The Beauty of Love

Chapter 9

After I arrived home from work, Maia FaceTimed me. I am currently facing my laptop, editing the café's menu while talking to her. As usual, our conversation shifts from topic to topic. Sometimes, we just stay silent. Each of us is minding our own business, but the camera is still on anyway.

"Andrei liked my IG story last night," I said when the thought crossed my mind.

Her mouth immediately fell open. "What the fuck?!"

"Yeah. I have no idea why he did that."

"He's just trying to get your attention!" she exclaimed. "And my goodness, Ada! You still have him on social media?!"

"Well, yeah. I didn't block him. It's because I don't want to visit his account," I shrugged.

She furrowed her eyebrows. "Why not? You should have blocked him before pa!"

"Relax, Maia. I don't care about him anymore."

"As you should! That man doesn't deserve any of your attention!"

"Yes, I know. I'm not stalking him, and I'm not viewing any of his posts or stories. You don't have to worry about me."

I heard her sigh. "I'm not worried about you. It's him who's the problem here! Why is he still trying to get your attention? The audacity is really on another level!"

I sipped my water first. Then I fixed my glasses and went back to her.

"I don't know. Like you said, maybe he's just making papansin."

"After everything you went through? Just like that? Parang nothing happened lang, gano'n?"

I shook my head. "Don't mind him. I'm not bothered by him anymore. Promise."

"Maybe he sees that you're doing okay now, so he's trying to get back with you."

"That will never happen," I assured her.

Time flies so fast. It's been a year already. I am healed now, but I still don't believe in love. Not anymore. I also celebrated my 25th birthday without him months ago. I became used to not having him around me anymore, and I survived it. I have moved on.

But I'm not a hypocrite. I still remember him at times like this, especially when he's trying to catch my attention by liking my posts or stories. He even messaged me on Instagram one time. He was asking how I've been, but I ignored him.

I won't be a fool for him again or for anyone else. I've learned from the past. I know better now. I'm also not telling it to Maia because I know she wouldn't like it. She hates Andrei so much.

Honestly, I'm totally okay now. The wound is still there, but I'm feeling a lot better. I'm not dwelling on the past anymore and the fact that he cheated on me. I have managed to move forward, and I don't want to look back again.

I just woke up one day and didn't feel any pain anymore. When I think about him, I don't feel my heart breaking like it used to. Even when I hear his name somewhere, it doesn't make me sad now.

That's how I know I'm okay and living my best life now. I don't want any man in my life right now. I'm fine being alone.

"He's a jerk, mind you." Maia reminded me again like a mom.

I nodded in agreement.

"And once a cheater, always a cheater! Don't expect him to change. Even if he changes for a while, there's a high chance he'll hurt you again."

That hit me. I understood her point.

"I am aware of that, Maia."

"I'm telling you, Adelaide. Don't ever go back to him again," she said with a hint of threat in her voice.