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
Love was indeed sweet, but life was real. A relationship that could withstand the trials of everyday life was the true test of belonging.The past between Chris and Faye had been superficial. When it came to living together, both had hoped the other would make sacrifices while they enjoyed the benefits, which naturally led to conflicts.After all, there wouldn't be another woman like me who would dedicate herself entirely to Chris, treating him as her everything.Of course, this was Chris' choice, and he would have to bear the consequences. Not all love was worthy of a lifetime commitment.I had heard that Faye's family was quite wealthy, which probably played a role in their engagement.It was laughable when I thought about it. Chris and I had dated for five years, and the day we got engaged was the first time I met his parents.Before that, I had often suggested visiting his family during holidays, but he always coldly refused. When I asked why, he said it wasn't necessary beca
Stepping out of the apartment building, I spotted Chris sitting dejectedly on a stone by the roadside across the path, his face obscured and unreadable.I walked closer, stopping two steps away from him.Chris quickly raised his head. "Zara, you're here."He stood up abruptly, grabbed my hand without a word, and pulled me into his arms. His head rested against my cheek, and he kissed my hair while apologizing profusely, "I'm sorry, Zara. It was all my fault. Whatever you decide, I'll accept it. Just don't leave me. Zara, promise me you won't leave me.""Chris, we've been broken up for more than half a year," I reminded him."No, I don't want to break up. Zara, it's my fault. I was wrong. Don't leave me. Forgive me. Give me a chance," Chris rambled incoherently.His embrace felt as cold and hard as it always had, but now, it was tainted with an unfamiliar perfume. The smell was unbearable, and I felt nauseous.I couldn't understand why he was doing this after all this time.If C
Immediately after asking about his engagement, I regretted bringing it up. The question was unnecessary, and given his current state, he was clearly unhappy.My careless words had inadvertently poked at his wounds, making it seem like I was highlighting his misery. That wasn't my intention at all. Yet, the knowledge of his unhappiness did bring a certain sense of relief.Hearing my question, Chris looked uncomfortable for a change. He hesitated, carefully studying my expression. "You heard about it too? It's true that we were planning to get engaged, but the night before the ceremony, I couldn't sleep."Every time I closed my eyes, I saw you. That's when I realized that after all those years with you, I've fallen for you. Zara, I can't live without you. I can't go through with it because I don't want to be with anyone but you."His words hit me like a punch to the gut. My hand slipped, and the bottle of water I had just opened fell to the ground, spilling its contents like a bird e
Chris continued, "Zara, I've been thinking about why you suddenly left me, and I finally understand now. It's because of that dress, isn't it? You were always the one taking care of my laundry, and I never once did the same for you, not even when you were going through your period."I was so insensitive and selfish. Yet, I washed a dress for Faye. It was my mistake, and I'm truly sorry. Zara, from now on, I'll make sure to handle all of your laundry—only yours. I'll take care of all the cooking and pack your lunch every day. I'll take care of everything, okay? Please, Zara?"I let out a long sigh before pulling my hand away and lifting my head to meet his gaze. "That won't be necessary," I said calmly.Chris stopped speaking, seemingly unsure of what I had said. "Zara, what did you say?"I stood up, maintaining my expressionless demeanor as I returned the towel to the bathroom. I then looked at him and repeated, "I said that won't be necessary, Chris. I can cook for myself, and whe
I was wearing high heels, which caused me to twist my ankle when I fell, sending sharp pain through my leg. My shoulder scraped against a tree by the roadside, peeling off a large patch of skin. Blood began to ooze out.I sat on the curb, penniless and crying uncontrollably. The physical pain was unbearable, but the pain in my heart was even worse.I couldn't understand why Chris chose to leave despite the fact that the long drive would take hours and the rain would likely subside before his arrival.Seemingly oblivious to this reality, Chris failed to recognize that any classmate passing by could have easily assisted Faye with an umbrella or a ride. Nonetheless, he insisted on traversing the city and driving for hours to aid her.I couldn't help but feel hurt by his constant tendency to prioritize Faye over me. I was his girlfriend, yet he disregarded his promise to spend my birthday with me.It made me wonder when Chris would ever prioritize me. Like any other girl, I yearned fo