Unrequited Love

When I was accompanying Zoey at a social event, my parents called.Between toasts, I gave her a heads-up.Then I stepped outside to answer the phone."Come home tonight."It was the first phone call in twenty years.I still found the commanding tone familiar.After hanging up, I let out a sigh and returned to our private dining room.As I opened the door, I saw several business partners toasting Zoey."You are a really loyal person, Miss Samantha. You stick to the same type for so many years.""This one has been around the longest and has the most similar look.""Miss Samantha, you personally picked this guy, so in both life and work, he definitely..."The voices abruptly ceased when I entered the room.During social gatherings, everyone would make subtle jokes behind my back.At first, I didn't understand.I often asked Zoey about it.At that time, she looked up at me from a pile of unfinished documents.She touched my head like stroking a pet."They just can't stand

After that, Zoey didn't come home for several days.She didn't go to work, either.Neither did I.My stomachache became increasingly unbearable.I took leave and remained at home.Not even a single call came.On one particular day, Zoey's secretary called me.She asked for help in retrieving a document.She said it was in Zoey's study.That was the first time I entered Zoey's study.She didn't like other people touching her personal belongings.She even did the cleaning by herself.I found the document the secretary needed.I was about to leave.But I caught a glimpse of a photo in the corner of my eye.My rational brain told me not to touch it.But I couldn't resist.I walked over and picked up the photo.In the photo, Zoey and Samuel stood side by side under a tree.The shadows of the trees cast a heavy veil over the two of them.They were such a perfect match.But my heart ached with every beat.Beneath the photo was an iron box.It must be an old box.Its su

I touched my cheek and found tears rolling down my face.I hurriedly wiped away the tears.As we got home, I helped Zoey pack her luggage."The hospital is not as comfortable as home. You've been in bad health, and you're always getting a fever and a cold. Remember to keep hydrated and try not to leave the ward."Zoey had just finished her shower and came out of the bathroom.I picked up the hair dryer skillfully.I helped her dry her hair.She didn't refuse.Her eyes told me that she had mixed feelings inside her heart."Emmett, I was so anxious today at the hospital. Samuel is very sick, and I'm afraid..."I wrapped my arms around her gently, silencing her words."I know. It's alright. You can go now."It was the first time I saw guilt in Zoey's eyes.That was enough for me.That night, Zoey didn't stay home.She was worried about Samuel.I understood her feelings and let her go.They had known each other since they were teenagers.So, she had shared more experience

Yet I stood frozen in place."What did you say?""What's so special about your grandmother requiring our parents to run around for her life? People her age just die. Besides, I was just hospitalized back then. Do you really think our parents would go back to her just because of those calls you made? You are so naïve, my little brother."He was toying with his phone and flashing a wicked smile.I clenched my fists.A seething rage surged within me, rising from my chest."But she was also your grandmother!""So what? She didn't raise me. Only someone like you would harbor those cheap sentiments."Suddenly, a memory surfaced.Whenever I caught tadpoles and small crabs in the past, my grandmother would gaze into the distance with an enduring sadness in her eyes."Samuel is in good hands, so he is delicate. If he stays with us here for a year, his health will definitely improve."She would remark, then sigh softly.I knew she was thinking of Samuel.But Samuel never visited her

"So, you forgive me? Samuel is sick now. When he gets better, I won't go see him anymore. Let's start our new life."You knew it was my mistake when I broke up with Samuel in the past, and I've always felt guilty about it. So, this time, consider it compensation for Samuel."I silently murmured an agreement.Perhaps even she couldn't deceive herself with such an excuse.That night, she clung to me, passionate and reckless.Exhausted, she fell into a deep sleep.I looked at her face, flushed with excitement because of me.My emotions were extremely complex.I remembered the little cat that I left at home.I couldn't help but wonder if it was waiting for me eagerly.I stroked Zoey's hair.I could never be her priority.Nor could I be to my parents.My grandmother and the little cat were different.They only had me.But now my grandmother was gone.I only had the little cat.It belonged only to me.So, Zoey.I didn't think I could stay with you anymore.I couldn't help