"I said I would take responsibility for you."
Every word pierced her ears.
His shadow loomed over, his breath enveloping her completely.
Her right hand hung down, the back of it against the cold wall, while her wrist was gripped by his warm hand. Her fingers twitched involuntarily.
What has happened will not be erased by the passage of time.
The words spoken and the emotions felt at that time will not be forgotten just because they’re in the past.
The familiar feeling surged in her heart, only to be forcibly suppressed by Nora Scott.
Her expression remained unchanged as she spoke softly, "What happened was consensual. No one asked you to take responsibility."
"I’m not like you. I keep my word," Pedro Langley’s voice was slightly cold, carrying anger.
Nora Scott was momentarily at a loss for words.
She had indeed said some things and made promises to him, but with their breakup, those promises dissolved like bubbles.
Breathing out lightly, Nora gazed quietly into his eyes and said, "Pedro Langley, you are wasting your time."
His tone was one of absolute certainty.
Raising an eyebrow at his confident tone, Nora was silent for a few seconds before continuing, "You and I are not from the same world."
Pedro Langley let out a mocking chuckle, "Does being friends mean we’re from the same world?"
After a brief pause, Nora replied, "Being friends doesn’t matter."
Pedro suddenly called her name, with a heavier tone that almost sounded like a whisper.
When it reached her ears, it sounded just like sweet talk.
Her ears felt a slight itch, and Nora tilted her head slightly.
Pedro leaned in closer, his grip on her wrist tightening, allowing her to feel his fingers, somewhat rough, yet warm.
Then, she heard him say, "Did you forget that after you proposed breaking up, I never agreed?"
Nora looked up in astonishment.
Pedro’s expression remained unchanged as he continued, "I was silent, not agreeing."
As Nora was left speechless, Pedro shamelessly delivered his conclusion—
"So, it doesn’t count."
They stared at each other, the air heavy with silence.
A moment later, Nora realized, her eyebrows furrowing in mild anger, "You’re being unreasonable, aren’t you?" Fresh chapters posted on Nove1Fire.net
"Indeed, I am," Pedro acknowledged frankly, under Nora’s cold and threatening glare, he slowly emphasized, "Nora, you act on principles. As long as I haven’t agreed, we are just in a cold war."
Even as worldly as Nora was, she was stunned by Pedro’s shameless logic.
Only someone with a brain problem would have a cold war with their girlfriend for five years, right?!
It was rare for Nora to be so overcome with emotions, a slew of expletives welled up, not knowing where to start the tirade.
At this moment, Pedro stood up straight, taking a half step back.
At the same time, the painting she was holding was pulled away with force, directly taken by Pedro.
Wasn’t he saying he didn’t want it?
While Nora was puzzled, Pedro, with the thick skin as a city wall, calmly said, "I’ll take this painting then, as a gift for our acquaintance anniversary."
Nora’s anger had reached its boiling point.
"Also, I’ve always been curious about your reason for breaking up," Pedro said, lowering his eyes to scrutinize her, his question coming out of nowhere.
Nora suddenly fell silent.
The anger couldn’t be vented anymore.
Pedro squinted slightly, speculating on his own, "Does it have something to do with my grandmother?"
At the sudden mention of Madam Langley, Nora, lacking the talent for acting, couldn’t immediately adjust her expression.
Yet, the subtle expression did not escape Pedro’s eyes, serving as proof of something.
"Alright, I will find out," Pedro suddenly smiled, his mood seemingly lightened, "However, if you figure it out, you can always tell me proactively."
Nora shot him a cold glare, her gaze sharp like a blade, her voice icy, "Pedro Langley, you’re nuts!"
Pedro’s smile deepened at his lips, "You’re even more attractive when you’re angry."
"..." Nora was momentarily at a loss for words, eventually breaking into laughter from anger, "Do you believe I can beat you black and blue, making you even more attractive?"
"I believe," Pedro said calmly, "So, I’m leaving now."
After speaking, Pedro had already retreated to the door, unlocking the digital lock in a few quick motions, and turned to enter the house.
He left just like that, lacking any demeanor of a dominant CEO.
Earlier, she naively thought— this, guy, had, matured!
Damn it, all of it was an illusion!
Nora was so angry she stood in place for three minutes before slamming the door and going inside.
Hearing a "bang" sound from next door, Pedro chuckled softly, changed his shoes, and left the entrance.
Walking into the living room, Pedro looked down at the painting rolled into a scroll in his hand, with a faint sense of helplessness spreading in his eyes.
If he had any choice, he wouldn’t resort to "being unreasonable" with Nora.
But since Nora acted so decisively, clearly intending to sever all ties after gifting the painting... how could he let things go her way?