The Boy Who Tattooed My Name on His Chest novel Chapter 3

Ryan had a childhood friend named Vivi Greene.

Vivi's father had been Ryan's father's driver years ago. During a boating accident, he sacrificed himself to save Mr. Thompson but didn't have the strength to make it back to shore himself.

Mr. Thompson was an honorable man who immediately took in Vivi and her mother, promising to treat Vivi like his own daughter and support them for life.

Vivi and Ryan had been inseparable since childhood, and this didn't change even after we started dating. She followed us everywhere, including our walks to and from school.

Ryan and I argued about this often. Finally, Vivi stopped following us—but just days later, she suddenly reappeared before me, leaning against Ryan.

"I'm so sorry, Haley. I know you don't like walking with me, but I twisted my ankle, and Ryan insisted on taking me home."

Ryan's eyes were fixed on her, his brow furrowed as he scolded her.

"You didn't tell me about your ankle! Were you planning to hop home on one foot if I hadn't come looking for you? Get on my back!"

I still remember that day. Ryan carried Vivi on his back, walking ahead of me.

Vivi, perched on his back, told stories of their childhood adventures. I couldn't get a word in.

She whined, "Ryan, my ankle hurts so bad!"

I'd never heard Ryan's voice so gentle. "Your ankle hurts bad, huh? What should we do?"

The setting sun stretched their shadows long, making them seem inseparable.

I fell further and further behind, but Ryan never once looked back at me.

Only after dropping Vivi off did he turn to me and say:

"I need to buy Vivi her cake, so I can't walk you home today."

"Haley, go home by yourself."

I looked at him for a long time, then turned and left.