Chris left just like that.His parents, understanding the gravity of the situation, exaggerated their efforts to liven up the atmosphere around the table.They insisted that Chris and Faye were just like siblings who grew up together and were very close. They said Chris couldn't bear to see his so-called sister suffer any grievances and told us not to overthink it.However, who would believe that there was nothing between them? He brought his childhood friend to the dinner where we were supposed to meet the parents and discuss our marriage. He even left me, his girlfriend, and my parents behind because of his childhood friend. The way he prioritized her was way too obvious.His parents tried to discuss our engagement plans with my parents, but my father was uninterested. My mother was visibly upset as well, giving no response.Eventually, they gave up and just focused on the meal. It was obvious to us that they were just putting on a show. If they truly wanted to discuss the eng
I was simply unimportant to him.It was just like the succulents I had on the windowsill. Every day, I would spend at least half an hour tending to them, and if any of them showed the slightest sign of trouble, I would immediately set them aside for extra care.Meanwhile, Chris never looked at those plants. Instead, he would be particularly displeased when I spent time on them. Perhaps, in his eyes, I was just like those succulents—unworthy of his attention and care. He never tried to appreciate them.After hearing my story, Zachary's fists were clenched so tightly that his veins bulged, revealing his anger.I laughed mockingly at myself and tried to calm him down. "Why are you so angry? It was the past anyway."After more than five years together, despite my wholehearted efforts, I couldn't compare with the person in his heart. I used five years to show that my love was just a joke."Damn it, those two bastards have gone too far!" Zachary couldn't hold back and cursed out loud.
Zachary spat out with a dark expression, "Haven't I been strict with you all these years? My throat was dry from all the nagging. If you had listened to even one word, you wouldn't have wasted five years of your life."It was very true.When I first got together with Chris, Zachary had warned me that Chris was unreliable. He said that Chris' eyes only showed indifference and lacked any affection or warmth for me.He said being well-matched in social status wasn't just nonsense or some old-fashioned saying. The Moyers were far superior to our family. As someone from an ordinary family, marrying into the Moyers would be tough. He advised me to think carefully and don't be stubborn.Even though my family was just an ordinary working-class family, they showered me with love. They gave me everything they had without hesitation.Unfortunately, I was so fixated on Chris back then that nothing and no one could stop me from going after him. I confidently told Zachary that Chris loved me an
Chris was standing on the balcony, examining the succulents that I hadn't checked for many days.While I was away, I had thought about sending him a message to ask him to check on them, but then I figured those succulents could survive without water for ten days or so. So, I left it at that.What I didn't expect was that Chris, who used to scoff whenever he saw me tending to those succulents, would now be holding a small spray bottle and playing the role of gardener.This was the first time in the five years we had been together that he had done something like this. It felt strange. Perhaps he knew I was coming back today and was putting on a show.However, why would he do that? Was he trying to show that he realized his mistake and wanted to apologize to me?It was unnecessary anymore.I pushed my suitcase into my room and closed the bedroom door without speaking to him.He remained on the balcony, silently watching me. I knew he was waiting for me to greet him first, but I did
With slightly furrowed brows, Chris continued, "That day when our parents met, it was my fault for causing you trouble. I'm really sorry. I originally planned to buy her a dress and send her back, but Faye kept badgering me, so I…""It's fine. It's in the past and unimportant anymore." I interrupted him calmly.Wasn't it too late to apologize now?It was like someone plunged a knife deep into your heart and then left it there. After you struggled and finally found a way to save yourself, they just turned around and said they were sorry, that they meant to pull the knife out but just forgot. It was all too little, too late.Besides, not every mistake can be excused with an apology, and not every apology would be met with forgiveness.I had no interest in hearing anything about him and his childhood sweetheart.Leaving the half-wet towel aside, I went to the dressing table and began my nighttime skincare routine.If I treated him like this in the past, Chris would definitely get a
I felt heartbroken time and again, but nothing changed.I was the one who fell for Chris. I was the one who lowered myself for him. I was the one who couldn't bear to leave him.It was no wonder Zachary always said I was lovesick. I had truly lived up to that in the past few years and had become completely blinded by love.However, the failed meeting with his family gave me a new perspective on our relationship. In the end, the one who loved more hurt more.The day after the failed meeting, I packed most of my belongings and sent them to my company dormitory. After that, my boss arranged for me to go on a business trip to a distant city.When I left home, I only took a small suitcase with some clothes and left without a word. I wasn't just leaving for a business trip. I was leaving him forever. I never wanted to see him again.It was a silent departure.That was why I didn't fill the fridge with food, didn't iron his suits that he would wear while I was away, and didn't leave st
We lived in a standard two-bedroom apartment with a shared bathroom. In order to get back into the bedroom from the bathroom, I had to pass through the living room.As I walked through the living room, I saw Chris leaning against the balcony, smoking.He bent one of his legs, his back against the wall. The half-smoked cigarette was between his lips as he looked at the starry sky. My succulents were right next to him. I just watched him silently.I wanted to check on my succulents since I hadn't seen them for over ten days. I was eager to know if they were doing well.Without me, Chris still had Faye, but my succulents had to tough it out on their own. Even though Chris might have taken care of them, it wasn't the same. I couldn't imagine what had happened to them after having someone who never cared about such things look after them.I stopped walking subconsciously, letting my thoughts become a chaotic mess.I debated whether I should go back to the bedroom or walk over to him
I was bending over to put on my shoes when the door opened from the outside.Chris entered, carrying a large bouquet of lilies in his left hand and several shopping bags in his right.It had been five years, but this was the first time he woke up earlier than me, the first time he bought me flowers, and the first time he carried shopping bags.When I loved him deeply, he had never done anything for me. Even a simple goodbye kiss would make him impatient. Now that I no longer loved or wanted him, he was suddenly willing to do everything.People truly are strange.Noticing the suitcase behind me, his expression changed instantly, turning to shock and confusion, mostly anger."Zara, what are you doing?"I shrugged and pointed to the suitcase. "Isn't it obvious? These are the last of my things. I'm taking them today and won't be coming back anymore. From now on, no matter where you go or who you're with, I don't care anymore. You're free."And I've paid the rent for this quarter. I