"Let's break up."

And from that moment on, silence reigned in their thread, with no further messages from Aziel.

Ariana let out a helpless sigh as she read through the chat records between Sarah and Aziel.

"So, it was you who broke up with him without any discussion," Ariana remarked sarcastically, unable to contain her disappointment.

"Aren't you a bit cruel to him?"

Sarah remained silent as Ariana swiped her phone screen and continued, "He mentioned going on a business trip to discuss important matters. Why did you choose such a crucial moment to break up with him? What did he do to offend you?"

Aziel was unable to return immediately, forced to deal with pressing work matters.

It was an agonizing situation for him.

“He didn't offend me," Sarah replied with a pout, shrugging her shoulders.

"You saw how I treated him before, not replying to his messages. That's why he wanted to have a conversation with me and he was implying he wanted to break up, right? So it doesn't really matter if I was the one who brought it up in the first place.”

Sarah's indifferent attitude and her words filled Ariana with a sense of anger. She wanted to defend Aziel. Frowning, she spoke up.

"So, you are aware of how coldly you've treated him all this time, Sarah. Have you had a change of heart? Even if you have, this isn't the right way to handle it. I believe Aziel deserves better. If you don't love him anymore, you should just tell him directly. Is it fair to torment him like this?"

Ariana tried her best to soften her tone but couldn't entirely suppress the harshness in her voice.

Furthermore, from Ariana's perspective, Aziel had treated Sarah exceptionally well.

He had taken great care of her. If they were to break up so abruptly and inexplicably, it would be a loss for Sarah herself.

Ariana looked at Sarah, hoping she would provide a reason, but Sarah remained silent, refusing to offer any explanation.

After a moment of silence, Sarah reached for a pack of cigarettes, rose from the sofa, and turned away to smoke. Even just observing her back, one could sense the frustration emanating from her.

After what felt like an eternity, Sarah delicately flicked off the ash from her cigarette, her voice hoarse as she uttered, "Anyway, I think it's time we end things.

We're just not right for each other. Consider me heartless, if you will. And if any disputes arise in the future, simply claim it's my personal problems and don't involve him."

Ariana absorbed these words, a peculiar unease washing over her. Once she managed to collect herself, she couldn't help but notice that something was amiss.