and looked worn out.

He leaned against the sofa with his eyes closed. There was stubble on his chin.

I gently closed the door.

"How's your condition? I've been too busy these past few days. Sorry." His slightly hoarse voice broke the silence in the room.

The darkness outside the window seemed endless.

I walked step by step toward him.

Gathering all my strength, I said, "Darren, let's break up."

He straightened up, and his voice softened as he said, "Julie, I've really been too busy lately. Once this period is over, I won't neglect you anymore."

"Darren, let's part ways amicably."

He saw that I wasn't throwing a tantrum.

Then he realized I was serious.

The room grew colder.

He remained silent.

Seeing that, I turned to pack my things in the bedroom.

I moved to the guest room.

When I saw Darren downstairs at the company, I wasn't surprised.

He never dragged things out.

I silently got into the car.

Once home, he didn't rush to get out.

"Julie, we've been together for so many years. Our relationship isn't something that can be gone just like that. I apologize for not taking good care of you. I won't do that again."

I couldn't hold back the tears in my eyes, and my eyes reddened.

I looked at him.

He no longer had stars in his eyes.

The hand that once pulled me back from the edge of the abyss now held another woman's hand. "But you cheated." Each word was heart-wrenching. "Some mistakes can be forgiven, but some can't be undone once they've been made."

He hadn't expected me to know the truth. He panicked. "Not that, Julie. Please listen to my explanation, okay? I didn't mean to cheat on you. I really didn't mean to."

I adjusted my clothes and said, "When Kristina was drunk that night, I took her to stay at the Grand Hotel, room 602."