Chapter 3 Cold and colder

I shouldn’t wish for Martin to change; he still goes head over heels for Silvia no matter what she does to him.

After Martin confronts me at the sports hall, he says nothing for almost five days. We have no beef, but it’s clear he’s more pissed than before. I’m scared he will hate me and send me away from him—he could do anything to make his father take me out of his apartment.

“Martin,” I call him when he walks past me like I’m a ghost. He stops but doesn’t truly want to face me.

“Do you wish something for your birthday tonight?”

He looks so cold, like his piercing green eyes will cut me in two. He faces me and says, “I don’t accept cheap gifts,” his tone indifferent, with a slight mockery.

I try to smile, to hide my scar of disappointment.

“No, I’m not going to give you a cheap one, Martin. You deserve the best. I ask so you won’t be upset after I give you the gift.” Martin says nothing; his lean frame is against the door, looking at me with zero interest.

“Or do you want me to make your favorite food? I’ll get the best ingredients for your birthday sushi.”

“Hey, Nerd,” he calls, cutting off my enthusiasm.

“Yes?”

“I never expect anything from you other than to keep your job here low, but you act out of line, and it cuts my last fucking straw for you.”

I force my composure since Martin hates seeing me cry.

“You’re still mad at me?” I ask, my voice trembling.

He answers shortly. “Yes.” He moves his heels toward his room, preparing to go to his birthday party tonight, but he stops and faces me, speaking in a low, clear voice as if making sure I hear every single word.

“And your cooking never tastes like human food, so stop cooking for me from now on. Do you understand?”

He slams the door shut, a final sign for me not to interrupt. I force my legs to move, wiping my little tears, walking out with the slight tremble I always have after every time Martin talks heartlessly to me. I’m confused, like I don’t know where his cold behavior starts. We grew up together; my mom raised me while she was his nanny. We used to be good friends, but after my mom died, everything changed—and him as well.

Even after I arrive at the mall by public bus, I still don’t know what kind of gift I will give him—his cold response haunts every step I take. I’m scared he'll throw my gift away like he ignores my presence.

Of course, Silvia Claire will be at his birthday party, while I blend into the background as a part-time party helper—as they have known me all this time. Because right after Martin’s confrontation that day, he going with Silvia right away as if he wanted to deny the breakup rumor.

When Martin said I'm the first one to announce their breakup, that’s because I'm the only one who knows about their relationship better than others—I live with Martin, anyway. I'm also the one who told him first about Silvia’s cheating, which he never believed until he saw it himself a fortnight ago.

Silvia is never only making out with Evan. She's a player! She did those things for fun because she's pretty, wealthy, and everything. She thinks she’s an Aphrodite, but I won’t let my Martin date a Medusa, so I keep up with her relationships subtly. I’m not a freak; I do it for love—for Martin.

But now that Martin goes back to that girl, I feel like my hard work is going in vain. Now I don’t wish for Martin to look at me, but please, God, make him at least look away from that cunning girl. He deserves better!

“What about Martin? Is he still mad at you?”

When I’m in the expensive suits row in a branded boutique, I hear someone call Martin’s name—making me curse my mind that's still stuck on him even after his coldness.

“Damn, girl. You’re such a naughty lady. How could you break his heart? He’s literally obsessed with you.”

I don’t pay much attention at first; I let the man behind my row talk—we're a row apart. But when he talks again, something clicks in my mind, making me sharpen my ears.

“So, come to my house after his birthday party? I’m home alone tonight, like a freaking Kevin wishing his mama would hug him on a cold night.”

“…”

“He asks you to go to a hotel? So you’ll choose him over me? After he breaks up with you? Right, don’t listen to him. You’re mine tonight, little mama.”

Why are there so many things clicking into place? I move closer, feeling like I’m blending into the hanging suits. I remember the voice, but I’m too trembling to take a peek, so I turn on my recorder and move it closer so his voice is recorded clearly.

“Ah, the nerdy girl with a big mouth? You thanked her for making Martin come back to you?”

Oh, shit, they’re talking about me.

“She def has a crush on your man, lady. You said she’s been so friendly to Martin even after he starts a group to bully her, right? I think she’s a masochist.”

No, I’m not!

“Don’t mess with her anymore, darling. You have everything; she’s not even your equal. Don’t ask her to come to the boys’ party.”

“…”

“I know you hate her, but bullying her won’t get you anything but wasted time.”

“…”

“Okay, okay, don’t freaking mad at me. Anyway, let’s have a better relationship, Silvia. I don’t want to keep our love low. I want everyone to know that you’re mine and I’m yours.”

“…”

“Let me know if you’re still mine. Come to my house tonight, okay? I’ll see you there.”

I tap stop after he hangs up the call, but the shock still keeps me frozen in place. I can’t believe Silvia is still tied to Evan even after Martin gives her a lesson by breaking up. I think her tears, begging for a second chance in front of the apartment door, are real—but I should've known that a player always plays.

I can’t wait to give this to Martin; I wish one more time for him to open his eyes. But when I turn around, my legs freeze, my hands tighten around the phone on my chest, and my eyes witness a glimpse of the worst when Evan’s dark brown eyes stare into my soul.

His faint smile, like a greeting sent from hell, makes him say,

“You have to ask for my permission to record my voice, little lady.”