I ignored Hannah's complaints and gently pushed her out the door. As for her sore legs, it was her destiny for getting involved with someone like Felix. But I didn't say this out loud, fearing it might hurt her feelings. After all, we might end up as family someday, so it was better to stay united.I often found myself wondering what would have happened if Felix had met someone innocent and carefree like Hannah instead of Lilac. Perhaps his fate would've been different.In addition to attending regular classes and occasionally covering lectures for my department, I spent the rest of my time at Chroma Labs researching paint formulas and production techniques.Nico and I often argued about the formula. He believed that a purely chemical formula would be more stable in terms of color retention, with simpler processes and easier-to-obtain raw materials.Meanwhile, I insisted on using all-natural ingredients, which were environmentally friendly, healthier, and better suited for the futu
In one of the photos, he was sitting at a table with a glass of red wine in hand. He appeared lost in his solitude. In another one, he was standing in the dark, gazing up at the full moon. There was also one where he stood by the sea, with the breeze lifting his clothes as his short hair danced wildly. He looked like a war god returning from conquest.The caption accompanying these photos was a classic phrase well-known to romance enthusiasts, "Love conquers all, surmounting even the mightiest of mountains and vastest of seas."Indeed, when two people in love got together, mountains and valleys no longer seemed daunting. Even the most bitter moments can turn sweet, a testament to the couple's devotion.Although time and distance separated us, our love remained pure and true, only growing stronger and more real in our separation.I saved these photos, gently caressing and lightly kissing each one on quiet, solitary nights before drifting into sweet dreams.The days without Colin
I walked home, surrounded by the city's hustle and bustle, bright lights, and cheerful atmosphere. Time seemed to pass by so quickly, and another year was about to end.People often reflected on past events at certain times and places, recalling both the good and the unfortunate—even those that brought lifelong regrets.Last year, because of Felix's incident, Colin and I spent the entire New Year's Eve at the hospital. Thinking back, having our first New Year's Eve together as a couple destroyed was one of my biggest regrets.This year marked the second year since Colin and I had been together. We should have celebrated it properly. Alas, without Colin by my side, I wondered how I should ring in the new year alone."Colin, when are you coming back? I miss you so much!" I mused.I avoided the festivities that didn't involve me and opened the door to a dark and empty home. Queenie and Andrew didn't come over, leaving the expansive room cold and desolate.Earlier in the afternoon, Q
"I don't know who sent this. What if it's a bomb?" I joked nervously, staring at the small box. I had heard that many fraudsters use parcels to commit crimes, and I wasn't sure if I should open it.After hearing my concern, the woman also hesitated. We stood facing each other, truly at a loss."Let me handle it." Her partner stepped out from the back, took the utility knife, and ripped open the package with a few quick slashes. A small gilded envelope and a soft white package appeared.There were a few lines written on the front of the small envelope, and the handwriting was so familiar that my eyes welled up with tears.My spirits soared. Grabbing the box, I turned to run. The woman shouted after me, "Hey, is it from a scammer? Did you check it properly?"My steps grew lighter and faster. Even the night breeze blowing on my face felt warm and refreshing. As I ran, I happily told her, "It's from my boyfriend!"I heard laughter trailing behind me, but I didn't care. They could lau
Drawn by the music, Colin emerged from his garden and approached the entrance of mine. His tall, elegant figure exuded a sense of purity as his deep, dark eyes gazed at me intently.He silently kept me company for a long time before sitting down beside me and starting a conversation.That day, he asked me, "Luna, what do you want to be when you grow up? A painter? A musician? Do you have any dreams you want to achieve in the future?"I brushed the guitar strings with my fingertips and smiled brightly. "One day, I'll buy a house with a large courtyard and plant a huge tree. I'll hang a swing from it. During the day, I'll paint freely. At night, I'll sit on the swing and strum my guitar, serenading the stars."I craved neither fame nor wealth. Living life on my own terms was enough for me.Many years had passed, and though childhood memories were buried deep within our minds, Colin remembered everything. He was now helping me realize that dream.The house he got me was spacious, an
I recalled the bustling crowds in front of the amusement park last year. The girls with their various headbands, the boys in their vibrant outfits full of youthful energy, and the cheerful music floating in the air.I couldn't help but smile at the memory of the jubilant celebrations that echoed around us.Halfway through the class, it started to snow. The tiny snowflakes gently twirled down from the sky. The lecturer noticed our waning focus and decided to let us work on our own. This decision was met with such enthusiasm that some classmates looked ready to hug and thank the lecturer profusely.By the time the dismissal bell rang, the snow had covered the campus in a blanket of silver, creating a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere.I wandered along the small paths of the campus while holding my books when I stumbled upon the secret hideout I hadn't visited in a long time. It was here that Colin had firmly declared his feelings for me last year.Everything looked the same, except the
Felix stood there with his picturesque features, followed closely by Hannah, who flitted around him like a little bird. Winston, appearing as a protective wolf, looked at me with a seemingly aloof expression. But his attention was actually focused on Zara, whom he had not seen in a long time. Andrew dragged a blushing Queenie along, his face beaming with smug satisfaction.During this beautiful time of family reunions, they came in pairs, flaunting their affection in front of me. I couldn't help but lament their lack of human decency."Stop blocking my path and get out of the way!" I huffed, ready to push through them.I was determined not to let these couples make a fool of me."Do you want to ride a dog sled?""There's a fireworks show at the square!""How about joining us for dinner?"I kept my face stoic and marched past them, leaving a good 50 yards between us before turning on my heel and bellowing, "Sure, why not!"With that, the group burst into laughter. All four o
Time flew by, and the scenes from last year were still vivid in my mind even though 365 days had passed.I could see that Felix was brooding over last year's events, his calm exterior belying his seething emotions. The anger of the past was gone, replaced only with regret and anguish.The atmosphere was as lively as before, but my feelings were different. Everything had changed. The seven of us split into two cabins on the Ferris wheel, which slowly ascended into the sky.The night sky was clear, with stars hanging low. Distant lights flickered like tiny flames, and smoke from an unknown home rose and writhed in the wind, like a snake slithering up the sky.A new year had arrived, and I silently wished my parents good health, my friends' dreams to come true, and peace and prosperity to the world.Below us, countless people waved their glow sticks, their chants echoing the countdown on the LED screen."Three, two, one…"Fireworks lit up the sky as the Ferris wheel cabin I was in
Luna furiously scolded me, asserting that I didn't deserve Queenie's love and that Queenie had been blind to my true colors all those years. Driven mad by desperation, I chased after Queenie, determined to tell her I was wrong and plead for another chance to prove myself. However, the young man intervened, delivering a swift and punishing combination of punches and kicks that knocked me to the ground. Humiliated, I struggled to get up and fight back, unwilling to lose to another man.Despite his youthful appearance, the look in his eyes as he glanced at Queenie was undeniable. It was a blend of love, desire, and possessiveness only a man could understand.I was consumed by the thought that he wasn't worthy of my precious Queenie's love.Nevertheless, my body felt heavy and powerless. It was as if the strength had been drained from me. The blows rained down on me, bringing with them a strange sense of relief amidst the pain. Part of me yearned for him to kick me harder, inflict
I wanted nothing more than to run to Queenie, to hold her tightly and tell her how much I missed her during those endless days apart. I wanted to kiss her deeply and feel the warmth of her embrace. I called out, "Queenie, I'm here."Seeing me seemed to jolt Queenie from her joyous state, replacing it with a vacant expression. Mere moments before, she had been smiling brightly, her eyes aglow with happiness. Now, she appeared lost, her initial elation dissipating into a blank, unresponsive gaze.I couldn't understand why she had turned so distant upon seeing me. The love and joy that once shone in her eyes were nowhere to be found. As I observed her, I wondered if our time apart had caused her to forget. Or perhaps the events of the past had wounded her so profoundly that she had stopped waiting for me.The thoughts terrified me, and I dared not ask for fear of confirming my suspicions. All I wanted was to hold her, kiss her, and tell her how much I missed her. Yet, it seemed tha
I had no interest in Daniela's pregnancy, so I kicked her out of the house. My friends came to console me, each expressing their sympathies with a drink because they didn't know how else to comfort me.The money I had sent to Queenie's account was quickly returned as the account had been closed. Her phone number became unreachable, and when I sought her at her parents' home, I found the elderly couple waiting anxiously for their daughter's return. I lost not only Queenie but any connection to her. I grew disinterested in everything, neglecting my company and spending my days in a drunken haze.Then, my uncle came. We drank through the night as he shared tales of his hardships, the painful memories of his mother, and the years he spent alone, suffering.He said, "Everyone has their fate, Flynn. And choosing one thing often means losing another. Just as you've chosen to fight for the family business, you've sacrificed a part of yourself. But you must rise and fight me with all you'v
Queenie would then jump off the cliff, leaving me to jolt awake in a cold sweat. I endured each twilight in my hopeless vigil, counting down the days.On the 75th day, the door finally unlocked. I stepped outside and realized that this was the neighborhood where Queenie and I lived. All this time, we had been mere yards apart.My mom truly knew how to break a person's spirit. All I had to do was lift my head to see the pomegranate tree planted in our yard.I stumbled toward our home, my wounds screaming as I desperately called for Queenie. But the immaculate house stood eerily silent, echoing my footsteps like thunder.Except for Queenie, every possession remained meticulously in place—the exquisite clothes, expensive jewelry, and designer cosmetics.Queenie was gone, and the thought of losing her drove me into a frenzy.I collapsed in the middle of the room, sobbing uncontrollably. Regret consumed me. I should have never let my family's threats manipulate me and left Queenie to
I clenched my fists, barely resisting the urge to rush over to Queenie's side. All I wanted was to embrace her and whisper assurances that I would protect her, always. But I knew I had no right to do so.My dad's threat hung heavy in my mind, and the stares of Daniela and her mother bore into Queenie like daggers. One wrong move or word and those blades would descend upon Queenie, cutting her to shreds.The pain was unbearable. I felt sorry for Queenie. I was powerless and couldn't help her. With all my heart, I wished for her to stay strong and survive. She deserved better than me. Daniela's mother slapped Queenie, calling her a whore and a homewrecker, accusing her of seducing other people's boyfriends.Queenie stood rigidly, her gaze filled with humiliation. Her lips trembled, and the light in her eyes gradually faded.I winced in agony but held myself together, picking up Daniela and walking away.Countless times afterward, I berated myself for choosing to take Daniela away
We both knew the truth—neither of us could cross the chasm that had formed between our hearts.After that, I went home almost every day. We managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy in our day-to-day lives. We prepared sumptuous dinners and tended to our garden. I even considered adopting a pet to keep Queenie company while I was away.However, no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't rekindle the warmth we had once shared. Queenie hardly smiled anymore. No matter what I did to cheer her up, she would only give a half-hearted smile, her eyes remaining cold and distant.I knew something had transpired during our separation, but she refused to discuss it. My attempts to uncover the truth through private investigators were in vain. Any evidence had been meticulously erased.Eventually, I realized Queenie was simply biding her time, waiting for the moment when she would be forced to relinquish all hope and leave.A month later, my mother joyfully told me that Daniela was pregnant an
I grabbed a brush from the bathroom and scrubbed myself furiously, desperate to wash away the overwhelming sense of filth. Even as the rough bristles tore into my skin, drawing blood and causing searing pain, I felt no closer to feeling clean.My mind was consumed with thoughts of Queenie and the nearly five years we had spent together—the happy moments, the arguments, every single memory.At that moment, I realized I was terrified. Never before had I experienced such abject fear. Knowing Queenie's uncompromising stance on love and fidelity, I knew she would never forgive me once she discovered my transgression.She would undoubtedly turn and leave, heedless of any pleas I might make. I probably wouldn't even have the courage to ask for her forgiveness in the face of her justified anger.I regretted everything. If I had listened to my friends and taken Queenie away from all this, none of this would have happened. But I had hesitated. Even now, I couldn't be certain if my hesitati
Yesterday afternoon, my dad called and demanded that I make a decision within two days, or they would take action.I felt cornered because I genuinely didn't know how to talk to Queenie about this. The mere idea of her packing her belongings and leaving, accompanied by the unspeakable anguish it would inflict upon me, was a burden too heavy to bear.I wasn't sure if I could ever have a semblance of normality in my life again after that.So, I gathered some friends to drink with me. I drank heavily because I had made a decision—a disgraceful, heartless decision. The thought of what I would have to face the next day made life seem hopeless, so I drank even more.Before losing consciousness, I handed my car keys to my assistant, using my last bit of clarity to tell him to take me home no matter what state I was in.Even if it meant returning to the Hayes family's residence, he should not leave me out on the streets. Despite the imminent breakup, I wanted to part ways with Queenie in
My mom proved to be even more ruthless than my dad. She found me, dropped to her knees without a word, and begged me. She reminded me of the years they had spent raising me, pleading that I ensure they wouldn't be left without a sense of security in their old age.In essence, they were pressuring me to abandon everything. I was to pursue money and power for their sake, secure the Hayes family's head position, and ensure our grip on wealth and influence. Their priority was maintaining their luxurious, elevated lifestyle. My happiness, my desires—whether I even wanted those things—meant nothing to them. Sometimes, it felt like I was nothing more than a tool for achieving their ambitions.My dad told me bluntly that he would go after Queenie if I didn't comply. He said, "You're right. I'm incapable of outmaneuvering your uncle. But no matter how incompetent I am, I can easily make Queenie's life in Harveyton unbearable."To be honest, that day was the coldest my heart had ever felt