My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 83

My mom had been urging me to date ever since I graduated from college.

Each time, I refused.

Everyone thought I wasn't interested in dating, unaware that I had been secretly seeing Hank.

"Sure, set up a time. Let me know when it's arranged," I replied without hesitation.

My quick agreement left her momentarily stunned. "You're saying yes so fast... Did something happen?"

"What could have happened?" I chuckled softly, adding with a hint of resignation, "Go ahead and arrange it. I trust your judgment. You're my mom; you wouldn't steer me wrong, would you?"

"Exactly! Just wait for my good news," she said enthusiastically.

After hanging up the phone, I got back to focusing on my work.

In my past life, after getting married, I had resigned from my job against everyone's advice, choosing to stay home as a housewife and giving up a promising promotion.

I sacrificed everything for love, only to end up with a life wasted.

This time, I wouldn't let the promotion slip away.

To avoid distractions while working, I turned off my phone entirely.

By the time I finished everything, it was already 9 p.m.—time for bed.

Still, I didn't turn my phone back on. Instead, I washed up and went to sleep.

The next morning, as I grabbed my bag to leave for work and opened the door, I was met with Hank standing outside.

He was still wearing yesterday's black trench coat, his hair slightly disheveled, dark circles under his eyes betraying his exhaustion. He looked like he had rushed back in a hurry.

"Hank, is something wrong?"

"Why didn't you answer your phone?"

Our voices overlapped as we spoke at the same time.

Hearing the sharp edge of accusation in his tone, I steadied myself and replied with a faint smile, "My phone was off, so I didn't notice. Did you need something?"

My tone was calm, almost indifferent.

Hank's face was flushed with anger as he gripped my hand tightly, his teeth clenched. "That was just a drunken joke! How could you take it seriously? And besides, we haven't broken up! Don't even think about being with another man!"

"I did take it seriously," I said, forcefully pulling my hand away from his grasp. "The moment you said those words, we were done. If that wasn't clear enough, let me spell it out for you: we're over!"

"From now on, our relationship is strictly friends!"

"Friends? That's absolute nonsense! Did you even consider my feelings when you said that?"

He roared, his eyes filled with frustration and unwillingness to let go.

I took a deep breath and said firmly, "Hank, I regret it. I regret being with you. That's why I want to break up. Do you understand now?"

"I don't agree! Why should we break up just because you say so?"

Because of the lifetime I wasted on him in the past.

"Hank, have you thought about Lauren when you say this? You can't let her go, and she still loves you. I'm stepping aside to give you two a chance. What's there to be unhappy about?"

"She's long in the past. I could never get back together with her," he said, his emotions suddenly flaring. "If it's her presence that bothers you, I'll cut off all contact with her from now on. I swear, there will only be you by my side."