"Harper, we've been friends for over 20 years. Staying at your place feels as comfy as my own home. But with you moving, it's like there's an emptiness in my heart. "If it weren't for Felix's mistakes, this wouldn't be happening. Just the thought of being apart from you hurts," Aunt Melinda said."This isn't his fault. We're moving because we like the new place and the neighborhood's architecture. It really has nothing to do with Felix. Don't overthink it," Mom comforted her."I know, Harper. I know everything," Aunt Melinda said, breaking into tears again.I fell asleep again at some point and had a particularly frightening nightmare. I found myself falling into an abyss surrounded by towering mountains with no visible peaks. Water relentlessly cascaded from above, swiftly engulfing me up to waist level.All around, there were only barren mountains and tumultuous waters. I was trapped in the water, completely immobilized. When I tried to scream for help, my throat felt constri
When we arrived at the airport and got out of the car, Colin's video call suddenly came in. Without much thought, I walked aside to answer.Speaking of Colin, he truly lived up to being amazing and talented. However, there was one habit of his that I didn't understand. He rarely called for matters and always preferred video calls.I once asked him why, and he said video calls have a loud ringtone, making them less likely to be missed.It turned out that the institute was organizing a competition in collaboration with several prestigious schools. Renowned classical painters would serve as judges, and schools could form teams to participate. Colin asked if I wanted to join so he could team up with me.To be somewhat precise, I came from a literary family. My dad was a high school English teacher. If not for my mom's restraint, he could spend all day reciting poems at home for me and Mom.My mom worked in interior design. According to my dad, she was a rare talent in her youth. I
Although Felix claimed to be concerned about me getting hurt, he had already left me completely battered. Felix's half-hearted concern was quite despicable.I deleted his messages one by one and replied, "Don't worry. I've arrived."Felix almost instantly responded and sent several lengthy voice messages on WhatsApp.I ignored them and put my phone back in my backpack. To me, his belated concern was as worthless as grass.Colin was waiting for me in front of a black SUV, his handsome face adorned with a smile and his tall figure exuding charm. He looked mature and composed in a white shirt with subtle patterns and dark trousers.His eyes lit up when he saw me, and he strode over to grab my suitcase. His large hands ruffled my hair vigorously. "Long time no see, Lulu, you've grown taller."I shyly shrunk my neck and lifted my head to look up at him. "Colin, you became even more handsome.""It was an honor to be praised by you." He laughed heartily, stowed the suitcase in the
He lowered his gaze and said something to the guy at his table before striding toward me.Colin was indeed tall, and his imposing figure was something I hadn't noticed before.Felix, on the contrary, wasn't short. He stood over six feet tall and had a handsome appearance. He was elegant, slender, and fair-skinned. He usually kept to himself and carried a distant demeanor, making him seemingly out of reach for everyone.However, Colin had broad shoulders and a robust physique. Even in a shirt, one could see his well-defined muscular lines beneath.His thick eyebrows and distinctive features provided a strong sense of security. To be frank, he was a rugged man that any girl would want to rely on.He was really tall, around six feet and three inches. At five feet and seven inches, plus a slight slope, I barely even reached his shoulders."I was just about to welcome you," Colin said with a smile."Colin, did you grow taller again? You're so tall." I regretted the words as soon as t
I might have missed out on many beautiful moments because of Felix."Stop the nonsense. If you scare her away, it's your responsibility to bring her back."Colin was diligently peeling shrimp for me when he said this. After peeling one, he placed it on my small plate. Every time I ate one, Colin would smile gently at me.Colin was always so tender toward me. He had been like this since I was a child. He never restricted his friends from chatting with me, but he always kept an eye on my emotions. If there was anything that might make me uncomfortable, he would promptly intervene.He knew what I liked and disliked. He consistently included dishes I favored but felt too bashful to request at home.Despite the jokes, his classmates were very caring toward me. Laughter filled the dining table, dispersing the tension I initially felt.I always felt relaxed and at ease whenever I was with Colin. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this meal.When we left, it was raining outside. In Se
Life was monotonous, yet not devoid of charm. The unsettling emotions from the summer gradually eased over time. Even during moments of leisure, thoughts of Felix would cross my mind. I would find myself retracing the 19 years we spent together, recalling the silent affection I harbored for him.However, it remained mere contemplation.Each reflection brought a bitter tinge, a profound sadness that I forced myself not to dwell on. I convinced myself that we were just neighbors, nothing more.I believed that my fondness for him would diminish with each passing day, and I would eventually feel better.Meanwhile, Colin continued to feed me as a daily ritual. No matter where I was or what I was doing, he would promptly arrive to whisk me away for a meal.Over time, I grew familiar with Colin's friends, and due to his influence, they all affectionately referred to me as Lulu. In Colin's absence, each of them took turns caring for me.I felt a sense of ease and comfort with Colin by
So, Lilac was coming over, and I was supposed to look after her. Juggling my own responsibilities was challenging enough. Did I need to add looking after her to the mix? Did she have a disability, or was she just clueless?I grew up pampered by my parents until high school. Even my socks were handled by my mom. But when I went to college, no one took care of me. I learned to do everything on my own, and things went well.Why couldn't Lilac do the same?Truth be told, I was reluctant to agree, no matter the reason.I had reservations about Lilac. She always appeared overly calculating and scheming. I was afraid I might unintentionally fall into one of her schemes. Moreover, with my focus on the competition, I was drained every day. If it weren't for Colin, I might not even be eating well. I really didn't have the extra energy to take care of his girlfriend.To be blunt, I didn't have that obligation to take care of Lilac for him."Please, Lulu? It would mean a lot," he asked me
"She's your brother's girlfriend and will be part of your family in the future. Don't tell me you don't know," I said with a dismissive snort, not believing him for a second.Colin picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth and set it down, his eyes shimmering with an unreadable light. "Don't joke about this. You and Felix have been betrothed since childhood. He could never have another girlfriend in his life. Lilac Hawthorn, what a tacky name."I looked at Colin's innocent face, suddenly at a loss for words. He never bothered with lies. He genuinely didn't know about Felix and Lilac's relationship.The idea that Felix and I were bound to be together for life had been deeply embedded in the minds of everyone who knew us.It was like that time during our senior year in high school when I stood at the front of the classroom, explaining that Felix and I were merely neighbors. However, no one would believe our journey had already reached its end.More precisely, Felix and I never even sta