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
I wanted to refuse but couldn't let go of the suitcase in my hand in time. Before I knew it, he had pushed the suitcase back into my bedroom.He was a bit forceful, causing me to stumble and almost fall. My hand instinctively grabbed onto the nearest thing to steady myself.After falling onto the ground, I realized I had grabbed a small shopping bag with me. Because of the force of my fall, the bag tore and revealed a light pink dress that stung my eyes as if mocking me.My left hand, which had hit the ground hard, was throbbing in pain.Anger flared up suddenly. I kicked the dress away, got up quickly, and slapped him across the face. The crisp sound of the slap startled both of us.Back in high school, I never imagined there would come a day when I would slap the man I adored. Fate indeed played a cruel trick on people. Nobody belonged to anyone forever.A clear handprint appeared on Chris' cheek, and his eyes were filled with a mixture of confusion and embarrassment.I calmed
"Chris, you may not love me, but I must love myself. I've worked hard in my studies and my job. I've taken good care of myself. I'm not here to be mistreated by you. In the past, I was stupid, thinking I could move you. But I don't think that way anymore, and I won't continue to do so," I said."No, Zara. You're my girlfriend. I've never thought of you as anything else. I went with Faye only because her parents weren't around, and we grew up together. I couldn't just abandon her." Chris' voice grew quieter as he spoke. Perhaps realizing how absurd his words sounded, he gradually fell silent."Oh, you couldn't abandon her, but you could abandon me. Why is that? Because you don't love me. I understand it now. Since I can't move you, let's just end it here."After we break up, you'll have your freedom, and I'll find someone who loves me. The world is big, and there are many people out there. I'm sure there's someone out there who belongs to me and loves me only."I smiled slightly, my
"Chris, you asked for my forgiveness, but what about me? Who will comfort me? You left me to face our families alone. When I was facing my parents' disappointment and the mockery of others, what were you doing?"Oh, you were helping your sweetheart who fell. She kissed you, and you couldn't resist, then you got carried away and used a box of condoms."Can you imagine what I have to face? You knew my parents were here to meet yours. You knew people would mock me for being pushed aside. You knew how important that day was to us, yet you let Faye make a scene unreasonably. You made me into a laughingstock."Chris, was that your so-called sincerity? Do you really want both families to meet again? Or are you so used to being in control and feeling bitter that I was the one ending this relationship? If that's the case, then just say it. Say 'Let's break up,' and I'll pick up my suitcase and leave."I don't care about anything anymore. I've been your lapdog for five years. I don't care ab