Chapter 12

A year later, I heard Marcus went bankrupt. He bounced between a few companies, eventually settling for a low-paying job, but he never lasted long anywhere.

Marcus always believed he could make a comeback and be a millionaire boss again. But he would never find someone like me to support him unconditionally.

Instead of working hard, he took his frustrations out at the office, talking back to management and insulting colleagues during meetings. Naturally, he was fired from one company after another.

When Sierra saw Marcus was broke, her mental state oddly improved. She quickly ran off with a wealthy, overweight man.

I thought I'd never hear about them again.

Then, six months later, my friend Jade called out of the blue.

“Big news! You won't believe what just happened!”

“What is it?” I didn't even need to ask for names; I knew exactly who she was talking about.

Jade clicked her tongue. “Marcus got fired again last month. Last night, out of nowhere, he showed up at Sierra's place.”

“Turns out Sierra isn't doing so well either. Her new guy might be rich, but he's abusive. She's covered in bruises.”

“No one knows exactly why—maybe just because this new guy is somehow worse than Marcus—but Sierra actually fell for Marcus's charm again and forgave him. And the craziest part? They hooked up right then and there.”

“Guess what happened next?”

I was stunned. “What?”

Her voice pitched up with excitement. “The rich guy came home early and caught them red-handed. He flew into a blind rage and beat them both.”

“He's a big guy, and obviously used to throwing his weight around. Marcus tried to fight him off, but the guy grabbed a chair and smashed it over him. Completely shattered both of Marcus's legs.”

“Sierra got it even worse. The guy was absolutely ruthless. He took a pair of scissors to her face—she's disfigured for life.”

I let out a long sigh as I took it all in.

Just as I hung up the phone, my new boyfriend walked out of the kitchen.

He handed me a warm cup of bubble tea. “Just made it. Low-fat, low-sugar, with that thick taro paste you love. Try it.”

I took a sip, and my eyes lit up. “It's delicious.”

It was perfectly sweet.

Those bitter days were finally behind me.

From now on, my life was going to be just like this bubble tea—always sweet.