Used as "Practice" Then Kissed? I'm Done with Him!

Chapter 10

According to my mom, Ryan went traveling with friends again the day after receiving his acceptance letter.

He hadn't been home for many days.

Mrs. Carter, on the other hand, kept asking my mom about when I would return.

On the day I flew back, my parents came to pick me up at the airport dressed formally.

When I woke up and got out of the car, I found we had arrived at a five-star hotel.

Still groggy, I was pulled by my mom into the lobby.

As soon as we entered, I saw Ryan, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.

My steps faltered.

Ryan was wearing a well-tailored suit. Standing casually by the fountain, his tall figure cut a striking silhouette.

In just one summer break, his boyish charm had faded considerably, looking very much like the grown-up version I had once imagined.

My heart was a jumble of emotions. The encounter I had avoided for so long came so suddenly.

Seeing my dazed look, Mom explained quietly.

"Mia, today is Ryan's graduation celebration. We brought you straight here for the dinner."

My dad added:

"Mia, didn't you say you didn't want to have a graduation party?

"That boy Ryan is quite thoughtful. He specially asked his parents to set the date on the day you returned, so it can be a celebration for both of you."

Ryan seemed to sense something and turned his head casually. Our eyes met.

My heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Although I had mentally prepared myself to face him while in America, when the moment actually came, I still felt a bit cowardly.

Ryan reacted first.

Just as he was about to come over to us, Claire suddenly appeared and took his arm.

Claire pulled him along, smiling as she came over to greet us.

"Little sister Mia, you're back? That's great, I can finally formally meet you today.

"I always saw you with Ryan before. Even though I was in the class next door, I never had the chance to get to know you. It's really a shame."

She was being so polite that I couldn't ignore her.

I forced a smile and nodded with a brief "Mm."

Ryan's expression was a bit unnatural.

He awkwardly said, "What's there to know about her? She's just a petty little brat who likes to throw tantrums. I thought she was hiding in America and wouldn't come back."

I didn't respond, not knowing how to.

Claire's figure-hugging silver evening gown sparkled with tiny diamonds, making her whole being glow. She looked perfectly matched with Ryan today.

I looked down at myself - white T-shirt, jeans, and canvas shoes. My hair was still messy from just waking up. I looked as casual as if I had just picked up a package from the convenience store.

Mom suddenly remembered something and whispered in my ear:

"I prepared a dress for you. You can change in the powder room in a bit."

I nodded, then shook my head.

There was no need. I wasn't the main character here anyway.

Ryan kept staring at me, his gaze unreadable.

Claire's eyes also darted back and forth between Ryan and me.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkwardly quiet.

Fortunately, some more friends arrived at that moment. Claire immediately pulled Ryan away to greet them.

She had the air of a hostess about her.

I quickly took the opportunity to pull my mom towards the banquet hall.