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
My mind wandered back to our first encounter during our freshman year. Chris wore a simple white shirt, its hem tucked neatly into his trousers. His short hair shone in the sunlight, and his youthful gaze held a captivating innocence.I had been instantly enamored, irresistibly drawn to him. When he asked me to be his girlfriend, I boldly declared, "Chris, no matter what the future holds, even if the sky falls or the world turns upside down, I'll always love you."Back then, I naively believed that my love alone would be enough. I thought that my devotion would eventually touch his heart and make him love me in return.However, I didn't know then that love itself was a consumable resource. If one didn't nurture it and let it grow, it would inevitably dwindle and fade away.No matter how deep the love was, it could never escape this fate.I gave a faint smile. "Well, Chris, I once thought I could warm your heart. But I overestimated myself and underestimated how cold your heart cou
Chris sat there in silence. Perhaps he had never considered this question. Or, more likely, he never thought it was an issue at all.I continued, "Or perhaps you enjoy having me as a convenient stand-in for the one you truly love. I was there to provide comfort in your moments of loneliness and despair. And when the real deal came back, you could just coldly cast me aside."Chris buried his face in his hands, his shoulders trembling as if his entire world had crumbled around him.Once upon a time, the mere sight of his pain would've been unbearable to me. But now, as his suffering lay bare before me, my heart remained untouched. It was then that I realized how stark the line between love and indifference could be."Stop saying you love me. It sounds painfully ironic. Your love is something I no longer need or desire. Have you seen my new home? It's small and modest, and with my meager salary, it'll take years to afford a house of my own. "Despite this, I find solace in the know