Chapter 1.2 - Chen

It was only as I was setting the glasses and bottle of wine on the table that I realized it. I put a large quantity into both her and my glass. We exchanged clinks. 'Cheers," we both said as we sipped from our glasses. I continued tilting the glass with my palm and crossing my knees after a swallow. 'How did you end up here?" She laughed as she set the glass down on the table. 'Nothing significant here, Chen. All I want to do is see my friend." 'Friend?" I repeated with a touch of sarcasm as I swiveled my head to hear the pleasurable cracking sounds of my joints. I snorted, rolling my eyes. 'Let's not get lost in the woods, Anna. What are you looking for this time?" I took a breath and chuckled as I poured more wine into my glass. 'Would you like another glass of wine?" She flicked her finger as she crossed her legs. 'No, I'm good. How's your relationship with Alex? Are you guys still together?" I took a breather to pour the wine and set it on the table. 'Our relationship is over." 'Is that so?" She let out a suspicion on her face. I nodded. 'I have moved on, and my life has never been so calm and enjoyable. Without the women harassing me and—" 'And?" She raised her eyebrow once again. 'Sorry, go on. Continue," she reflexively raised her eyebrow. My head shook. 'Nothing," I took a deep breath and stood up, returning the bottle of wine to the cabinet. She continued to speak just as I stood up and took a few steps. 'Let's pretend you've already moved on, Chen. Have you forgotten about Alex for quite a while now? Seriously, after everything you've done for him?" While placing the bottle back, I refused to answer her and tilted my head to hide my agitation. I bent toward the table to collect the glasses after closing the cabinet but she persisted when I walked away from her. 'Are you no longer interested in him? So, Chen, where's the love you've been mentioning before?" 'What are your true intentions, Anna? As I said before, our relationship is over." 'What happened? I thought you guys were doing fine." She stood with her arms crossed and raised her brows. 'Then there's no reason for me to inform you of his current location." 'How is he doing?" With a wide smile on her face, she twisted and tilted her body backward. In a mocking tone, she laughed. She covered her lips. 'Oh. I see you're still interested in him." 'Is there something wrong with wanting to hear news about Alex? Come on, it's been ten years, Anna. Perhaps, he also has moved on and has a new life. I don't know." She leaned very close to my face. 'He's here."