Light gleamed in Chris' eyes. I had never seen him this happy or gentle in the past five years. So, he could be gentle and loving if he wanted. Why didn't he give me any of that in the past? Was I not good enough? Or was I too good to him?But I didn't want him anymore. I didn't want his love or affection. Why was he doing this? The pasta on my plate suddenly looked so bland, just like my mood. I took a few bites and lost all my appetite. Then, I asked him what he wanted.He looked at me for a while and smirked. Then, he grabbed my hands and put them in his. "Forgive me, Zara. I've been neglecting you because I've been very busy lately. We're getting old, and my parents have been asking me to get married. I also want to get married to you sooner."I was shocked. I couldn't believe that this was what he wanted to tell me. "Zara, my parents want to meet your parents so that we can discuss the wedding."I looked into his eyes, trying to glean any proof that he wanted to marry me becau
The instructor returned my phone. I charged it and switched it on. My phone was immediately flooded with many messages and voice messages that it almost died on me. Among all of them, Lulu left me the most messages. She must have missed me a lot.So, I decided to call her instead of my parents. I didn't know what she was doing, but she sounded excited when she picked up. She bombarded me with a lot of questions, and I didn't know which one I should answer first.She told me that Chris continued to wait downstairs in anticipation of me. He also went to Crystal House several times. Then, Lulu added that she once saw Winston punching Chris until Chris' nose bled. However, Chris was too cowardly to fight back.Lulu told me many things, most of which were saying that I shouldn't reconcile with Chris because he wasn't worth it. She wanted me to be happy and not lose myself to an infidel man. In the end, I asked Lulu to call my parents and Zachary to tell them that I was doing well.I als
"Can you handle spicy food?" Winston pointed at the menu and inquired seriously."I love spicy food."Winston cheered and said he finally found someone who liked spicy food. "Two servings of spicy meatballs and some cajun fries, then. Thank you."The owner then left with a smile. Before he left, he even gave Winston a mischievous look. I looked at him and at Winston in shock. They seemed to be harboring a secret from me.Winston saw that I noticed the discreet exchange between him and the owner, so he scratched the back of his head as he explained shyly, "I've been to this restaurant a few times. There's an event today. If you bring your girlfriend over, you'll get 50% off. I'm just a cheapskate. Please don't have any wrong ideas."I thought I could save some money if I didn't tell you. The owner looked at me weirdly just now because I always came here alone. I've never brought a girlfriend with me. But today, I brought a girl. So, he's just a bit curious."Urgh. He was too young
I focused on my meal while Winston chatted away. Despite his tall and slim appearance, which initially made him seem unapproachable, he turned out to be quite easygoing.His extensive knowledge and humor made even the simplest stories entertaining when he told them.The dinner ended swiftly, and the owner brought the bill, which totaled 56 dollars. Indeed, it was half the original price. I had to admit that playing the role of his girlfriend turned out to be quite a bargain.After the meal, it was still early, and I remembered my original purpose for being out. I intended to say goodbye and head back on my own.However, Winston was adamant about escorting me back to where he had picked me up, insisting that he didn't want me to get lost or kidnapped. But he was clearly exaggerating.Knowing he was joking but acknowledging his point, I couldn't argue further. I let him accompany me to the entrance of the training center.Standing at the gate, I waved goodbye to him. He smiled and
It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly.Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal.With the help of alcohol, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively.Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat.Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day.Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore.They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it.Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt
My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life.Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are … Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!""Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully.Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow!Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy.I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly.I had heard it countless times before, so there
Felix wasn't done yet."Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up?"I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment.The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!"His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him.Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me.18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation.He h
Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance.When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away.Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up.Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off.The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else.No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this.Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himsel