My Childhood Friend Loves Mocking Me Chapter 04

My Childhood Friend Loves Mocking Me Chapter 04

On the night of the prom, Aunt Clara fussed over me from head to toe, getting me ready.

Her eyes glistening with tears.

“I’ve always wished for a daughter, and then you came along. Lila, we’ll be family for the rest of our lives.”

I stepped forward and hugged her gently, nodding softly.

“Off you go now. That boy headed over early already. Go dazzle everyone and leave him speechless.”

When I reached the school grand hall, Mia stared at me in pure admiration.

“You look absolutely stunning.”

She pouted lightly, “He’s such a lucky guy.”

I smiled faintly, yet my smile faded in an instant.

The music was pounding, filling the grand hall. The lights were low, casting everything in shadow except for a single spotlight on the dance floor.

Two people swayed gracefully to the rhythm.

The boy’s suit looked awfully familiar, and the tie was the very one I’d fastened for him just an hour earlier.

It was Jake.

And his partner was Chloe.

I dug my nails hard into my palm. Mia froze and flared up instantly.

“They are truly unbelievable.”

She was about to storm over, but I held her back firmly. “Let it be.”

The music faded away. Jake wore a faint smile and casually glanced toward the audience.

Our eyes locked together, and his smile froze on his face.

He only looked flustered for a split second before straightening his clothes, putting on a casual tone.

“You’re so slow, Lila. Are you moving at a snail’s pace?”

He scratched the tip of his nose awkwardly.

“I thought you hadn’t shown up yet, and Chloe’s date didn’t come either, so we just practiced dancing for a while.”

Chloe shot me a subtle, knowing look.

“Right, Lila, you don’t mind, do you?”

My expression turned cold. “I do mind.”

She looked stunned, clearly not expecting such a straightforward reply. “W-what?”

I let out a bitter laugh, ignoring her and fixing my gaze straight on Jake.

“I said I mind. Did you hear me clearly?”

Jake’s face darkened at once.

“Is it really necessary to get upset over such a trivial thing?”

He softened his tone, reaching out to take my hand. “Alright, alright. I’ll take you for that extra-spicy hot pot you love tonight, okay? And we’ll get you those collectible figures you’ve been wanting.”

I stepped back and dodged his touch.

He knew perfectly well I disliked sweet braised ribs and loved spicy food.

He knew all my likes and dislikes.

He just never cared enough to remember them.

I shook my head slowly. “No, I don’t want any of it. You’ve made so many promises, yet you never kept a single one.”

“You swore you’d share the first prom dance only with me.”

“You broke your word, Jake.”

Jake lost his temper completely and grabbed hold of Chloe’s wrist.

“Yes, I did break it. So what?”

“Who said I have to listen to you, pamper you and give in to you all the time?”

“You’re so clumsy, do you even know how to dance? I just wanted to dance with Chloe, is that wrong?”

I let out a soft chuckle. “It’s fine, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

I turned around and left, holding my head high to keep my tears from falling.

That night, Mia was the one who danced with me. She said she was tired of all arrogant guys, and she danced the male steps perfectly.

She kept telling me I was wonderful and never to believe his harsh words.

While dancing in the center of the floor, I could feel a pair of eyes lingering on me all the time, but I never looked back again.

Jake and I fell into a full-on cold war, and we did not exchange a single word until the college entrance exams ended.

The moment I walked out of the exam hall, I saw my parents standing there holding bouquets and smiling warmly at me.

I could no longer hold back my tears and rushed straight into their arms.

“Mom, Dad, I’ve missed you so much.”

My parents paid a sincere visit to properly thank Aunt Clara. Meanwhile, ever since exams ended, Jake had been out partying every single day and never came home.

On the day exam results came out and we had to fill in university applications,

Aunt Clara hugged me tightly with tears streaming down her cheeks.

I glanced around the house where I had lived for eight years.

The sycamore tree outside had grown lush and tall, yet this place no longer belonged to me.

I lowered my head and got into my father’s car.

The second the car door closed, I spotted Jake’s motorcycle parked right outside the gate.

He took off his helmet and looked straight over at me.

I rolled up the car window and shut him out entirely.