My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 85

Seeing him standing there, unable to provide any proof, Marco rolled his eyes.

"I get that Janet is beautiful and popular, but don't you think your delusions are getting a bit out of hand?"

"Hank, seriously, maybe you should get checked out at the hospital. This can't go on," Marco added with a smirk.

Hank's face turned red with anger, and he shouted, "Janet really is my girlfriend! We've been together for seven years!"

He then softened his tone, speaking to me as if coaxing a child. "Janet, please tell him. Everything I said is true. You're my girlfriend."

But I shook my head. "Hank, don't say such nonsense. It's not good to cause misunderstandings."

No matter what he said, I refused to admit it.

Even if he wanted to prove it, there was no evidence to find.

Our seven years together were known only to the two of us.

In the end, Marco became increasingly convinced that Hank was delusional. He didn't even finish his meal before taking me and leaving.

On the way home, Marco even reminded me, "I think Hank's been a bit off lately. You should stay away from him."

I agreed with him.

Once I got home, I burned the journal where I had recorded all our relationship memories.

Now, there was truly no evidence left of my time with Hank.

The seven years I spent dating him would remain forever buried in the depths of my memory.

Worried that Hank might show up at my place again, I immediately told my mom I wanted to move back home.

She was thrilled and even had Marco help me with the move.

Within a couple of days, I successfully relocated.

Not long after, I agreed to the arranged blind date.

To my surprise, the person my mom had set me up with turned out to be my senior from college.

Back in school, he had always looked out for me.

He was gentle and polite, patient with everything he did, and, most importantly, respected my decisions.

During the date, I told him honestly that I wasn't ready to let someone new into my life so quickly.

He didn't pressure me and simply said, "Then I'll wait until you're ready to let me in completely."

Hearing those words, I realized he had noticed me back in college.

At the time, though, I had been so focused on my studies that I never paid attention to him.

From that point on, we became close friends, sharing everything with each other, yet neither of us broke the fragile balance between us.

Just then, a man holding a pickup sign walked past and chimed in, "This young man has been waiting here since morning. I don't know how many times he's checked the arrivals board."

Hearing this, my senior's pale, handsome face flushed red with embarrassment.

A wave of warmth swept through me, and I said sincerely, "Thank you."

Thank you for making me feel warmth in this unfamiliar place.

From then on, my senior stayed by my side. He took me to many places, patiently pointing me in the right direction.

Worried I might forget the routes, he even made a personalized map for me, complete with clear labels on whom to contact if I ever needed help.

Whenever he had free time, he would fly from home to Paris just to bring me a taste of the comfort of home.

Six months later, on his third confession, I said yes.

Around the same time, Marco sent me a congratulatory message.

Marco added, "Good thing you went abroad. Hank is a mess now. He didn't get back together with Lauren but found someone who looks a lot like you. I think he's completely lost it."

I didn't respond to his comment.

We're all adults; everyone has to take responsibility for their own actions.

As for me, I will keep looking forward and never look back.