The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan)
Chapter 61

Chapter 2

Within two days, the tabloids caught Alex on a date in the park with a young girl. Rumor had it she was a college senior. To win her over, Alex was cooking her special meals, showering her with jewelry and dresses- a grand display of affection that had never been part of our relationship. She wore a pale pink dress, tall and slender, with a sharp chin and a classic oval face. Her smile was youthful, full of energy. And on her ring finger? The engagement ring I'd thought Álex had bought for me. In our friend group chat, everyone tagged Alex.

[Mr. Carter, is this the new sister-in-law? Nice choice, still in college, huh?] [When are you introducing her to the crew?] Alex added her directly to the group, half-joking, half-doting.

[She's a bit shy, so don't scare her off, or you'll answer to me!] One guy, maybe out of concern for my presence in the chat, muttered quietly, [Mr. Carter, so you and Vivian really broke up?] Someone else replied immediately, [Don't ruin the vibe!] Alex stayed silent. It didn't matter anymore. I quietly left the group chat.

I called my mentor in Germany,

"Professor, you mentioned a learning opportunity not long ago. Is that still available? I've made up my mind; I'm ready to go." Last month, during my internship, my mentor Murphy had offered me an incredible chance to study and work abroad. "Vivian," he'd said, "There are so many paths in life. You're my prized student with real talent.

Your work should shine worldwide, not be confined by anyone."

Murphy was a renowned figure in the industry, and at seventy, I was his only apprentice. Though he had urged me passionately back then, I hadn't committed, unwilling to risk a long-distance relationship with Alex.

After the call, I calmly packed my

fet

things. Oddly enough, there wasn't much in this house that truly belonged to me-seasonal clothes gifted each quarter, custom jewelry, high-end skincare products. Most of it was sent by my grandfather's butler; I had barely touched any of it.

Leaving the apartment, I booked a ticket to Germany. I enjoyed a warm bowl of cream mushroom soup in a small alley café before taking a taxi to the airport. At two in the morning, I blocked all of Alex's contacts, boarded my flight, and left Seattle behind.