The grand engagement ceremony played out on TV. Everyone was celebrating Alexander Thorne and Serena Davies’ wedding. “Mr. Thorne and Ms. Davies are truly a match made in heaven. Let’s send them our sincerest wishes for eternal love and happiness!” A thunderous applause erupted, and then, the couple exchanged engagement rings. The TV station zoomed in on Serena’s ring. A massive, emerald-cut diamond ring, its exorbitant cost immediately apparent. I watched the TV, finishing the last of my instant noodles. I watched my own boyfriend smiling at another woman, doting on her without reservation. That ring was supposed to be mine. After that intimate night, Alex had taken the ring out to show me. “Do you like it?” I nodded ecstatically, yet a trace of worry lingered. “Won’t this be incredibly expensive?” Alex chuckled. “For the Thorne family, what’s a little expense? Izzy, don’t worry about any of that. Just prepare to marry me.” At that moment, I was overjoyed that our five-year relationship was finally leading somewhere. In my heart, I was already fantasizing about the beautiful days ahead. But after Serena came back, I realized I was nothing. I was just a replaceable substitute, discardable at any moment. “Your flight is scheduled to depart on the 31st at 2:31 PM. Please prepare accordingly.” I finished reading the text and turned off my phone. All these years, I had given up everything to stay by Alex’s side, even abandoning my own dreams. Now, it was fine. I could pursue them again. It wasn’t until late that night that Alex came home. He fumbled his way onto the bed, embracing the warm body beside him. “Sleeping so early tonight? Hmm?” He woke me. I slowly turned over. “I’m tired.” Alex kissed my forehead, his hand beginning to roam. I stiffened, avoiding his touch. “I’m not feeling well. Let’s just skip it tonight.” Alex’s hand paused, then he let me go. “Are you upset?” I didn’t answer. No woman would be happy seeing her boyfriend get engaged to another woman. “Izzy, don’t throw a childish tantrum. It’s just an engagement.” A pang of bitterness hit me. *Just an engagement.* I had waited five years and never even got an engagement. Alex had never even been willing to take me to meet his family. But two years ago, at my birthday dinner, Alex was singing “Happy Birthday” to me one moment. The next, he took a call and rushed out the door without a single explanation. Leaving me alone and awkward at my own party. Everyone curiously asked who the girl on the phone was, but I couldn’t answer. I later found out it was Serena, his first love, whom he couldn’t have in his youth. And I? I was nothing more than a forgotten shadow. The true first love had returned, and the forgotten shadow was insignificant. Serena had only been back for three months, and Alex had already introduced her to all his friends. That took me five years to achieve. Later, Alex forcefully introduced Serena to everyone, including his parents. He made it clear that with him there, no one would dare hurt Serena. Then came the engagement, so extravagant, because he loved Serena so much, he wouldn’t let her suffer even the slightest inconvenience. It was only then that I truly understood: Alex had never loved *me*. Our relationship would never have a future.
When I woke up, Alex was already gone. I got up and packed my things into a suitcase. Yesterday, Alex told me to be more understanding. He said the engagement was just to give Serena a guarantee for her future; otherwise, she’d have no one else to rely on but him. But what about me? I felt like I only had Alex to rely on too. And now, not even Alex. Today was our five-year anniversary. A sliver of hope I didn’t even know I still held lingered in my heart. No matter what, I wanted to bring this relationship to a proper end. So I bought a lot of groceries and cooked a feast, all Alex’s favorite dishes. Over the years, it had become a habit. What Alex liked, what he disliked – it was all etched into my heart. “I’ve cooked dinner. Are you coming back to eat?” For the past four anniversaries, Alex had remembered. He’d buy me flowers, all sorts of gifts. Only today, I waited until the food grew cold, until the sun set. Alex didn’t come home, and he didn’t even send me a single text. My heart felt as thoroughly chilled as the meal on the table. I slowly ate the food, mouthful by mouthful, but for some reason, the more I ate, the saltier it tasted. “Izzy, your father is a bit tight on cash lately. Could you send some money over?” As soon as I finished cleaning up the dishes, I got a call from my father. “I don’t have any money.” My father had a gambling addiction. I’d give him small amounts, but never large sums. That would only feed his addiction, making it worse. “What about Alex? He’s so rich, tell him to give you some! I’m his father-in-law, he can’t refuse me, can he?” Listening to his utterly entitled words, my grip on the phone slowly tightened. Every time, every single time, it was like this. Why did no one ever think about me? A deep sense of fatigue washed over me. “I’m breaking up with Alex, Dad. I don’t have any money, and you shouldn’t gamble anymore.” “Breaking up? Are you crazy? If you break up with Alex, where will you find someone as good? You’ve been with him for five years, who would want you now?” If I didn’t know this man was my own father, I’d think these were words only an enemy would utter. “He’s marrying someone else. I won’t give you any more money, and don’t call me again.” I didn’t want to talk to my father anymore. The phone slipped weakly from my hand. I slid uncontrollably down the wall. My sleeves were soaked with tears. The conflicting emotions in my heart threatened to swallow me whole. It wasn’t until Alex came home. “What are you doing sitting here?” He asked. I raised my hand to shield my eyes. Having been in the dark for so long, the light was somewhat blinding. I didn’t answer, unsure what to say. Alex pulled me to my feet, then noticed the suitcase in the living room. He raised an eyebrow. “Packed so much? Where are you planning to go?” I finally spoke slowly. “To clear my head.” Alex snorted. “If you want to clear your head, go ahead. Just remember to come back.” He was calm, completely confident I wouldn’t leave him. And why wouldn’t he be? For five years, I had taken such meticulous care of Alex; this man seemed to be the sole purpose of my life. “Izzy, don’t play these ‘running away’ games just because you’re mad at me. You know that doesn’t work on me.” “I already gave your father the twenty thousand he wanted.” With that, Alex walked straight to the bedroom and lay down. I froze, a suffocating wave of profound humiliation engulfing me.
Alex never gave me any explanation about the anniversary. It wasn’t until I found Serena’s private Ins account. I couldn’t help but snoop on Serena, wanting to see what kind of woman Alex had fallen for. And there it was: on our anniversary, Alex was at an amusement park with Serena. They wore matching headbands, smiling at the camera. Alex looked down at Serena, his gaze incredibly doting. “My fiancé spoils me so much~” That was Serena’s caption. I was mesmerized. Serena was beautiful. Unlike me, Serena seemed exceptionally cheerful. I, however, was a bit quiet, not very talkative. That day, Alex spent the entire day with Serena. I remembered going to an amusement park with Alex once. I had begged Alex to go. Seeing other couples take so many beautiful photos, I had the same idea. Alex initially refused, saying he was too busy with work. But I persisted, and he eventually agreed. Yet, when I placed the cat-ear headband on his head, he snatched it off. “Why would a man like me wear something like this?” So our photo only showed me, awkwardly standing beside him with cat ears, and an annoyed Alex. I thought Alex was just naturally like that, so I comforted myself, believing he treated everyone the same way. Until I saw how he was with Serena. Only then did I understand he just didn’t love *me*. I turned off my phone and blocked Serena’s account. Since I had made up my mind, there would be no more lingering attachment. “If you ask Alex for money again, I’ll end my life.” After sending that text to my father, I continued packing. “I’m hungry, Izzy. Why didn’t you bring me lunch today?” After everything was packed, I received a message from Alex. His stomach wasn’t good, and he didn’t like food from outside; he only liked what I cooked. I had been delivering his meals for five years. I still went to buy groceries and cook. After all, Alex had given my father quite a bit of money; I couldn’t just stop doing it. The kitchen was filled with cooking fumes. Afraid Alex would be impatient waiting, I quickly changed my clothes and left. When I arrived at the company, I went upstairs, but I noticed people looking at me with varied expressions. I didn’t understand, only wanting to complete my task quickly, so I naturally didn’t hear the employees discussing behind me. “Isn’t she the one who delivers food from the restaurant?” A colleague scoffed. “New here, are you? That’s Mr. Thorne’s ex-girlfriend. Too bad, she never even got a proper title after all these years.” Unaware of their whispers, I went upstairs and pushed open the office door. “I brought you lunch…” Only to see Serena sitting in Alex’s lap. Her lips were glistening, making it obvious what had just happened. Serena seemed a bit shy and immediately stood up when she saw me. Serena was wearing the latest designer fashion, and on her finger was that emerald-cut diamond ring. Alex looked at me with a hint of impatience. “Why didn’t you knock before coming in? Have you forgotten your manners?” Serena immediately smoothed things over. “Alex, why are you being so hard on her? She just forgot to knock.” Alex immediately fell silent. Serena walked up to me. She wore a faint, expensive perfume, while I, having just cooked at home, reeked of cooking fumes. In my haste to leave, I had thrown on old clothes bought from a discount mall two years ago. “Hello, I’m Serena Davies. Thank you for bringing the food.” I thought my heart wouldn’t feel any ripple anymore. But at that moment, an unbearable sadness still overwhelmed me.
I don’t know how I left the company. Only then did I understand what everyone was whispering about. They were probably saying how all my hard work over the years had ended with me being discarded. I went home and slept with my head buried under the covers until the next day. That day, Alex didn’t come home. “Izzy, come to the studio.” I received a text from my mentor after I woke up and immediately rushed to the studio. I studied design. My mentor once said I was extremely talented and hoped I would study abroad. But at the time, I met Alex, and madly, irrevocably fell into that relationship, giving up the opportunity to go abroad. My mentor had sighed over it for ages. Now that I decided to study abroad, she was naturally very happy. When I arrived at the studio, my mentor was drawing, and a young man stood beside her. “Izzy, you’re here? This is Liam Thorne. You two will be going abroad together this time. Come and meet him.” I hadn’t known there would be someone else and felt a little nervous. But the man extended his hand first. “Nice to meet you, Izzy.” His hand was large, with well-defined knuckles. Liam looked at me, smiling, a charming and poised demeanor. “Hello.” My mentor finished her drawing and patted my shoulder. “It’s good to go together, you can look out for each other. Exchange contact info and communicate more. Izzy, you must seize this opportunity this time.” Knowing my mentor only wanted what was best for me, I felt a rare warmth and nodded emphatically. My mentor had other things to attend to, so Liam suggested they have dinner together. His sincere invitation was hard to refuse. So we went to a French restaurant. “Izzy, this place is really good, I come here often.” I smiled. “Then I’ll eat a lot. Speaking of which, why do you want to go to Germany too?” Liam poured me a glass of water. “Someone I like is going, so I’m going too.” I looked at the young man before me, lamenting how wonderful youth was, before love soured. We chatted happily, our design philosophies aligned. The cheerful atmosphere, however, was broken by a voice. “What are you two doing here?” It was Alex. Serena stood beside him. For a moment, I didn’t know what to do. Liam stood up. “Uncle Alex, Izzy and I are just having dinner.” He spoke candidly, and my eyes widened in shock. “He’s your uncle?” Liam nodded. Alex glanced at him, then looked at me. “What do you two have to talk about over dinner?” I was about to answer, but I saw the obvious defensiveness in Alex’s eyes. Alex’s parents had never met me. He was afraid I might use Liam to tell others about our relationship. That would only humiliate Serena. Before I could speak, Liam interjected. “Izzy and I share the same professor; we’re just discussing some design issues.” I remained silent. Alex’s guard dropped. He then gave me a deep look. “Just discussing design, Izzy. You two have a good chat.” He specifically emphasized “good chat.” I gave a bitter smile. I hadn’t planned on saying anything anyway. Alex finished speaking and left with Serena. “Alex, wasn’t that girl the restaurant delivery person?” Serena asked curiously. So, he had never told Serena about our relationship.
“Izzy, is the food not to your taste?” I shook my head. “It’s delicious, but I usually don’t eat much.” Liam drove me home. He didn’t ask any more questions, only said: “There are plenty of good men in the world. Sometimes, there’s no need to cling to one person, even if that person is Alex Thorne.” He showed none of the deference he had displayed when we met Alex at the restaurant earlier. I looked up at him, my eyes wide. “You… you know?” Liam chuckled softly. “Not just me, everyone in the Thorne family knows. It’s just that Alex never mentioned it, so they pretended not to know.” I fell silent. When we arrived home, as I was about to get out of the car, Liam leaned closer. The pleasant scent of cedarwood filled the air. I froze, but Liam merely removed a fallen leaf from my shoulder. “Izzy, I’m really looking forward to our time in Germany.” I didn’t understand what he meant and hastily tried to get out of the car. Liam calmly got out and opened the car door for me. “Thank you for driving me home. I’ll go now.” I didn’t know what I was thinking; I just inexplicably wanted to escape. But Liam grabbed my hand. “Izzy, sleep well.” Then, he released my hand. I scampered upstairs. Liam chuckled softly, got back in his car, and drove away. Perhaps it was because too many things had happened; I was still lost in thought before I fell asleep. In the middle of the night, I came down with a high fever. My head throbbed incessantly, and my throat was as dry as if it were smoking. I forced myself up to get some water, but I felt dizzy and lightheaded and collapsed on the floor. With great difficulty, I picked up my phone and called Alex, my first contact. He didn’t answer the first time, nor the second. On the third call, Alex’s voice came through, laced with irritation. “Why do you keep calling? I’m busy.” I could hear a girl crying in the background; I vaguely heard what sounded like Serena’s voice. “She’s clearly your ex-girlfriend. If my friend hadn’t told me, how long were you planning to hide it from me?” My throat was parched, but I managed to squeeze out a few words. “I’m sick…” Before I could finish, Alex interrupted. “If you’re sick, find a doctor. I’m still busy.” With that, he hung up. I couldn’t hold on any longer and passed out. In my daze, I thought I saw someone pick me up. “Izzy, I’ll take you to the hospital.” What happened after that, I don’t know. Until I opened my eyes. The smell of disinfectant filled my nostrils, and the sunlight was a bit blinding. There was no one else in the hospital room but me. There wasn’t even a single message on my phone. A wave of loneliness washed over me. I pulled the blanket tighter around me, staring blankly at the ceiling. The door quietly opened. Liam came in, carrying breakfast, and smiled at me. “Izzy, it’s those soup dumplings you love!” For some reason, I felt like crying. If I were to go abroad with Liam, perhaps it wouldn’t be so lonely after all. Anyway, nothing could be worse than how things were now.
When Alex arrived, Liam was feeding me. I felt awkward but couldn’t resist Liam’s insistence on feeding me, saying I was a patient. “I’ll do it.” Alex sensed something was off and snatched the bowl from Liam’s hand. “Liam, thank you for taking care of Izzy. I was busy yesterday and couldn’t make it.” Alex said, then fed me a spoonful of porridge. I nearly scalded my mouth. Liam had always blown on it to cool it down before feeding it to me. Seeing that I was scalded, Alex put the bowl aside. Liam spoke in a flat voice. “Isn’t my aunt-in-law Serena?” Alex took a deep breath. “Serena just returned to the country. Her parents are gone. No one can protect her except me. The engagement is just a temporary arrangement to help her.” “Otherwise, how could she gain a foothold?” Liam said nothing, but his sarcasm was evident. I no longer believed those words. When I went to the office that day, they were clearly kissing. “Alex Thorne! Is this how you treat me?!” Serena stood at the doorway of the hospital room, tears streaming down her face, looking at Alex. She didn’t seem to have just arrived; she had probably heard everything. “You promised you’d marry me! You said I was the one you loved most! You lied to me!” With that, she covered her face and ran out. Alex was uncharacteristically flustered. He stood up, about to chase after her. But I grabbed his hand. “Alex Thorne, you love her, and you’re going to marry her, aren’t you?” Alex’s head throbbed. “Izzy, don’t make things difficult for me right now. Whatever it is, I’ll talk to you when I get back.” I immediately let go, earning a look of approval from Alex. “Liam, take care of her.” With that, Alex rushed out. Five years of affection, easily worn away. Liam picked up the porridge again and fed me. “What’s Uncle Alex thinking?” I replied calmly. “I don’t care anymore.” Liam paused, trying to steady his trembling hand. His heart was pounding. After finishing my meal, I checked out of the hospital. Only five days were left until my departure, and I still had some things to pack. I didn’t have many photos with Alex. I figured Alex probably didn’t want them anyway, so I shredded all of them in the paper shredder. Watching past memories turn into a pile of fragments, I suddenly felt a sense of liberation. By the time everything was packed, Alex returned. He looked tired. Seeing the three suitcases in the living room and the empty bedroom, a nameless rage flared within him, having just appeased Serena. “Packed so neatly. Are you really planning to leave for good?” My cold hadn’t fully recovered, and I spoke with a stuffy nose. “If I don’t leave, how will you marry someone else?” The fire in Alex’s heart burned hotter. He scoffed. “What’s with this act? Who are you doing this for? I told you it was just a temporary arrangement. Izzy, why can’t you just be sensible? I’m already so exhausted. Do I have to come home and take care of you too?” Alex could gently soothe Serena, but I never received such treatment. In the end, I was the one deemed “unreasonable.” I didn’t want to explain, and I didn’t know where to begin. Seeing my silence, Alex laughed. “Fine, fine. Do you really think this can threaten me? That I can’t live without you? If you leave, don’t ever come back!” With that, Alex slammed the door and left. My nose stung, but I held back my tears. I didn’t want to shed another tear for Alex.
Alex didn’t come home for two days straight, and I was content to be on my own. Alex hadn’t allowed me to work all these years, so it had been a long time since I’d drawn design sketches. Holding the pen in my hand felt a bit surreal. Unfortunately, fate didn’t want to grant me such peace for long. “Izzy Miller, you’ve grown quite bold. Don’t you care about your father anymore? You said you’re breaking up with Alex Thorne, but if you really do, will he still give me money? I think you just don’t want to give it to me. I’m giving you one last chance. I’ll be waiting for you at the coffee shop. Bring me three hundred thousand, or I’ll go find Alex Thorne.” After blocking my father’s phone number, he switched to sending texts. Receiving that message, I had no choice but to go. Things were already so bad between Alex and me; I really didn’t want my father to go asking Alex for money again. When I arrived at the coffee shop, my father, William Miller, immediately asked. “Where’s the money? Cash or card?” I spoke expressionlessly. “I don’t have any money.” “You don’t have money? Are you messing with me? You even threatened me, saying you’d end your life if I asked for money again? Are you dead?” Looking at my father’s fierce expression, I didn’t want to give him any more chances. “I’ve told Alex. He won’t give you another penny. We’ve already broken up, and he has no obligation to give you money anymore.” William snorted with laughter. “Trying to lie to your old man? He gave me two hundred thousand last time. I’m asking you, are you giving me the money or not?” “I don’t have money. I can’t give it to you.” The moment I finished speaking, William grabbed me. “I’ll just have to ask him myself if you two really broke up.” William had specifically chosen a coffee shop very close to Alex’s company. He dragged me all the way into the company lobby. “Where’s Alex Thorne? I need to see him!” My clothes were pulled loose, and everyone’s eyes were fixed on the two of us. I was weak and couldn’t break free. “I told you! He doesn’t have money for you! Why do you have to be like this?” I shouted out loud. William ignored me completely. “Alex Thorne! Your father-in-law is here! My daughter followed you for five years, gave you everything, and now you say you’re breaking up? Do you really think us Millers are easy to bully?” Watching the pointing fingers and stares of the crowd, my heart died. The commotion grew too loud. Alex and Serena came down. He frowned. “What’s going on here? All this yelling.” William saw him and immediately broke into a smile. “Son-in-law, my daughter has been with you for so long, and now you’re just breaking up?” Alex started to say something, then glanced at Serena beside him. Seeing Serena’s questioning look, he finally spoke. “Yes, we’ve broken up.” “That won’t do. Izzy gave you the best years of her life. How can you just break up like that?” Alex’s frown deepened. “What do you want, then?” “Give me five million, and this matter is settled. I won’t pursue it further.” The whispers from the onlookers grew louder. Tears streamed uncontrollably from my eyes. I was being bought and sold like a commodity by my own father. Serena said to Alex. “Alex, she’s so pathetic. Why don’t you just give him the money and be done with it?” I looked up, meeting Serena’s pitying gaze. I had no dignity left. Alex was still deliberating. I slowly stood up. “Alex Thorne, we’ve already broken up. You don’t need to give him another penny.” The moment I finished speaking, William’s slap landed on my face. “Do you have a say here? Shut your mouth!” A dead silence settled in my heart.
Alex instinctively wanted to go help. But Serena grabbed his wrist. “Alex, her father looks terrifying.” My face was turned to the side from the impact. I glanced at Alex, but he made no move. I let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Love” was truly nothing more than this. “Mr. Thorne, have you decided?” Alex was about to agree. But I spoke in a chilling voice. “If you give him a single penny, I will end my life right here.” Alex had never seen such a look in my eyes. I was always gentle, always compliant. But now, my eyes were as desolate as a bottomless lake. Finally, he said. “I can’t give it to you. Security, please escort this man out.” William was dragged out, still cursing and swearing. “You rich people, what’s a little money to you? This bitch, she only cares about outsiders.” “Everyone back to work! What are you all doing standing around here?” At Alex’s command, everyone scattered like frightened birds. I walked towards the back exit. Missing the complicated gaze Alex cast at my retreating back. “Alex, let’s go upstairs. I was almost scared to death just now.” Serena clutched her chest, looking utterly frightened. In the end, he didn’t come after me. Serena had only just been appeased; he didn’t want his efforts to go to waste. No big deal, he’d just go home tonight and explain everything to me properly. Thinking that, Alex felt it wasn’t such a problem after all. He and Serena went upstairs. I walked numbly down the street, almost getting hit by a car. I found a stone bench and sat down, crying out loud. Five years ago, I met Alex. I chased him for a long time. I chased him until even I felt hopeless, wanting to give up, when Alex finally agreed. I had heard his friends mention Serena. But I naively believed that was the past, and Alex had finally been moved by me. I came from a humble background. My father gambled, and my mother had vanished without a trace long ago. Alex never said anything. He even helped me. I truly believed it was love. Even without marriage, I tried my best to play the role of a dutiful girlfriend. But now, my heart felt shattered into a million pieces, beyond repair. I stayed on the roadside until late at night before dragging my exhausted body home. Two more days, and I would be leaving the country. Now, thinking back, this might be the most correct decision I had ever made. To be able to get away from everything here and start a new life. Returning home and opening the door, Alex, awkwardly wearing an apron, said. “Why are you home so late? The food’s all cold.” I didn’t understand what Alex was doing. “I’m not hungry.” With that, I lay on the bed, quietly digesting my negative emotions. Alex leaned in to kiss me. “Not eating isn’t good for your health. Eat a little.” I pushed him away. “What do you even take me for? Your plaything?” Alex took off the apron. “What kind of talk is that? Wasn’t I just worried you’d be hungry?” “You’re worried I’ll be hungry, but not worried I’d be beaten?” Provoked by my words time and again, Alex’s face hardened. “That’s your father. All of those things were done by him. I gave him so much money, wasn’t that enough?” He cooked dinner and waited for me, only to be treated with cold words. When had Alex ever lowered himself to this extent? Since I wasn’t grateful, he had no need to endure it.
I gave a bitter laugh. “It’s all my fault. Why do I have a father like this? Why do I have a lover like this?” Alex knitted his brows. “Are you serious about breaking up?” I stared blankly at the floor. “What else can I do? I’m not shameless enough to cling to you when you’re already engaged to someone else, am I?” Seeing me like this, a pang of pain shot through Alex’s heart. Yet, he also felt I was being unreasonable. I had him for five years. In those five years, Alex had given me everything he could. But after Serena went abroad, not only was she subjected to domestic violence by her then-husband, but she also lost a child. Serena had no parents; she only had Alex. I, at least, still had family, and five years of his companionship. Why was I never satisfied? “I don’t agree to the breakup.” Alex said firmly. “But you agreed at the time, didn’t you? If we break up, you can take good care of Serena without any worries.” Alex was so angry his stomach hurt. “No matter what you say, I won’t agree.” I had been by his side for a very long time. To him, it was more than just love; it was something deeper. He couldn’t accept losing me. “A breakup doesn’t require your agreement; it’s just a notification.” I said. I had no desire to get entangled in this anymore. If possible, I just wanted to live my own life peacefully. The red and swollen marks from the slap were still on my face, but Alex didn’t care in the slightest. Having been cared for by me for so many years, Alex had come to view me as a habit. But I was a living, breathing person, and I couldn’t remain just a “habit” forever. Seeing my resolve, Alex’s head throbbed. Meanwhile, he hadn’t visited Serena for too long, and she was constantly texting him. He resisted replying. Until Serena sent him a photo of herself. Bruised knees. “Alex, I accidentally fell, it hurts so much, I can’t even walk now. What should I do?” Alex couldn’t sit still anymore. But he had a vague premonition. If I left this time, he would lose me forever. He paced agitatedly in the living room. I watched his phone vibrate incessantly, saw him go from calm to anxious. “If you have something to do, go. Don’t worry about me.” Alex heard me, and then Serena sent another message. “Alex, it’s so dark here, I’m scared.” Alex grabbed his jacket, ready to leave. “I’ll have my assistant come take care of you.” Leaving that one sentence, Alex hurried downstairs. I stood up and pulled a photo from the drawer. It was the one we took at the amusement park. Even though it wasn’t a great picture, no matter how crazy I got, shredding all the others, I’d always kept this one. As a last memento. Back then, I was happy. Alex, though busy, had still accompanied me to the amusement park. I thought that counted as a special preference. Now it seemed I was just too foolish. Picking up a lighter, I set the photo ablaze. The flames illuminated my haggard face. From now on, all grudges, all ties, were finally severed. I slept soundly that night.
I woke up bright and early. I watered all the plants in the house and made myself a hearty breakfast. All my belongings in the bedroom had completely vanished. “Izzy, I’ll pick you up at 12.” It was a message from Liam. I replied with “Okay.” I was leaving the country. Picking up the coffee from the table, I leaned on the balcony, lost in thought. Perhaps things would get better from now on? When Alex returned, this was the scene he walked into. “Izzy, can you stop being mad, please?” He pulled me into his arms from behind. “Once Serena settles in here, I’ll cancel the engagement, but as her guardian, I still have to take care of her.” Listening to Alex’s words, my heart felt not a single ripple anymore. “Alex, do whatever you want, you don’t need to tell me.” Seeing my calm demeanor, Alex thought I had truly come to terms with it. “I’ll talk to my family about marriage, and we’ll have two beautiful babies. Everything will be fine.” With that, he pulled a velvet box from his pocket. “Izzy, didn’t you say you liked this? I had someone bring back an even better one.” It was the ring I had yearned for so much. Alex knelt on one knee and slid the ring onto my ring finger. “Izzy, stay by my side.” I inspected the ring on my hand. It was indeed beautiful, even more stunning than Serena’s. But I didn’t need it anymore. Seeing my expression, Alex kissed my forehead. “I’m off to the company. I’ll be back for dinner tonight.” I didn’t answer. Alex just smiled helplessly. He always thought I’d eventually be appeased, and even if I was angry, I’d eventually get over it myself. Alex left with a relieved mind. I took off the ring and placed it back in the box on the table. It was almost noon. Liam came upstairs to help me with my luggage. “Thanks for your hard work, Liam.” Liam, inadvertently flexing his bicep, smiled and said. “It’s my honor to help you, Izzy.” We got into the car together and headed for the airport. The scenery outside the window kept changing. A news headline popped up. “Thorne Group CEO spotted dining with new love at Sycamore Tree Restaurant, the two sharing laughter.” The news was taken down within a minute. But I still saw it. The photo showed Alex and Serena. The Sycamore Tree Restaurant was where Alex and I first fell in love five years ago. Turning off my phone, I said to Liam. “I heard Germany is a food desert. Will we starve?” Liam chuckled. “Don’t worry, Izzy, I’m a good cook.” I laughed too. We picked up our boarding passes and boarded the plane together. Before leaving, I sent Alex one last message. “Alex, we’re not getting married.” After sending it, I deleted his contact information. Then I turned off my phone. When Alex received the message, he was shopping with Serena. He shook his head and replied. “Izzy, I’ve already lowered myself. What more do you want from me?” But it showed a red exclamation mark. He started calling, but the phone was constantly off. “Serena, here’s my card. Buy whatever you want.” Serena pouted. “Alex, is it her again?” Alex was anxious, but he kept a smile on his face. “No, just some urgent business. I’ll be back later.” Serena finally nodded. Alex rushed home. The living room was neatly cleaned; their matching couple’s mugs were still there. He breathed a sigh of relief, then rushed into the bedroom. The photos he had once displayed, Izzy’s clothes and belongings – all gone. Alex couldn’t believe it. He frantically searched for any trace of Izzy. Then he saw the box on the table. That exquisitely beautiful ring lay quietly inside. A note beside it read. “I’ve gone abroad. Goodbye.”
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