At 28, I took a huge gamble on Nathan Quinn. Six years. I waited for him to graduate, supported his startup, watched him become a tech mogul showered with glory. At the celebration party, he sneered drunkenly, “Sophia Chen? Just an old woman.” Amidst the knowing laughter of the men, I calmly left. Late that night, I returned to the hotel where the party was held. My assistant asked groggily, “Ms. Chen, didn’t you go back to Sapphire City?” “On second thought, I’ll wait until the contract is finalized,” I replied coolly, not letting her detect the trembling and loss of control in my voice. A month later, the deal was done. Back at the company, everyone teased me for losing my edge. But using a month to lick the wounds of 6 years was already my limit. After the new product launch, the company expanded rapidly. Nathan also got a new secretary. She was a bright and lively young woman, very popular at the company. Through bits of gossip, I quickly learned her identity – Olivia Harper, daughter of the CEO of Harper Industries. “Can I call you Sophie? I heard you started as Nathan’s secretary too. Please teach me!” she said cheerfully. Hah, if only she knew I was much more than just a secretary. The girl’s smile was dazzling, almost blinding. My gaze grew distant. “Sophia Chen? Just an old woman.” The words echoed in my mind like a curse. Nathan came over and patted my shoulder, frowning slightly. “What’s wrong, Sophia? Too tired from the business trip? Go home and rest.” “Hmph, you must be exploiting Sophie too much,” Olivia pouted, playfully punching Nathan’s arm. “Mind your manners,” Nathan chuckled, flicking her forehead. Their easy intimacy made my 6 years of companionship seem like a joke. It was as if I was the one who didn’t belong.
Coming out of the restroom, I found Olivia waiting by the sinks. I turned on the faucet. Her voice and the sound of running water mingled. “Nathan’s agreed to date me. He doesn’t want to hold you back anymore.” Hold me back? When Nathan and I first met, he used to hold me and say that often. He hadn’t said it out loud in nearly two years. Hearing it from Olivia’s mouth was certainly novel. “Let him tell me himself,” I said, turning to leave. The girl quickly moved to block my path, eyebrows raised high. “Sophia Chen, don’t be obtuse. You’re 6 years older than him, almost 40. Do you really think you’re still good enough for Nathan?” “Miss Harper, you seem quite knowledgeable. Surely you’re above using age as an argument,” I replied. “You’re all washed up but still acting tough. If 6 years ago you had—” I laughed, looking into the girl’s bright eyes: “If 6 years ago I had followed the normal path of marriage, I might be divorced with kids by now.” “Or a nagging housewife begging my husband for money.” “Now I have a successful career and enjoyed Nathan’s most vibrant 6 years.” “Miss Harper, toughness isn’t about words.” Olivia’s eyes widened, at a loss for words. I gently pushed past her and walked away. I don’t deny her youthful vitality. But she shouldn’t presume to challenge my composure and calm. At my age, grace is etched into a woman’s bones. Still. Nathan Quinn, oh Nathan Quinn. If you want to break up, why go through this charade? Didn’t we agree that even if we parted, we’d give each other dignity? I am a gambler, true. But I have no regrets about my bet, and I’ll bear the consequences. I thought you understood that.
Nathan’s business engagements grew more and more frequent. He didn’t even react when I moved back to my small apartment. Perhaps he truly didn’t know. Or maybe he just didn’t care. It seems waiting for him to come talk to me is unlikely. I returned to our home, still dark and empty. After asking around, none of our colleagues knew Nathan’s whereabouts. I made some inquiries and finally learned he had gone to a dinner organized by Olivia. It made sense – newly successful, he was eager to join high society circles and expand his network. Olivia was the perfect secretary to give him the best entry ticket. I pushed open the door to the private room. The pulsing music and interweaving lights inside made me catch my breath. A group of young men and women were dancing, singing, playing drinking games, shouting. It was absolute chaos. Olivia and Nathan were dirty dancing on a small stage, with the crowd below cheering and clapping. Nathan saw me first. He stopped, rubbed his nose awkwardly, looking quite uncomfortable. “Sophia, you’re not asleep?” He waved at me, then quickly smiled as if nothing was wrong. “Hey Quinn, who’s that? Your girlfriend? Doesn’t look like it. Don’t tell me it’s your housekeeper,” one of the men jeered drunkenly. There was clear malice in his tone. I instinctively looked at Nathan. His hand was on Olivia’s shoulder, but his eyes looking at me were unfocused. Dark and deep. In the end, he didn’t speak up to clarify my identity. Olivia clung to his arm, tilting her head to look at me. “Sophie, women over 30 really shouldn’t stay up late. It’s hard to recover the next day. Nathan will be home soon.” With that, she waited expectantly for my reaction. I just smiled and calmly looked at Nathan. “It’s the weekend tomorrow. You’ll be home, right?” “Mm,” he grunted in response. I nodded and turned to leave without hesitation. The moment the door closed, I immediately heard Olivia’s disgruntled voice. “Ugh, what an act. I really hate that high-and-mighty attitude of hers.” “Nathan Quinn, is that your type? You have strange taste. What were you thinking?” someone loudly chimed in. “Oh please, Nathan just feels obligated to her. If I were Sophia Chen I would’ve left long ago. I don’t know what she’s thinking, coming here to embarrass herself!” Having been shut down by me last time, the young girl was eager to get back at me. That competitive spirit was truly laughable. But walking down the dim hallway of the club, I paused to look at my reflection in the mirror on the wall. It vaguely showed my face – no cracks, no grimaces, no shame or anger. Just a hint of disappointment amidst the calm. I was disappointed. Nathan had become a stranger to me. No longer the fresh-faced smile, no longer the familiar gaze. He had gained the worldliness and reticence of a mature man. I glanced back at the private room one last time. He still hadn’t come out. He had probably truly forgotten that today was our 6th anniversary. I had hoped to part ways amicably today, while also secretly wishing for a chance to reconcile. Perhaps Olivia was right – I was being stubborn after all. What did 6 years matter? When a woman clings to old sentiments rather than dreaming of a beautiful future, It already says everything, doesn’t it?
On Sunday, I went to our home as agreed, carrying a large suitcase. But it was Olivia who opened the door. With a victorious attitude. Nathan was in the kitchen wearing an apron, cooking breakfast. The aroma filled the house. “We knew you were coming, so Nathan and I went grocery shopping early. Look, are these the dishes you like?” Olivia pointed at the table. But I was scrutinizing her, trying to decipher the deeper meaning in her words. Wearing pajamas, her clothes from last night in a pile, cartoon slippers, early morning grocery shopping. All these details unmistakably revealed: They had slept together last night, and it wasn’t the first time. Though I had expected it, my heart still ached uncontrollably. Nathan had finally taken that step. And despite knowing I was coming over, he flaunted his new relationship in the home we had shared for 6 years. He was determined not to give us a chance to talk privately. I set down my suitcase and asked directly, “Nathan Quinn, I know our accounts are complex, but this isn’t necessary. What, are you afraid I’ll eat you alive?” He didn’t used to be like this. Once bold and unstoppable. Now all that remained was weighing pros and cons. He frowned, looking displeased. “Sophia, when did you become so confrontational and petty? Olivia drank too much last night and was afraid of getting scolded by her dad if she went home, so she crashed here.” I took a deep breath and said calmly, “Fine. We need to talk. Is Miss Harper sober now?” Olivia looked shocked, pointing at herself. “Are you kicking me out?” I didn’t speak, just looked at Nathan. “Let’s eat first. There’s too much for just us,” Nathan finally suggested as a compromise. “I won’t! It’s just a breakup, what’s there to discuss? Sophia Chen, what are you trying to do?” Olivia angrily spoke first. She turned and plopped down on the sofa in a huff. “I really don’t understand. Why make this so complicated? Sophia, couldn’t you just pack up and leave quietly? Why create trouble for us?” “I swear, is this what all you older women are like? Pretending to be calm while clinging on endlessly. If you want something, just say it outright!” Nathan’s face darkened. “Enough!” he snapped. “You’re yelling at me? What’s enough? Look at what she’s doing! If you can’t handle losing, don’t play! You’re just taking advantage of his guilt! When will this ever end?!” Olivia seemed to have a belly full of grievances to vent. Her voice was loud and shrill, her eyes reddened. She glared defiantly at Nathan with wide eyes. Youth is wonderful – even anger and scolding seem like displays of affection. From our first meeting, her fighting spirit has been strong. Again and again she launches fierce attacks against me. I almost started to doubt if I truly was being unreasonable and annoying. I crouched down to gather some old items from the coffee table, speaking calmly. “Miss Harper, it’s been 6 years. I want to say a proper goodbye to Nathan, to settle things. I don’t think that’s unnecessary.” “Hmph, still pretending. I know exactly what you’re up to,” she scoffed. I smiled slightly. “Even with pets, there are feelings. When they die, I would bury them and hold a ceremony.” “Sophia!” Nathan yelled angrily, coming over to grab my hand. I continued, “I may not be a qualified current partner, but I’m certainly a qualified ex. It’s better to speak face-to-face and clear things up. You wouldn’t want Nathan and I to keep entangling endlessly, would you?” Olivia’s expression fluctuated as she looked at us, finally biting her lip and sitting down reluctantly. “Fine! I hope you keep your word!” Fighting back the sourness in my heart, I began going through things with Nathan point by point to draw clear boundaries. From emotions to belongings to financial interests, from company shares down to a single sock, I made detailed and clear divisions. Cutting off all excuses for either of us to look back. Ever since he said those words – “just an old woman” – I had been going through our 6 years of memories one by one in this unfamiliar city, severing each tie. Just waiting for this day to face Nathan. Back then I was willing to risk everything for Nathan Quinn. Now I can also cut my losses and set sail anew. I looked calmly at Nathan. “I suppose I should say that for 6 years, I’ve been preparing at every moment. Nathan, I should thank you for never lulling me into complacency.” “Sophia Chen, you—!” Nathan exploded in anger, grabbing me roughly and even raising his fist. Olivia also looked at me in shock. I stood my ground against Nathan, not giving an inch. But in a hidden corner of my heart, a storm was raging. I won’t bow my head, I won’t submit, I won’t act like someone who’s been abandoned. That’s the only dignity I have left after choosing to be a gambler! I knew deep down that I didn’t have the courage to try again. Nor did I have the capital to cling on endlessly. Leaving gracefully was the most perfect ending I could give to this relationship. As for the guilt that Olivia kept emphasizing Nathan felt towards me, hah. I really don’t need it. Accompanying Nathan to where he is today won’t change because I shed a few more tears or showed a bit more reluctance to part. I let out a soft snort and pushed Nathan away, going to the bathroom to gather my toiletries. I had already moved the larger items like clothes and shoes back to my small apartment. The furniture and decor I had added to the home I had already had the moving company take away. These small items were just my last excuse to come back. Now I didn’t need that anymore. The bathroom door suddenly closed and Nathan barged in, holding me tightly. He whispered in my ear, “Sophia, do you really have to leave?” The smell of alcohol on him made me uncomfortable. I turned my head away, using my elbow to keep distance between us. “No need to feel guilty. The company shares will let me live very comfortably for the rest of my life.” “Six years, though we didn’t reach our destination, I’m still free. I’m still grateful that you rescued me from arranged dates back then.” Nathan tried to say something but I covered his mouth. He looked at me dejectedly, finally saying, “Alright, it’s my fault. I’ll attend the dinner with your parents as we agreed. I won’t make things difficult for you.” I stared at him steadily. How could he say that with such a tone of bestowing grace? “Nathan, you no longer have the right to sit at my family’s dinner table.” I swept the cosmetics off the counter with a clatter and turned to leave. “Then how will you explain to your parents? Wait for me, okay Sophia?” He grabbed me reluctantly, his tone meaningful. But I just found it laughable. In our 6 years together, he had never said “wait for me.” Now that he’s successful and famous, he asks me to wait for him. “I’ve already left my resignation letter on your desk. Let me know soon whether you’ll pay out my dividends or buy me out.” That elaborate meal ended up going cold and uneaten. Just like my relationship with Nathan Quinn. All that effort to prepare, and in the end we didn’t even get to enjoy it. Going downstairs, I realized it was pouring outside. Thunder and lightning raged.
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296248”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance
Leave a Reply