Chapter 6

Hearing that, my first instinct was to think that the text message didn't go through. But then I realized, there was no way that was true. Even if the message hadn't sent, someone like Alexander would've figured out what was going on the moment he heard I was resigning. So why the hell was he still standing on my doorstep?

I didn't voice any of those doubts. Instead, I stared at him, cool and composed, before speaking with as much patience as I could manage.

"If you really don't get it, let me make it crystal clear. Alexander, I want to break up with you.

Did you hear that? I'll say it again if it'll make it clearer for you."

"No matter how many times you say it, my answer won't change," he replied through clenched teeth, glaring at me. "Rachel, I don't accept the breakup. I haven't done anything wrong, so how can you just end this?"

I blinked in disbelief. I couldn't believe the audacity.

Just as I was about to respond, I heard my dad's voice from the kitchen.

"Rachel, who are you talking to at the door?"

"Dad, it's nothing. Just the bubble tea I ordered," I said quickly. "Oh, and I forgot to grab a package. I'll be right back."

I shoved Alexander aside and stepped out, slamming the door behind me. Without a word, I got into the elevator, my tone ice-cold as I said, "Don't bother my parents. If you want to talk, we can do it outside."

Ten minutes later, I was sitting across from him in a quiet corner of a Western restaurant near my apartment. Alexander spoke first, as though this was some casual meeting.

"You cut your hair," he observed, his voice neutral.

I stayed silent, and he noticed. For the first time, he softened his tone, giving me an unexpected compliment. "It looks good. The new style suits you."

I couldn't stop the smirk that tugged at the corner of my lips. Alexander was the type who loved long, flowing hair. I'd kept mine long and straight for seven years, despite the heat, just to cater to his preferences.

But in all that time, not once had he kept his casual promise to braid it the way I liked.

The waiter brought the menu, but before I could say anything, he'd already ordered for both of us.

"Rachel, you've lost weight," he said, his voice taking on a softer tone. "You should eat something. Once we get back tomorrow, I'll take you to a really nice place."

I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up. "Go home where? Alexander, have you forgotten? We've been dating for seven years. We're not even married."

His expression softened, and a smug smile crept onto his face. It was as if he had it all figured out.

"Rachel, we've been together for seven years. If you want to get married, just say it. I wouldn't say no. There's no need to make this so complicated."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling a headache coming on. I grabbed my phone, pulled up the employment contract from the rival company, and slid it across the table for him to see.

As expected, his face went pale the second he saw it. Alexander had zero tolerance for betrayal, whether it was in business or personal matters. He had a strict "one strike" rule.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms, and spoke in a calm, steady voice.

"Alexander, I know your ego's as big as your pride. Even if you've stopped feeling anything for me, it's hard for you to accept that I'm the one calling it quits. So here's your chance. I'm giving you the opportunity to end this yourself. And from now on, when anyone asks, I'll say you dumped me. Is that what you want?"