He Thought He Could Use Me, But Now I’m the One Playing Him

For four years in college, I revolved around Julian Cross, earning myself the title of "puppy dog."

The day before graduation, I spent most of the money I had saved up over the past month to buy a bouquet of roses and waited under the boys' dormitory building.

If he rejects me again, I’ll stop pursuing him.

In the stifling heat, I waited eagerly, my eyes straining as his familiar figure came closer and closer.

Julian walked past me, holding his new girlfriend by the hand, coldly ignoring me without even sparing me a glance.

Alright, Julian, I won’t embarrass myself by chasing after you any longer.

A year after graduation, I ran into Julian again, at a dinner party.

At that time, he was an investor for a new drama, and I was just a nameless actress.

The company’s new drama had no investors, and just when things seemed bleak, a benefactor appeared out of nowhere. Our boss happily brought in a few of us small-time actors to discuss the collaboration.

Before we arrived, the boss had specifically warned, “Make sure to cater to the investor’s every whim. If this deal falls through, it’s on you.”

I smiled and flattered the boss, “For the company’s honor, I’ll give it my all.”

When the door opened and I saw that familiar face—etched so deeply into my memory—I immediately took a step back.

“I suddenly don’t feel well, I need to leave and go home.”

“The lazy donkey will only make more shit! If this deal doesn’t go through, you can all get the hell out of here!” The boss exploded in anger.

I was in a red dress, sitting at the furthest point from Julian, pouring wine for a prominent figure beside me.

After three glasses, the man’s face turned red. He slapped my face and leaned in a little too close.

I shifted back, holding back the urge to slap him across the face, and played along with his flirty gestures.

From a distance, I felt a piercing gaze on me. I looked over, and Julian was staring at me, clearly displeased.

His dark eyes gleamed with an inscrutable, cold light, a subtle chill creeping from his gaze.

My expression became awkward. It had been so long since we last saw each other.

He was an investor now, doing better than ever.

And my role at this dinner? I was nothing more than a companion for drinking.

So when our eyes met, my heart panicked, and I quickly averted my gaze.

“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

The man put his hand on my exposed shoulder, and I immediately stood up, finding a gap in the crowd and slipping out.

“Elena!!”

His voice, low and chilling like ice breaking through glass, pierced through the air from the hallway.

The once-hurried footsteps slowed, and I turned to see him striding towards me.

I was just a step away from the women’s restroom. When he was about five meters away, I held out my hand to stop him.

“Let’s talk right here if you have something to say.”

He stared at me for a while, then spoke slowly, each word heavy, “Can you not live without a man?”

His words hit me like a thunderclap, making me uncomfortable.

What the hell is he talking about?

I lowered my head, processing my emotions, and then shook my head in self-mockery. “How could I have ever liked you?”

He started to walk forward again, but as he turned, I rushed into the restroom.

If it weren’t for the fact that the hallway was empty and people might get the wrong idea...

I would have beaten him senseless right there to commemorate my ten years of foolishness.