Chapter 453 - Refuse To Take Responsibility

Not everyone were surrounded by blinding pink hearts and glitter, like Sera and Lucifer.

On the other side of the city, Xia Ruo Lan had a bleak look in her eyes as she stared at the bright moon. Her fingers around the stem of the wine glass trembled. The red liquid in contrast to her plain white attire.

Sitting in her office, Xia Ruo Lan appeared sad and lonely. Wang Fang was nowhere to be found as well. Her mobile phone placed on the desk chimed rupturing the silence in the room.

The caller name displayed 'Idiot Lee'.

After the weekend brunch at her place, last time, Xia Ruo Lan's had zero contact with her brand new boyfriend, despite him trying to reach her.

Worried sick, and confused by her behavior Ethan Lee's been calling Xia Ruo Lan every day. And she's constantly avoiding him like plague, afraid of another heartbreak.

The image of Ethan Lee's agonizingly angry face on that unfateful night still fresh in Xia Ruo Lan's mind. The pain in his gaze vividly haunting her, ever since.

Taking a leisure sip, Xia Ruo Lan closed her eyes before opening them. She placed the glass away, and cast a sweeping glance at the blinking screen.

56 misses calls.

Just as Xia Ruo Lan was about to turn her phone off, it rang again. Sighing inwardly, she picked up the device, intending to turn it off, yet her hands froze. Her heart ached.

At the last ring, Xia Ruo Lan eventually answered the call.

"Hello? Ruo Lan..?!"

The man's agitated voice resounded from the speakers.

"Are you okay? Where are you?? And why aren't you answering my calls.. Damn! I.. I was so scared!"

Not giving the stunned Xia Ruo Lan any chance to speak, Ethan Lee blabbed non-stop. Her eyes glimmering with wetness at his genuine concern.

"I'm.. Fine.."

Holding back her tears, Xia Ruo Lan bit her lips as she mumbled with great difficulty. Her fingers clenching the phone.

"Thank God! Thank God you're okay.. Ugh, I'm so mad at you!! Why are you avoiding me..?"

As relief washed over him, Ethan Lee let out a deep sigh. He chuckled to hide his awkwardness, before reverting back to an angry and concerned boyfriend.

"Did you forget? I'm your boyfriend..!!"

Raising his brow, Ethan Lee had a smug grin on his gorgeous face as he said. His tone sounded partly complacent, as though he was taking pride in being her boyfriend.

"Boyfriend.."

Ethan Lee's words brought a great shock to Xia Ruo Lan and she repeated them. A sad smile crept up her pale lips.

"What? Now that you've slept with me.. You don't want me anymore? You're refusing to take responsibility..?!"

Trying to appear pitiful, Ethan Lee feigned hurt as he said. A soft giggle inadvertently escaped Xia Ruo Lan's lips thanks to hhis unexpected words. Soon, the silvery bell of her giggles echoed.

"Huh?!! Don't tell me it's true! Ruo Lan.. Are you really.."

Still in character, Ethan Lee incredulously questioned Xia Ruo Lan who was shaking with laughter.

"St.. Stop it!"

Unable to contain her unceasing laughter, Xia Ruo Lan sputtered.

Salty tears streamed down Xia Ruo Lan's cheeks as she tried to keep herself from crying. This momentary happiness, it was not in her fate, she reckoned.

"Alright.. It's been long since I saw your smiling face. I miss you!"

Smiling to himself, Ethan Lee reminisced Xia Ruo Lan's cutely grinning face like a lovesick teenager.

"Ruo Lan.. Let's go on a date when I'm back from my business trip!"

In high-spirits, Ethan Lee blurted out much to Xia Ruo Lan's bafflement. Her eyes went round.

"Ruo Lan?!"

Darting a glance at the stacks of sealed big boxes in her cabin, Xia Ruo Lan pursed her lips. She gave a brief nod.

"Yes.. I'd love to!"

Laughing gleefully at Xia Ruo Lan's reply, Ethan Lee gushed, excitement clear in his tone.

"That's great! I'll plan everything.. You just need to look pretty for me!"

A lone tear rolled down Xia Ruo Lan's eyes, and she smiled subtly. Barely audible, she hid her true feelings.

"Okay..!"

Glaring at Assistant Chen, Ethan Lee cast a glance at his watch. His forehead streaked with a mild frown.

"I have a meeting in five.. I'll call you later. Take care!"

Covering her mouth, Xia Ruo Lan nodded vehemently as she said in a hushed tone.

"You too.."

Ending the call, Xia Ruo Lan grabbed the glass of wine and chugged it down. The red liquid trickled down her chin, falling on her pristine white attire.

Carrying a box, Wang Fang entered inside walking steadily in her high heels, afraid of falling.

"Ma'am?"

Widening her eyes, Wang Fang placed the box on the other boxes and hurried to Xia Ruo Lan's side. Shock written all over her chubby face.

"Yes.."

Raising her head, Xia Ruo Lan gave a small smile. She was tipsy. And her voice was snaking.

Pouring a glass of water for her boss, Wan Fang passed it to her. She sighed secretly, watching Xia Ruo Lan drink. Her own eyes tearing up.

"Ma'am, the flight tickets will be sent to your house tomorrow afternoon.. Do you need anything else?"

Clearing her throat, Wang Fang discreetly wiped the tears and asked professionally. Not an ounce of pity in her tone.

"Nothing.. You can go home. It's quiet late"

Averting her gaze, Xia Ruo Lan picked up a thick file and abstractedly perused through it. Her dense eyelashes quivering.

"But.."

A troubled look formed on Wang Fang's chubby pink face, her lips parted as she started anxiously.

"Call the driver. Don't worry, I'll be fine.."

Still staring into the file, Xia Ruo Lan waved her hand, gesturing Wang Fang to leave her alone.

"Yes ma'am.. I'll take my leave then, good night!"

Turning around, Wang Fang hesitantly left the room covered in a thick, depressing silence.

Closing her eyes, Xia Ruo Lan expression was peaceful and serene. The images of Ethan Lee as well as the lovely moments spent with him flashed past like a movie.

"I'll always love you with all my heart.."

Clenching her fists, Xia Ruo Lan whispered as a soft sob escaped her trembling pink lips.

"Ruo Lan.."

The deep familiar voice barely penetrated Xia Ruo Lan's thoughts. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard it beyond the haze of her grief.

It was Ethan Lee's voice.

Startled, Xia Ruo Lan's eyes shot open only to discover herself alone in the cabin. Her spirits dampened, her gaze clouded with a hint of nostalgia, and sadness.