My best friend’s aunt and I had been secretly in love for three years. I planned to finally go public with our relationship on our third anniversary. But the day before, I went with my best friend to her company to congratulate her on a successful project wrap-up. Instead, I found my beloved embracing her male secretary. My best friend exclaimed, “Looks like my Aunt Vivian is finally getting married!” My nails dug into my palms, and I pretended to be casual. “Yeah, they really… look great together!” When Sam Sterling and I arrived at Vivian Sterling’s CEO office, she was just standing up. She swapped her heels for flats, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and glanced down, tapping something on her phone. My phone screen instantly lit up. I quickly checked it, hiding it from Sam’s view. It was a SnapChat message from her: “Just finished up.” Seeing the dark circles under her eyes, my heart ached. New CEO, facing a company financial crisis – the burden on her shoulders was immense. I was glad she finally had a moment to herself. I hadn’t wanted to disturb her when she was busy. I was about to step forward when Sam Sterling yanked me behind a large decorative plant, motioning for me to keep quiet. Executive Assistant Adam Cole knocked and entered, walking smoothly towards Vivian Sterling. Dressed in a sharp suit, leather shoes, he was clearly educated and capable. He adjusted his tie, revealing long, slender fingers. Sam raised an eyebrow. “Holy cow, Leo, am I seeing this right?” “That gorgeous guy, is he really having a secret office romance with my aunt?” They definitely weren’t. Because the one dating your aunt was me. Tomorrow would mark three years since Vivian Sterling and I started dating. Even though it was a secret affair that no one knew about, I deeply believed she loved me. Our feelings were indestructible. I had no doubt about it. Yet, the next second, Adam Cole leaned in and whispered something into Vivian Sterling’s ear. Vivian Sterling playfully punched him, feigning annoyance, but he laughed heartily and wrapped an arm around her slender waist. Pulling her fully into his embrace. A sudden chill snaked through my heart. But Sam, oblivious, excitedly pulled me along, rushing into the office. “Aunt Vivian! I caught you two red-handed with your office romance! Time for some hush money!” Vivian Sterling’s gaze swept over our faces, and her expression instantly turned cold. “Who gave you permission to just barge in and talk out of turn?” Adam Cole quickly released her, his cheeks flushing. But Vivian Sterling’s hand, which had been resting on his arm, tightened its grip. “Why are you being so fierce? Leo said his mom made some comforting broth, and he brought some especially for you.” Vivian Sterling’s eyes landed on my face, and I gave a slight nod. But that broth wasn’t made by my mother. I’d researched old recipes, staying up all night to cook it myself with love. I’d even asked someone to find premium ingredients, worried Vivian Sterling might overwork herself. Of course, she knew all this. Using secret codes to express our love in front of others was our unspoken little flirtation. Adam Cole raised an eyebrow. “Since Ms. Sterling has someone bringing her dinner, I guess I’ll enjoy those delicious spicy chicken wings all by myself.” I loved spicy food, couldn’t live without it. But Vivian Sterling had an irregular diet in her early years and a sensitive stomach. After I found out, I never stepped foot in a spicy restaurant again. Vivian Sterling spoke coolly, “No need. Take them back.” Sam pouted. “Hmph, I was hoping to snag some.” “But seriously, you two really kept it under wraps.” Adam Cole glanced timidly at Vivian Sterling, then spoke. “Not really, it’s only been… two months.” Two months. I’d been completely in the dark… Sam listened, clicking his tongue in amazement. “My aunt has finally blossomed. And she moved fast.” Adam Cole shook his head, biting his lip with a handsome smile. “Ms. Sterling is very loyal. After I left three years ago, she didn’t date anyone. She even sent me good morning and good night messages every day.” Three years ago, it was her, flushed from too much wine, who shyly asked me, “Can we be together?” For three years, I stayed up late with her, working overtime. On her sleepless nights, I sang lullabies until dawn. For three years, she took me all over the country. Under the dazzling fireworks at amusement parks, she called me her only prince. I gave her all my love, but her heart held another person. Not long ago, on my birthday, I closed my eyes, making a heartfelt wish. When I opened them, she was looking down, replying to messages. My wish was for a future with Vivian Sterling. Was she, perhaps, wishing for an early reunion with her beloved? Lost in thought, Sam suddenly grabbed my arm excitedly. “Leo, real couples are the best! It’s my favorite kind of second-chance romance!” My ears roared. The world faded, leaving only my own voice, trying to sound calm but trembling uncontrollably. “Yeah, they do look well-matched.” A talented woman and a capable man, a perfectly matched couple – far more suitable than Vivian and I ever appeared. They chatted animatedly, with Vivian Sterling occasionally interjecting. “Don’t ask so many questions, he’s shy, don’t tease him.” “He knows all these things, Adam and I have no secrets.” “Did my nephew bother you? Do you want to go rest for a bit?” I ignored these words until Sam finally pulled me away. Adam Cole’s voice drifted from behind us. “I told you not to make our relationship public out there!” “If I hadn’t pushed a little, who knows how long you would’ve made me wait.” So, she wasn’t just capable of a secret relationship. She just… didn’t love me.
The next day was the annual family gathering. Vivian Sterling and I were supposed to reveal our relationship to everyone today. After we started dating, it was her idea to keep it from family. “Our situation is a bit unique. If my sister found out I tricked a boy nearly her son’s age into being my boyfriend, she’d never approve.” I believed her, so I willingly waited for myself to get older before going public with those we both knew. Half a month ago, I hugged her, playfully asking, “My career is stable now, and you’re a CEO. Can we go public on our three-year anniversary?” She agreed without a second thought. Then… the company projects suddenly piled up. Forget meeting for dinner; I’d message her two days ago, and she’d only remember to reply today. I spent a sleepless night. The next day, with dark circles under my eyes, I stared at the surprise gifts I’d prepared for her in my closet. All sorts of little things she loved. I wanted to offer myself as a gift to her. But now, it seemed, there was no need. I slammed the closet door shut. My phone rang loudly. It was Vivian Sterling. The moment I answered, she directly asked, “The Sterling family dinner is tonight. Are you coming?” I clutched my phone, letting out a soft laugh as I countered, “Do you want me to?” Vivian Sterling was silent for a moment on the other end, then sighed. “Leo, it’s just a family gathering, after all.” “Since you’re Sam’s friend, you’re practically a junior in the family. Why don’t you just come and join us?” Three years of devotion, only to be called a “junior.” I wasn’t an idiot. She just wanted to use the gathering as an excuse to lay it all out for me. That Vivian Sterling and I could only be elder and junior. Or, perhaps, we had never truly crossed that boundary. I suddenly understood the depth of her intention in never making our relationship public. An unknown relationship could be ended so easily. Just like now, without even a formal breakup. How pathetic, truly pathetic. I curled my lips. “Sure, I’ll be there.” Vivian Sterling unhappily said, “I’ll be bringing Adam Cole with me…” “Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you two.” Vivian Sterling hung up quickly, as if shedding a huge burden. I didn’t understand why she was so loving yesterday, but today she was avoiding me like the plague. I changed into my sharpest suit and left the house. The Sterling family dinner was held at the city’s most exclusive hotel, with many business elites invited. I didn’t know any of them. Vivian Sterling had once told me I didn’t need to meet these people. But towards Adam Cole, they were utterly respectful, calling him “the CEO’s right-hand man” and fearing even the slightest disrespect. The Sterling elders all sighed, saying that Vivian Sterling had searched far and wide, only to return to Adam Cole’s side after all. Apparently, they had been the ‘it couple’ in high school. It was just that Vivian Sterling had no standing in the family back then, and Adam Cole believed they had no future, so he left the city. It wasn’t until Adam Cole returned and became Vivian Sterling’s right-hand man that their old flame rekindled at work. Amidst everyone’s flattery, Adam Cole raised his glass to acknowledge them. Vivian Sterling walked directly to him, clinked glasses, and drank it all down. The cheers in the room nearly blew off the roof. I just watched silently. In this setting, no one would notice me. I suddenly felt I had come to humiliate myself. Vivian Sterling knew my personality: gentle, obedient, always thinking of others, never one to cause a scene or embarrass her in public. Of course, I wouldn’t. Even if I rushed onto the stage and told everyone I’d had a three-year secret affair with Vivian Sterling, only I would be the one to look foolish. But since I was here, it would be a shame not to drink my fill of the fine wine at the banquet. Eventually, Sam helped me, stumbling and drunk, to the entrance, telling me to stay put while he went to get the car. As soon as he left, I staggered off in the opposite direction. On this holiday night, couples on the streets embraced, whispering sweet nothings. I just wanted to find a corner, cry my heart out, and then sleep for days. Suddenly, the aroma of grilled meat wafted over. Under the dim yellow lights, the BBQ joint was bustling. This place was famous for its spice, and I hadn’t been here in three whole years. As if possessed, I walked inside.
I slowly walked to the front desk, hoping to find a seat. “Sorry, sir, it’s a holiday today. There are no tables left for a single person. Perhaps you could come back another day?” I looked back. Everyone in the restaurant was seated in pairs. I, alone, felt completely out of place. My stomach growled at an inconvenient moment. I’d barely eaten anything since yesterday and was starving. My girlfriend, who was supposed to be my future wife, had suddenly become someone else’s, and now I couldn’t even find a place to eat. Just adding insult to injury. Just then, a server led a tall, beautiful woman in a long dress into the restaurant. She was also alone but had made a reservation beforehand and was now about to start eating. Normally, I probably would have given up and left to find somewhere else. But today, driven by alcohol, I found a strange boldness rising within me. I walked up to her. “Hello!” She didn’t stop her motion of picking up meat. “No QR scans, no likes, and no SnapChat adds.” I realized she’d misunderstood and quickly lowered my head, speaking earnestly. “Hello, excuse me, could I share your table? All the nearby places are full, and this is my last chance.” “I know this is presumptuous, so I’ll pay for this meal. Would that be okay?” The woman eyed me suspiciously. It was then that I truly saw her face. Exquisitely beautiful. It was hard to imagine such radiant openness and reserved composure coexisting on one face. Both her appearance and temperament were top-tier. She gave a slight nod. I was overjoyed and prepared to sit down, but I clumsily knocked over a plate of thinly sliced beef, which landed squarely on her high-heeled shoe. I frantically bent down to pick it up, and she happened to look up. Our foreheads collided with a harsh thud. “Ouch!” Tears welled up in my eyes, but I still instinctively reached out to rub her forehead. She silently pushed my hand away. “You’re paying for this meal, and the shoe cleaning fee will be separate.” I nodded furiously. “No problem, no problem!” When I finally sat down, wrapping a few slices of grilled beef in lettuce and stuffing a large bite into my mouth, I was so happy I almost cried. Damn Vivian Sterling, that manipulative fraud. She stole three years of my youth and sincerity. I used to read about those instant-gratification romance stories in novels. I never thought one day it would happen to me. I picked up another piece of meat, dipped it in sauce, and after swallowing it, found it tasted bitter and salty. I realized, without knowing it, my face was streaked with tears. The beautiful woman silently pushed a tissue box toward me. I pulled out tissues, thanked her, cried, and couldn’t stop stuffing meat into my mouth. After eating and drinking my fill, the alcohol completely took over. I held a piece of meat, trying several times, but couldn’t successfully drop it into my dipping sauce bowl. I looked up at the beautiful woman, but she had multiplied into several, swaying before my eyes. My phone rang. I stared at the dozen blinking red and green buttons on the screen, unsure which to press. A slender hand reached out, swiped across the screen, and answered the call directly. “Leo! Where the hell did you run off to, you rascal!” I weakly mumbled, “Sam, hey—” “Give me your location!” I was confused. “Sam, hehe.” Sam was frantic. “Hehe what, where are you, seriously!” The beautiful woman sighed and gave the address. “At Star BBQ.” Sam Sterling burst in and immediately grabbed my ear, looking utterly disappointed. Vivian Sterling was also there, but she merely stood to the side, arms crossed, her expression cold. Adam Cole’s gaze, however, kept drifting towards the beautiful woman.
The next day, Sam asked me, “Why were you having dinner with Scarlett Hayes yesterday?” Scarlett Hayes? I asked him, “You know that beautiful woman from yesterday?” “Are you kidding? In the entire city, who doesn’t know the Hayes Corporation heiress? Even the bottled water you’re drinking is her family’s business.” Then he added mysteriously, “I heard Adam Cole’s high school crush was actually Ms. Hayes.” I remembered now. I’d seen that name in the company’s financial reports before. Scarlett Hayes’s project report took up an entire page, leaving Vivian Sterling an inconspicuous little corner. How had Vivian Sterling described her back then? Just a rich kid relying on her family, wouldn’t amount to much. At the time, I believed her, trusted every word she said. But now, I had a huge question mark hanging over everything Vivian Sterling had ever told me. The innate grace and upbringing Scarlett Hayes possessed were undeniable. Speaking of which, I suddenly remembered I was supposed to treat her to dinner. And I’d accidentally skipped out on the bill. I made myself a cup of honey water to sober up, and my phone rang. It was Vivian Sterling. “You were so drunk yesterday, are you okay? I’ve already called in sick for you at work today.” Her tone was familiar and natural, just as caring as before. I couldn’t help but remember the past, how strictly Vivian Sterling managed my drinking. “You can only get drunk when I’m by your side.” Unfortunately, all those promises were long null and void for me. Now, that sentiment belonged only to Vivian Sterling’s official boyfriend. I scoffed. “Ms. Sterling is so busy, yet she spares time to care for an ex-boyfriend. I’m truly flattered.” Vivian Sterling choked on her words, then after a moment of silence, said, “It’s just concern from an elder. I don’t want to see you fall into bad habits.” The Vivian Sterling of my memories remembered all my hobbies, bought me the latest action figures without ever finding me childish, dropped everything to be with me when I was sick, and every six months, took me to explore a new city, taking countless photos. Three years. I thought we loved each other deeply enough. She played the role of a girlfriend too perfectly, which made it impossible for me to accept her broken character now. But she had repeatedly stressed that we were merely elder and junior. If I continued to cling to her, I would lose all respect for myself. I laughed and replied, “No need. You no longer have the right to care about me!” Hung up, deleted, blocked—all in one swift motion. My cloud drive held nearly ten gigabytes of photos, documenting the sweet moments Vivian Sterling and I shared over three years. Even the most precious memories, once love became a thing of the past, would turn into torture.
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