"Lulu, don't go. Hear me out," Matthew called out angrily and chased after me.But I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. My pace quickened when I heard his footsteps. I hoped that a pair of wings would grow on my back and take me away from this gilded cage.And since I was in such a hurry, I didn't check where I was going. I ran into the person who was entering from the living room.The other person rubbed her forehead with a hiss. "Ouch! Today is not my day at all. It's not just me, is it? Huh? Luna? Are you alright? Why were you running?""Helen! Are you hurt? Sorry, I was running and didn't see you." After I greeted Helen, I walked past her, cutting off further interaction."I'm fine. I'll feel better after I massage the area. Where are you going? I couldn't talk to you just now, so I came back to look for you. Should we admire the flowers in the garden? It's beautiful over there," said Helen as she clung to my arm.My small conversation with Helen allowed Matthew to catch u
"Matthew, I did consider dating you. I considered spending the rest of my life in a joyous union with you. But you saw what happened just now. I have no place in your family. We're from two different worlds."You look down on my world, and I can't tolerate yours either, let alone be a part of it. Being ex-classmates is the best choice here. Matthew, let's not see each other anymore."I broke free of Matthew's grip and left stubbornly, leaving the heartbroken man behind me.I was devastated too when I turned around. I regretted attending this birthday party.It was never my wish to hurt someone who had been loving me for years. I didn't have it in me to break his heart, but I had no other options. I was just a person, and I had my dignity too.Matthew's parents had trampled on my dignity.My eyes were red and misty. I bit my lip hard to stop the tears from falling.I could cry, but definitely not before those who looked down on me.Helen looked at me and then at Matthew. Her mou
"Sure, you can do what you want, but I don't want this relationship. I don't want to spend the rest of my life being doubted, belittled, and insulted. And I dread to see the day you regret the decision you make now."Matthew wanted to continue arguing, but I silenced him by shaking my head.I had made up my mind and would not be dissuaded.This birthday party had killed the relationship between Matthew and me before it budded.Unfortunately, I couldn't help Matthew anymore. There was no future for our love."Trust me, Matthew. I've truly considered being with you. I considered loving you like you loved me. But there's a gulf between us. I don't want to be an accessory to your successes, nor do I want you to abandon your family for me."If you do that, we can never be truly happy even if we're together. So let's end things here. No need to chase after me. You know me. Once I make a decision, I'll never change my mind."Something inside his eyes shattered into a million pieces.I
I pretended to be asleep and ignored Helen."Stop pretending. I know you're awake," she slurred and flopped onto her bed."How did you find out?" I propped myself up. Helen lay on her bed. Her glamorous attire failed to conceal the disappointment and sadness she was feeling."Your eyes were moving. And your breathing was odd too. You don't breathe like that when you're asleep." Helen sat up and ruffled her hair out of frustration.Her nose was red, and she spoke with a nasal voice. I wondered if the autumn wind had given her a cold or if she had cried for a long time.Given her looks and her family background, Helen was prideful and confident. But her unrequited love for Matthew might have dealt a huge blow to her ego. I was also certain that Matthew was the reason why she was so upset now. However, there wasn't much I could do.To ask a guy who liked me to like another woman was very cruel. I couldn't possibly do that."It's getting late. Go to bed." I turned to the other sid
"I once swore that I'd marry Matthew. So whenever a woman tried to approach him, I'd chase her away. When I heard that he had fallen for another woman, I told myself that once I found out who she was, I'd beat her up."Helen sobbed loudly. I felt sorry for her.Unrequited love was a lonely journey. Only those who had gone through it understood how excruciating it could be."So, why didn't you beat me up?" I teased.Helen knew I was joking, but she grabbed a plushie and threw it on my face nonetheless. She sniffled and said, "Because you're so sweet. Also, it isn't your fault that he fell for you. I can't beat you up. I'm not that heartless."My bad day was turned around after hearing Helen's words.Among the arrogant, condescending upper-class people beyond my reach, there was still someone who treated others with kindness.Oh, Helen. She was a sweetheart too. Matthew and she would make a great pair. I hoped Helen would never give up."Helen, you fight for your love. Trust me,
It rained for three days straight, and the temperature dropped as a result.As it was getting cold, I put on thick winter clothes before I did my daily commute of going to the apartment, lecture hall, and cafeteria.Helen stopped coming back to the apartment the second night after the incident. I was all alone in the cold apartment.When I was bored, I'd talk to my friends. More often than not, I'd be texting Colin.It wasn't that I was neglecting my friends, but they all had a boyfriend. They didn't have time for me. Colin and I were both single, so we were like each other's support group.On the fourth day, I had a lecture in the morning. As soon as I entered the lecture hall, I saw my classmates gossiping about something excitedly."So what's the good news? Did they increase the scholarship amount or something?" I found a seat at the front of the lecture hall. Then, I took out the textbooks from my bag and placed them on my desk. I also took out the draft I drew yesterday so t
Professor Ash, in his dapper outfit, walked toward the lectern in broad strides. My classmates cheered. They gossiped about their idol in hushed voices.Professor Ash seemed to be very familiar with this kind of reception. He waited patiently until the class calmed down. Then, he said, "Hi, everyone. I'm Ash King. I'm honored to be part of Jesselton College."In the foreseeable future we share together, I'll do my best to impart what I know to you. I hope you can stay sharp and keep up with my pace. Those who don't pay attention or finish their assignments on time will have their marks deducted. This is non-negotiable."A commotion broke out again. This time, it was a collective groan.Watching my classmates complain about the harsh lecturer, I chuckled.Professor Ash was a renowned artist. In his eyes, attitude was more important than talent. My perseverance and thirst for knowledge were the reason why he specially tutored me.That said, this didn't mean that talent wasn't impor
"As you can see, I couldn't be better. You, however, have lost so much weight. Work as hard as you want and you still can't own all the riches in the world. You should look after your body. If you don't do that while you're young, you'll age very quickly and you'll regret it."I didn't know what else to say.No amount of consolation could mend the brokenhearted Matthew.He looked at me and then sideways. He smiled. It was a beautiful smile, albeit a bit lonely."Yeah, I'll take care of myself. Go back to your apartment. I'll get going now. It's cold now. Make sure you cover yourself.""Will do. Thanks. Goodbye." I then entered my apartment building.There was a floor-to-ceiling glass pane at the entrance. I caught Matthew's pitiful silhouette standing under the autumn rain.His head was lowered, his Adam's apple rolling up and down. Pain and misery were written all over his face.I knew I had shattered his heart. Sorry, Matthew.Back in my apartment, Helen was standing by the