The Last Truth of Twenty-Five Chapter 2

Noah was the "high mountain flower" of our circle—aloof and untouchable.

When I first arrived at the Vance house at twelve, I was most afraid of him.

He always acted older than his age, always stern, always sparse with words.

Regarding Caleb and me, whether we were being affectionate or fighting, he never showed any extra emotion.

His sudden outburst surprised me.

He looked coldly at Caleb. "You've crossed the line."

"What? You're going to lecture me too?"

Caleb sneered. "I didn't expect everyone to be more anxious about my family affairs than I am."

"Elara Vance, should I praise you for being so capable?"

When I was sixteen, he said the same thing to me.

But back then, it was because he found a love letter in my backpack.

That day was my birthday. He looked at me with a half-smile. "Top of the class, huh? What he wrote is so cheesy."

That's what he said.

But after everyone left, he barged into my room, pinned me against the door, and kissed me.

After a brief taste, he nuzzled my neck intimately. "Elara, you're not allowed to like anyone else. You can only like me."

Back then, he was like a pitiful puppy, his tone full of grievance.

I lowered my eyes, avoiding his gaze now.

I just felt it was too disjointed.

My heart stung a little.

But I knew it was time to end things with him.

"Caleb, since everyone is here today, let's make everything clear once and for all."

He stubbed out his cigarette. "Speak."

Even though my eyes were stinging painfully, I looked up stubbornly. "Just as you said, we have no relationship."

"From now on, we go our separate ways."

Caleb's fingers gripping the wine glass turned white, veins bulging.

"Elara, you want to draw a line with me?"

I dug my nails into my palm. "You have a girlfriend. Shouldn't you keep your distance from other women?"