Byran was fuming, and he clenched his fists tightly.
Chase patted him on the shoulder, led him to the other side of the room, and handed him a bottle of mineral water. âChill out, man. Donât do anything stupid. If you charge over now, youâre just gonna come off as rude to Ida. Wouldnât you be shooting yourself in the foot if she gets pissed and gives you the cold shoulder?â
Byran knew Chase was right, but he was seriously pissed, and it was hard to hold back.
Chase tried to calm him down again. âJust hear me out. Maybe in a bit, you can swoop in like a knight in shining armor and show off your heroics.â
A knight in shining armor? Byran was a bit puzzled by what Chase meant, but he decided to play it cool for now. He took the water, twisted off the cap, and chugged half the bottle, trying to douse his inner fire. But his eyes remained fixated on Ida.
The man next to Ida was dressed in a sharp suit and had a mature demeanor. Although he was not particularly handsome, he had a reserved air and good taste in clothing that could certainly turn heads.
âIda, youâve changed quite a bit since we last met.â The man said casually as he swirled his drink while eyeing Ida.
Ida gave him a small smile. âOh? What do you think has changed?â
He took a moment to appraise her. âHmm⦠Youâve become more attractive, more mature, more mysterious.â
Ida adjusted her glasses as a habit. âAnd youâve become more stable and learned to be romantic.â
The man laughed with a hint of bitterness in his voice. âI was young and reckless back then, without a penny to my name. I wasnât a good boyfriend. Iâm sorry.â
Ida looked at him with cold eyes that were devoid of sentiment. She even seemed to be mocking him a little. âThereâs no need to apologize. Even if we could turn back time, youâd make the same choices.
Weâve both been through the wringer in the real world. Weâre not the same naive kids anymore. So donât bother with the act of remorse; itâs not touching.â
The man looked momentarily embarrassed but quickly regained his composure. âAlright, letâs forget the past. Ida, Iâm single, youâre single, and I think we can start fresh. What do you think?â
Ida responded calmly, âI donât see the need.â
The man seemed taken aback by her blunt rejection. His hurt and disappointment were visible in his eyes. âWhy? Ida, I still have feelings for you; never forgotten you. Why wonât you give me another chance? Iâll treat you better this time.â
Ida took a sip of her wine. âThereâs no other reason; I just donât have feelings for you anymore.â
He frowned. His pride was clearly wounded. âIs it because of that young man?â
Young man? Ida turned around and saw Byran, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.
Where did this young fellow come from? He was just standing there, watching them.
The man sounded like he was chastising her. âIda, your taste has changed. How could you fall for such a clueless young guy?â
I; Iâve Idaâs gaze shifted from Byran back to her ex with a hint of coldness in her smile. âWhat I like is none of your business, and I donât owe you an explanation. All you need to know is that Iâm over men like you.â
The manâs face darkened. He had been in a position of power for so long that it had been ages since a woman talked to him like that. He was taken aback.