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
It was the fall of my senior year in high school, and the weather had gotten chilly.Felix White's uncles, Duncan White and Eugene White, had brought their families over for a visit, and my family joined them. His family members and mine added up to about 20 people, and we were all gathered at his house for a meal.With the help of alcohol, the atmosphere that night had become rather lively.Since there were so many people present that day, the men were all seated at one table for drinks while the women were seated together to chat.Everyone was chatting excitedly, and it was an extremely joyous day.Somehow, the conversation had shifted to talk about me and Felix. This happened every single time our families gathered together. It was quite awkward at first, but it happened so often that I had gotten used to it. It didn't faze me anymore.They could say whatever they liked. It wasn't as if I could do anything about it.Melinda Priceton was Felix's mother, and I called her Aunt
My mother was a broad-minded and decisive person who took a direct approach to life.Meanwhile, Duncan had been sitting at the other table and was clearly quite drunk. He laughed out loud before he said in his booming voice, "That's right. Our kids have all grown up now. You are … Harper, right? When your daughter and Melinda's son get married, don't forget to invite us to the wedding as well!""Of course! You're Felix's uncle! You would certainly be invited!" Mom replied cheerfully.Just like that, the conversation quickly switched from what college we were attending to the ways everyone would be chipping in for our wedding. If I didn't know better, I'd have assumed I was getting married tomorrow!Everyone was now engaged in an enthusiastic discussion about the wedding. Even one of Felix's young relatives, a mere child, was excitedly declaring that he wanted to be the flower boy.I lost interest in this conversation quite quickly.I had heard it countless times before, so there
Felix wasn't done yet."Who gave you guys the right to make my life decisions for me? Luna's her own person, and I'm my own person too. We lead separate lives, so do you guys keep pairing us up?"I will never attend the same college as her, so you all can just forget it!" Felix shouted as he glared at everyone in the house. His eyes were filled with hate. It made me want to curl up into a ball out of embarrassment.The house remained completely silent. The little boy who wanted to be the flower boy at my future wedding wailed as he buried his face in his mother's neck. "Mom, Felix is angry!"His mother carried him out to the balcony to console him.Everyone's gaze was on me, and I could feel my heart throbbing in pain. How I wished I would just pass out then and there. That would be better than enduring the pitiful looks everyone was shooting me.18 years. We spent every day together for 18 years. He was my world, and I gave him everything. Yet, all I got was humiliation.He h
Mom shot Dad a look, and Dad pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance.When Felix saw Dad calling for an ambulance, he pushed Aunt Mel away aggressively and forced himself onto his feet to snatch Dad's phone away.Aunt Mel lost her footing and stumbled backward before falling onto the floor. Wincing in pain, she could not seem to get back up.Felix had also used too much strength to push himself to his feet. He lost his balance and banged against the dining table. There was a resounding crash as the table crashed and all the plates fell off.The delicious meal that Aunt Mel and Mom put in a lot of effort to prepare was now ruined. The dining room was in chaos, mirroring the emotions swirling in my heart. Uncle Austin froze, as did everyone else.No one could've expected a happy family dinner to end like this.Felix, now covered in food, got back up on his feet. His right hand was clenched into a fist, and there was fresh blood dripping from his fingers. He had cut himsel