The usually proud Byran dropped his pride. âIda, can you take me a bit more seriously? I can accept that you donât see me as your boyfriend, but I hope you wonât accept any other men before that. If you prefer mature men, I can grow up too. I just need a little time to change. I can do it!â
Ida looked at him blankly.
âWhat expectations do you think I could have for a guy who didnât even graduate from high school and who failed to get into college time and time again? Expect you to mature? Please! Or maybe youâre hoping youâll become a son at my side, so I can worry for you every day?â
Byran was shocked. He always cared about his dignity, and being spoken to like this by the woman he liked made him feel ashamed. He stepped back, unable to say anything in response.
Ida felt a twinge of guilt after seeing the hurt look on his face. But she couldnât keep going like this.
He was too serious. If this continued, it would be even harder for her to break free from him in the future.
She didnât like being tied down by feelings or want to take responsibility for anything other than work, including but not limited to men.
âByran, if you really want to grow up, go home how. Donât be a kid who does nothing but make your family worry.â
Byran didnât say anything, but he held on to her arm tightly, unwilling to let go.
âIda, do you need my help?â
At this moment, Idaâs ex-boyfriend came out of the private room with concern written all over his face.
Originally, Ida had no plans to rekindle her old flames with her ex, but given the current situation, in order to make Byran give up, she suddenly had a thought. She hooked her arm into her exâs and said, âEthan, help me get him out of here. Heâs so annoying!â
Ethan was also surprised by Idaâs action. He glanced at her arm and then confidently put his arm around Idaâs shoulder, sternly warning Byran, âDid you hear that? She doesnât care about you at all. Let go now, or donât blame me for calling the cops and claiming youâre harassing my girlfriend.â
Byran, seeing their intimate contact, was filled with resentment and finally yelled out in anger, âI hate you!â
Filled with despair, he let go, turned around, and ran out in a hurry.
Ida was a bit worried to see him run off so hastily. She sent a few people after him to make sure he made it back to his home safely.
It wasnât because she cared about him, but because he was the half-brother of her boss. If something happened to him, the boss would also be upset.
The Twilight Bar was owned by the Crescent Society, so everyone there listened to her.
The man thought he had done a great job; his hand didnât leave Idaâs shoulder; instead, he held her even closer. âIda, you made the right choice. I am the one who suits you the best.â
The man looked as refined as the one who once made her heart flutter in her memory, but his tone was overconfident. It was repulsive.
Ida walked away from the man without any emotion, saying coldly, âIâve said thank you. But, from now on, we donât need to have any contact.â
The man seemed confused. âIda, donât you have any feelings for me?â
Idaâs reply was very definite. She showed no hesitation. âNo.â
The man was not willing to give up just like that. He changed his strategy, saying, âAlright, even if we canât be lovers, we can still be friends. Why do we have to go no contact?â
Ida adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, not intending to spare his dignity anymore, âEthan, Iâve kept in touch with you as a friend these years because I saw some value in you. But it seems to have given you the wrong impression, so I think weâd better cut back on contact.â
Ethan still didnât want to give up. âIda, your words really hurt. But even so, I still have value to you now, donât I? We can still collaborate in business, so why cut off contact? Donât tell me you not only donât care for me but also donât care about the companyâs losses.â