After the Breakup, I Rejected His Redemption

William had never mentioned it to me. His ex-girlfriend had lived downstairs in my building for three years. During those three years, they still went on dates and traveled together, maintaining a close relationship.

When I discovered this, William explained that his ex had depression and needed companionship. "I can't let anything happen to her right under my nose," he said. "We just go shopping and watch movies together. It's not like I'm cheating. Why are you so sensitive?"

——

In the middle of the night, while I was sleeping soundly, an explosion suddenly echoed from downstairs. William rushed down almost immediately and banged on the door.

The girl who answered was scantily dressed, standing barefoot on the floor, trembling all over, clearly terrified. I reached out, wanting to comfort her.

But William pulled her into his arms. He stroked her hair, his eyes red and his voice trembling. "You scared me to death. It's okay, as long as you're okay. Don't be afraid."

I stood there like a statue, I was frozen. I had run into this girl in the hallway a few times. She was very good-looking and spoke gently. It seemed she had lived here even before I moved in.

Whenever I mentioned her to William, he only said he hadn't paid much attention. Watching the two of them tightly embracing in front of me, I frowned slightly. Hadn't you two paid much attention? Neighbors gathered and discussed, "Young couples need to be careful at home. Such a loud explosion could be disastrous if there were elderly people in the building!"

While William protected the girl, he apologized to the neighbors. After a long time, he remembered I was still there. William turned and met my eyes, quickly letting go of her.

He looked embarrassed and said to the girl, "Since we've already called the police, I'll go back upstairs."

I silently turned and walked away. William followed, looking back every few steps.

Voices in the hallway continued to chatter, "Hey, young man, are you just leaving like that? Isn't she your girlfriend? How can you ignore such a big incident?"

"He seems to be from upstairs. That one is his girlfriend."

"Huh? I thought ... Oh, never mind. Young people these days…"

I wanted William to give me an explanation. But he remained silent. As if his actions just now were truly unintentional. He repeatedly opened the door to listen to the commotion downstairs, unable to sit still.

Finally, he couldn't hold back anymore, "I should go check again. There are so many police officers. She might not be able to handle it alone."

He picked up his coat and was about to leave. I said coldly, "Fine, go ahead."

He froze at the door. Turning back, his eyes were filled with helplessness and said, "We're all neighbors. Just helping out with a problem ... don't be so sensitive."

I turned away, not looking at him. He sighed, turned the doorknob and said, "Fine. We'll talk when I get back. Don't overthink. Just go to sleep."

Before he finished speaking, the door slammed shut. With a throbbing headache, I swallowed a few pills with cold water. Images crowded my mind and I couldn't sleep.

I curled up on the couch, waiting for William. It wasn't until dawn that he tiptoed back. The coat he left with was nowhere to be seen. Seeing me, he spoke with gentle reproach, "Didn't sleep all night? Didn't I tell you to sleep? Why didn't you listen?"

He came over to massage my temples. He asked, "Is your head hurting again?"

I pushed him away, looking into his eyes. William was an incredibly gentle person. He was thoughtful in every aspect of life, providing immense emotional value, always responsive. He was good to me and I was good to him.

Since we started dating, we hardly ever had a fight. I believed I loved him no less than he loved me. But I always knew, love can change. I never expected anyone to remain passionate, let alone faithful, forever.

Early in our relationship, we promised each other. If one day, anyone developed feelings for someone else, we would be honest and not hide it. I could accept a straightforward breakup after a change of heart. But I couldn't accept deceitful lies. That was my bottom line.

But now, his eyes were evasive. After a long while, he gave in, speaking lowly, "She ... is my ex-girlfriend."

The neighborhood we lived in wasn't close to where William and I worked. I had suggested moving before. But William said he had lived here since he came to this city and was used to it. "Besides, the environment here is good and the rent is reasonable," he said.

Back then, he would joke around with a spatula in hand, making me laugh. I had been dating William for three years. And for those three years, his ex-girlfriend had lived downstairs. Just last night, he had held his ex-girlfriend tightly in front of me. I laughed myself.

William frowned, "Don't laugh like that. I'll say it again, she's just a neighbor now. There's nothing between us."