One month before Ariana Watson’s wedding to her boyfriend Stefan Jenkins, he insisted on having a child with his “savior” Jane Martin. Ariana firmly opposed it, but Stefan brought it up day after day, his words evolving from pleading to blame, as if refusing his request was some kind of sin. Until half a month before the wedding, Ariana received a pregnancy test report. Only then did she realize that Jane had already been pregnant for nearly a month. And Stefan had never intended to ask for her consent. Years of love crumbled in the face of the truth. She didn’t cry or make a scene, didn’t try to win him back. She simply canceled the wedding quietly, destroyed all memories of them, and on the day they were supposed to be married, walked alone into a closed research laboratory. From then on, they never saw each other again. ***** “I’ve explained this to you countless times already. Jane has cancer and only has months to live. Her greatest wish is to leave behind a child for her family. She saved my life once, and now I have to help her fulfill this wish!” Ariana had heard these words no less than a hundred times in the past month. The first time Stefan made this request, she refused without hesitation. But he didn’t give up. Instead, he repeated it every day, his tone shifting from tentative to insistent, and now to this righteous questioning. As if her refusal made her narrow-minded and ungrateful. But even if it was a life-saving debt, how could it be repaid by having a child with another woman? The arguments had lasted a month, and Ariana was already exhausted. She looked at this man she’d been with for five years, her voice trembling slightly: “Stefan, we’re getting married next month, and now you want to have a child with another woman. What about me? What do you take me for?” It was the first time she’d broken down emotionally in front of him, her eyes dim as dying embers. Stefan paused, his tone finally softening a bit: “Ariana, I know this is hard to accept, but I’m the only one who can help Jane. I can’t just watch her leave with regrets. Besides, it’s just artificial insemination. We won’t have sexual relations. You love me, so you’ll understand, right?” Those words were like a dull knife, slowly cutting through her last thread of hope. She finally understood that he had already made his decision. Her feelings were nothing more than supporting dialogue in his script, irrelevant. Stefan was about to say something more when his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the screen and immediately got up, walking toward the balcony. Ariana watched his retreating figure, a bitter smile playing at her lips. They had grown up together, from elementary school through college, over twenty years side by side. She had always liked him, silently protecting him, while he remained oblivious. It wasn’t until graduation that he finally looked back and saw her, saying he was willing to try being with her. Logically, after knowing each other for so long, they should have been the most intimate of lovers. But five years had passed, and she had never even touched his phone once. Even when taking calls, he always avoided her. Once when he was bedridden with a high fever, his phone kept buzzing with messages. She was afraid it would wake him and just wanted to put it on silent. The moment her finger touched the screen, he suddenly opened his eyes and demanded to know why she was touching his phone. No matter how she explained, he wouldn’t listen. That night, she curled up on the sofa and cried herself to sleep. She had thought it was a sign of his insecurity, always believing that someday she could truly enter his heart. But five years had passed, and his world remained locked to her. And now, he wanted to cross the boundaries of marriage for another woman, completely disregarding her dignity and feelings. Just then, Stefan returned, barely concealing his joy as he grabbed his coat and headed for the door: “I have something to take care of. I’m going out for a bit. Think it over some more.” His footsteps faded away, leaving the house in silence. Ariana stood there, utterly disappointed. The only person who could make him rush out at a time like this, besides Jane, would be no one else. Sure enough, not long after, her phone vibrated. It was a photo from Jane. She opened it, zoomed in, and the moment she saw what it was, she nearly lost her footing. This was a pregnancy test report, and the expectant mother’s name was none other than Jane! Seeing the gestational age, Ariana felt even more lightheaded—it clearly stated “three weeks pregnant”! This meant that a month ago, Stefan had already undergone artificial insemination with Jane. He never once considered discussing it with her, let alone seeking her consent. If that was the case, why had Stefan kept asking her over the past month whether she was willing to accept this child? Was it just to ease his own conscience? Ariana instantly felt drained of all strength, collapsing onto the floor. Her heart felt as if it were being squeezed by an invisible hand, making it impossible to breathe. No wonder Stefan couldn’t suppress the joy in his eyes earlier, leaving in such a hurry after that phone call. He must have received news that the artificial insemination was successful—that Jane was pregnant. He was probably already at the hospital now, celebrating with Jane. Ariana closed her eyes in anguish as endless sorrow spread through her heart. She simply couldn’t believe that the man she’d loved for so many years had become the father of another woman’s child. Just two months ago, she had successfully proposed to him, planning their wedding for next month. The dress and venue were already booked. She had been looking forward to their wedding day, anticipating walking hand in hand with Stefan into the sacred halls of marriage. But now, all those expectations had turned to bubbles, dissolving into thin air. Just then, her phone vibrated, pulling Ariana back to reality. She instinctively answered the call. Sarah Oliver’s crisp voice came through the phone: “Ariana, I know you’re getting married, but I still want to ask one more time—are you sure you won’t consider joining our lab? You’re Mr. Wood’s most gifted student, and he’s always hoped to have you on board. Considering your upcoming marriage, Mr. Wood said he could make special arrangements—you could work in the lab for two months, then take half a month off, so you’d have time to be with your husband.” Ariana had known about her mentor Tate Wood establishing a new laboratory in New York for half a year now. He had personally called to invite her to join the lab and participate in the research. But once you entered the lab, you couldn’t contact the outside world—you had to wait until the research was complete before leaving. It could be as short as a month or two, or as long as a year or two. Ariana had initially declined Tate’s invitation because she couldn’t bear to be separated from Stefan for so long, especially with no way to communicate. But now, that pregnancy test report involuntarily flashed through her mind. Stefan had already become the father of another woman’s child. Since he had never considered their relationship or cared about their upcoming marriage, there was no point in continuing with this wedding. Ariana’s grip on the phone tightened involuntarily: “Sarah, I’m willing to join the lab. No need for time off—just follow the normal research schedule.” Sarah’s voice brightened with surprise: “That’s wonderful! Mr. Wood will be so pleased. When are you planning to come? How about a week after the wedding? That way you could still go on your honeymoon.” Ariana replied softly: “No need. I’ll come on the wedding day itself.” Her gaze fell on the calendar on the table. The tenth of next month was heavily circled in red marker. Originally, she had marked it to remind herself of the approaching wedding and arrange related matters. Now, this date had become her countdown to leaving Stefan. Fifteen days left—she’d treat it as a buffer period to say goodbye to over twenty years of feelings. After fifteen days, she and Stefan would never see each other again.
That night, Stefan didn’t come home, and Ariana didn’t call to ask where he’d gone. She had already seen the photos on Jane’s Instagram. After leaving the hospital that afternoon, they went straight to Jane’s house to announce the pregnancy to her family. In the photos, Jane’s grandmother was warmly holding Stefan’s hand while talking to him, his other hand gently resting on Jane’s belly, his smile tender. In their five years together, Stefan had only accompanied her home once—after agreeing to the proposal. Despite the fact that their families lived less than half an hour apart, he had never offered to visit before. He said it was because he didn’t like being around elders and felt uncomfortable. Even during that one visit, his attitude had been merely polite and courteous, nothing like the warmth he now showed toward Jane’s family. Ariana lowered her eyes, hiding the bitterness within, and turned off her phone. The next day, Ariana met with several friends to tell them the wedding was canceled. Stefan had never been enthusiastic about the wedding, considering it nothing but meaningless formality. Only at Ariana’s insistence had he reluctantly agreed to a small ceremony, inviting only their closest friends and family. Everyone knew how she felt about Stefan, so her friends were shocked by the news. “Haven’t you been in love with Stefan for so many years? You finally got the chance to marry him—how can you bear to let go?” Ariana’s heart filled with waves of bitterness. Could she bear it? Of course not. She had pursued Stefan for twenty whole years before he finally agreed to marry her. How could it be easy to let go of feelings that had lasted twenty years? But the truth was, this relationship had been unequal from the very beginning. From start to finish, she had been chasing after Stefan’s footsteps, while he had never truly stopped for her. Originally, she hadn’t minded. She thought that since it took twenty years to get him to agree to marry her, she could surely find her way into his heart eventually—it would just take time. After marriage, there would be many long days ahead. She was willing to wait until the moment he would truly open his heart to her. But ever since Jane, this so-called lifesaver, appeared six months ago, everything had changed. Only then did Ariana realize that Stefan wasn’t cold to everyone. He was always gentle around Jane, yet couldn’t spare even a smile for her. Back then, she had comforted herself, thinking that Jane had saved his life and he was simply grateful. She never imagined that after learning Jane had been diagnosed with cancer, he would actually agree to have a child with her to continue his bloodline! What’s more, while asking for her consent on the surface, he had already secretly arranged for Jane to conceive through artificial insemination. In that moment, Ariana clearly realized that her relationship with Stefan could no longer continue. Even if twenty years of feelings were hard to abandon, she had to steel herself and personally sever them. She didn’t tell her friends the specific reason, only saying she was about to enter the lab and would only be able to contact the outside world at long intervals. To express her apology, she stayed out with her friends until late at night before going home. When Ariana arrived home, Stefan had just gotten there too. He smelled the alcohol on her, frowned, and stepped back several paces, covering his nose and mouth with one hand, his tone clearly disgusted. “Stay away from me. Don’t get that alcohol smell on me.” Ariana smiled bitterly to herself. He was probably afraid of getting alcohol on himself and affecting Jane—after all, she was pregnant now. Such an obvious attitude showed he had no intention of hiding anything. But since he didn’t plan to say it outright, Ariana naturally wouldn’t bring it up either. She said nothing and went to take a shower. When she came out, Stefan was holding his phone, typing rapidly, his face full of smiles. Ariana glanced at him once, then headed toward the bedroom to rest. But he suddenly called out to her. “I need to discuss something with you.” Ariana’s steps stopped. The last time she’d heard those words was a month ago when he first proposed having a child with Jane, and they had fought for a month afterward. Now that Jane was already pregnant, what else could he possibly need to discuss with her? Stefan said, “We’re not doing the wedding photoshoot tomorrow.” Ariana glanced at the calendar on the table, where “Wedding Photos” was prominently marked in marker under tomorrow’s date. Though she wasn’t sure why Stefan wanted to cancel the shoot, she hadn’t planned on going through with the wedding anyway. Even if Stefan hadn’t brought it up, she would have found an excuse to cancel. Now that he’d taken the initiative, it actually saved her the trouble. Ariana nodded lightly. “Alright, I’ll call the photographer to cancel.” Stefan felt a slight jolt in his chest at her response. He hadn’t expected Ariana to agree so readily. He’d thought she would ask why. After all, every detail of the wedding had been carefully researched and deliberated by her. Even the photographer for this shoot was someone she’d paid extra to get bumped up the waiting list, all to achieve the perfect result. But he hadn’t expected Ariana to accept it so calmly. Stefan looked at her with a complicated expression. “Actually, we don’t need to cancel. Jane says she’ll probably never get married in this lifetime, so she wants to do a wedding photoshoot with me—consider it her way of experiencing marriage without regrets. Let her come with me tomorrow instead. We can always do ours later.” Stefan’s tone was as casual as if he were discussing what to have for dinner, just like a month ago when he’d announced his plan to do artificial insemination with Jane. On the surface it seemed like a discussion, but his words already revealed his decision—he was simply informing Ariana. Her lowered lashes hid the mockery in Ariana’s eyes. Later? Stefan didn’t know she only had thirteen days left in Boston. There was no “later” for them anymore. Ariana quietly responded with an “okay,” then got up to return to the bedroom. Since she wasn’t planning to go through with this wedding anyway, it didn’t matter who Stefan took wedding photos with. Watching her retreating figure, Stefan felt an inexplicable unease. Ariana was too calm—she hadn’t even asked a single question. All the explanations he’d prepared were completely useless. Just then, Jane called. He pushed aside his doubts and walked to the balcony to answer. When morning came, Stefan was getting ready to leave. While putting on his shoes, he said, “After the photoshoot, I’m planning to travel with Jane for a few days. She’s always wanted to go to Hawaii, so I’ll take her. Let’s just keep the wedding simple—I won’t have time for rehearsals or setup. You can decide everything, no need to ask me.” Ariana swallowed her bite of toast and responded flatly, “Okay.” Keep it simple. This wedding would have no wedding photos, no guests, no officiant, and no bride. Seeing Ariana just quietly eating her breakfast, Stefan felt something was off. After thinking for a moment, he added, “After the wedding, let’s go to Europe for our honeymoon. I remember you’ve always wanted to go.” In the past, hearing Stefan voluntarily suggest a honeymoon trip would have made Ariana excitedly start planning routes and itineraries. After all, whenever she’d suggested traveling before, he’d always refused, saying he “didn’t like it” or it was “too tiring.” But now, she just continued eating her toast in silence, offering no response. Honeymoon? There wouldn’t even be a wedding—what honeymoon could there be? Stefan looked at her with some surprise, seeming like he wanted to say more, but catching sight of the clock on the wall, he hurried to the door, leaving with a quick “We’ll talk when I get back.” Ariana picked up the calendar and viciously crossed out “Wedding Photos” with her marker. Twelve days left. After breakfast, Ariana began organizing her belongings and clearing out things from the house that were no longer needed. A photo album with barely five pictures, a dust-covered projector, matching pajamas that had never been worn. During their five years together, every item in this house had been carefully chosen and gradually added by her, slowly transforming an empty space into the cozy home it was now. But looking closely, Stefan had never touched many of these things. He’d once said that even in a relationship, he remained an independent individual who didn’t like using couple’s items—they made him feel constrained. Ariana pulled herself back to the present and continued cleaning. After she left, these things would only be eyesores to him. Better to clear them all out now and erase whatever so-called memories they shared along with them. For the entire week that followed, Stefan didn’t come home. But Ariana knew exactly what he was doing. Thanks to Jane, who loved sharing everything on Instagram, it was impossible not to know. They went to hot springs together, watched the ocean, and took photos at sunrise. Through Jane’s Instagram, Ariana once again saw a different side of Stefan. Turns out, he could act like any ordinary guy in love. He just couldn’t do it in front of her. Ariana didn’t pay much attention to where they went or what they did each day—she’d just glance quickly and scroll past. She kept herself busy too. There was so much stuff in the house that it took her several days to get everything completely organized. She also found time to visit her parents, telling them she was about to enter the lab and would be out of contact with the outside world for a long time. Her father, Evan Watson, seemed surprised. “You and Stefan are getting married soon. Won’t you two be living apart?” Her mother, Clara Watson, looked equally worried, gripping Ariana’s hand as she urged, “Think it over again, Ariana. You and Stefan have finally made it this far. I’m afraid once you enter the lab, Stefan will object, and then your wedding…” Ariana understood what they meant. Over all these years, Evan and Clara had witnessed her devotion to Stefan, and they were well aware of his attitude toward her. Before she decided to propose, they had gently tried to dissuade her, believing she didn’t hold much weight in Stefan’s heart and hoping she’d reconsider. But back then, Ariana was convinced she could change Stefan and make him truly accept her. So Evan and Clara ultimately chose to support her. Now, with the wedding approaching, they worried that if she entered the lab, Stefan would object and might even cancel the wedding outright and break up with her. They feared she’d get hurt again, which is why they wanted her to think twice. But now, the person deciding to cancel the wedding was Ariana herself. When she told Evan and Clara about her decision, they fell silent for a long time. She didn’t tell them about Stefan and Jane having a child together, afraid they couldn’t handle such a blow. Instead, she simply said she wanted to continue developing her career in scientific research. Evan and Clara exchanged glances. Since their daughter had made her decision, they would support her completely. In the end, Evan just sighed, patted her shoulder, and said as long as she wouldn’t regret it, that was enough. After returning home, Ariana asked her best friend Vivian Payne to come help move all the organized items out. Box after box piled up in the living room, taking up considerable space. The two of them made several trips back and forth before finally getting all the boxes handled, leaving the room much more spacious. Vivian looked at the empty house with some emotion. She still remembered two months ago when Ariana had excitedly dragged her out for a whole night of drinking, constantly talking about how she’d finally gotten her wish and successfully proposed to Stefan. Who would have thought that in just two short months, Ariana would decide to cancel the wedding. She said, “Babe, you’re actually serious about this? I thought you were just joking when you said you were canceling the wedding that day. I’ve watched you chase after Stefan for all these years—come on, tell me what really happened.” Maybe because she was about to leave, Ariana suddenly felt the urge to confide. She told Vivian everything that had happened over the past month, including the fact that Jane was already pregnant with Stefan’s child. Vivian had witnessed all the ups and downs between Ariana and Stefan. After hearing everything, she couldn’t help but curse, “After everything you’ve done for him, he goes and gets someone else pregnant before your wedding and expects you to be okay with it? What the hell is he thinking?” Ariana shook her head, swallowing the bitterness in her heart. “Who knows? He says Jane is his lifesaver and he has to fulfill all her wishes.” Vivian looked indignant. “But you’re his lifesaver too! What gives him the right to treat you like this?” Ariana didn’t say anything more. Maybe he just didn’t love her. But it didn’t matter. Soon, she’d be leaving him behind.
On the fifth day of the countdown, Ariana submitted her resignation to the school. Back then, to be with Stefan, Ariana had declined Professor Tate’s invitation to continue her advanced studies in the lab, choosing instead to follow Stefan to Boston to teach at a school. Her colleagues were all shocked to learn of Ariana’s resignation. “Ms. Watson, why are you suddenly resigning? Just a few days ago you were handing out wedding invitations to us. Are you planning to go home and be a full-time housewife? Mr. Jenkins is so lucky,” one colleague joked. Ariana hugged the cardboard box and smiled, responding softly, “No, the wedding’s been called off.” When she got home and pushed open the door, she saw Stefan, who hadn’t been back for a week, sitting on the couch with Jane. Seeing Ariana carrying the box, Stefan instinctively asked, “What are you doing with all that stuff?” Ariana replied casually, “These are things I don’t need anymore. I brought them back.” Stefan nodded and looked around the house, speaking with slight confusion, “I’ve only been gone a week. How come it feels like there’s a lot less stuff in here?” Ariana put the box back in the bedroom and answered calmly, “I cleared out some unnecessary clutter.” Stefan was about to say something more when Jane interrupted, “Ariana, Stefan worked so hard accompanying me on this trip these past few days. Thank you for agreeing to let him take wedding photos with me—it fulfilled a dream of mine. How about I treat you both to dinner as a way to thank you for taking care of me? I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you both for a while longer. I hope you won’t mind.” Ariana looked at the barely concealed smugness in Jane’s eyes and roughly understood her intention. After all, since receiving that pregnancy test report, she hadn’t reacted at all or questioned Stefan even once. But Ariana didn’t want to engage in any pointless arguments with her now. In five more days, she wouldn’t be part of Stefan’s life anymore. Right now, she just wanted to handle everything in front of her to make leaving easier. Seeing that Ariana didn’t respond, Jane’s eyes immediately reddened, “Stefan, is Ariana upset? After all, you two were supposed to get married, but…” Hearing Jane say this, Stefan frowned deeply and reproached Ariana with displeasure, “Jane is sincerely trying to thank us. What’s with that attitude? It’s just dinner—she’s not going to poison you. You have to go!” Before Ariana could say a word, Stefan had already labeled her as the one in the wrong. In the end, she was still dragged to the restaurant by Stefan. When the server came to take their order, Ariana had just opened the menu when she heard Stefan say, “No parsley in any of the dishes.” After all the food arrived, Stefan attentively took care of Jane and pushed a plate of shrimp toward Ariana, “Jane can’t eat seafood right now. I ordered this especially for you.” Looking at that plate of shrimp, Ariana instantly lost her appetite. She put down her fork and said softly, “I’m allergic to seafood.” How ironic. After five years together, Stefan didn’t know his girlfriend was allergic to seafood, yet he knew Jane’s dietary restrictions inside and out, even remembering details like her not eating parsley. Stefan looked momentarily dazed, and when he looked at Ariana, a flash of guilt crossed his eyes. He then ordered several more light dishes. But Ariana had lost her appetite and just silently sipped the water in her glass. Right after they walked out of the restaurant, Ariana received a call from Sarah, “Ariana, Mr. Wood asked me to confirm once more—are you sure you want to participate in the project according to the normal experimental schedule? The first experiment involves confidential content, and you might not be able to contact the outside world for a year or two.” Ariana’s gaze fell on Stefan and Jane ahead of her. The two walked side by side, and when going down the steps, Stefan carefully supported Jane’s waist. Ariana’s voice was calm, “I’m sure.” Sarah sighed with relief after hearing this, “That’s good. Mr. Wood was worried you wouldn’t be able to bear leaving your fiancé.” Ariana looked away and turned to walk in another direction, “The wedding’s been called off. I’m ready and can leave anytime.” Just as she finished speaking, a confused voice came from behind her, “Who’s leaving?” Stefan had just helped Jane into the car when he heard her final words. Ariana realized he hadn’t caught what she said earlier, so she made up an excuse: “My friend is leaving soon.” Stefan nodded without pressing further. Four days before the departure, Stefan brought back his and Jane’s wedding photos. He held his phone in one hand for a video call with Jane while displaying the framed photo with the other, his eyes filled with tenderness: “Jane, our wedding photos are ready. When I picked them up, the staff said they turned out beautifully.” Just then, Ariana came out to get some water. A flash of awkwardness crossed Stefan’s eyes as he looked at Ariana, seeming to want to explain something. Ariana glanced at the photo and commented earnestly: “They really do look nice.” She had paid top dollar for this photographer, hoping to capture the most loving moment between her and Stefan. She once thought that seeing the final photos would bring her unprecedented happiness. Stefan in his suit was indeed as handsome as she had imagined. The only difference was that the bride standing beside him wasn’t her. And her heart no longer stirred with even the slightest emotion over it. From the day she learned of Jane’s pregnancy, she had completely withdrawn her feelings for Stefan. Stefan, however, was stunned. He suddenly realized that Ariana hadn’t really talked to him properly in a long time. Even during the week he and Jane went traveling, she hadn’t sent a single message. This unusual behavior made him somewhat uncomfortable. Jane continued chattering away on the video call. Stefan shook his head, pushing down that hint of unease, attributing it to Ariana being too tired from wedding preparations lately. Two days before departure, Ariana went to the hospital to stock up on medications, only to run into Stefan and Jane just finishing a prenatal checkup. A rare flash of panic crossed Stefan’s eyes. He was about to say something when Jane beat him to it. She walked up to Ariana, grabbed her hands, and spoke with a choked voice: “Ariana, I know you’ve never agreed to Stefan and me having a child, but I really can’t wait any longer. The doctor says I have at most a year left, and I desperately want to see the baby born. Once the child is born, I’ll leave Stefan immediately and won’t interfere with your relationship.” Before Ariana could respond, Stefan tenderly helped Jane up: “You’re not well. How can you do this to yourself?” He then looked at Ariana with determination: “Since you already know, I won’t hide it anymore. Don’t worry, this won’t affect our wedding.” A month ago, Ariana might have been furious, devastated, desperate, even wondering if she had done something wrong to make Stefan willingly have a child with another woman. But after everything that had happened, she finally understood. It wasn’t that she wasn’t good enough—Stefan simply didn’t love her. Because he didn’t love her, he could ignore her feelings and make such a decision. Ariana had long known about Jane’s pregnancy and had completely let go of all her feelings for Stefan. So there was no need for them to keep pretending she was trying to sabotage their relationship. She looked at them silently for a moment, then withdrew her gaze and said calmly: “I understand.” With that, she took her medication and prepared to leave. Her departure was approaching, and she still needed to pack. The two behind her clearly hadn’t expected Ariana to be so calm. Especially Stefan, who watched her retreating figure with complex emotions. She had made such a fuss about the pregnancy for a month, yet now she seemed indifferent to everything. An inexplicable unease rose in his heart, as if something had quietly changed without his notice. Ariana had just reached the stairwell when Jane caught up and grabbed her sleeve. With Stefan still behind them, Jane finally revealed her true intentions: “Ariana, how does it feel to watch your fiancé have a child with another woman?” Ariana didn’t want to engage in pointless conflict and shook off her hand to leave. But as soon as she applied force, Jane stumbled and fell toward the stairs. Ariana instinctively grabbed her hand, preventing her from falling. Before she could let go, an angry voice came from behind: “What are you doing?” Stefan, who had been puzzled by Ariana’s unusual calm, now understood everything upon seeing this scene. She had only appeared calm on the surface while still unable to accept the situation internally. Seeing Stefan approach, Jane immediately put on a pitiful expression, her eyes reddening as she clutched her belly: “Stefan, I just wanted to thank Ariana for being so understanding, but I never expected she would…” Hearing this, Stefan’s expression darkened: “Ariana, I never thought you were this kind of person! Apologize to Jane immediately!” Hearing his accusation, Ariana couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “You want me to apologize? Go check the security footage and see if I actually did anything wrong. Don’t you have any idea what really happened?” She never expected Stefan to accuse her of trying to push Jane down the stairs without even reviewing the surveillance footage. Stefan said, “Jane is a patient, and she’s pregnant. Do you think she would deliberately hurt herself?” Upon hearing this, a flicker of panic crossed Jane’s eyes. “Forget it, Stefan. Ariana is upset about my pregnancy, so it’s normal for her to treat me this way. Let’s just go.” But Stefan refused to back down. “No way. She has to apologize to you today!” Ariana stood her ground as well. She would never admit to something she didn’t do. Jane worried that if they kept arguing, Stefan might actually check the surveillance footage, and then she’d be exposed. So she clutched her stomach, claiming she felt unwell. Stefan’s angry expression instantly turned to concern. He immediately scooped Jane up in his arms and rushed off to find a doctor. Watching their retreating figures, Ariana felt endless bitterness wash over her. Twenty years of companionship, five years of living together day and night, yet it couldn’t earn her even a shred of his trust. Fortunately, she had finally come to her senses and could still pull herself out in time. That night, Stefan didn’t come home. Ariana figured he was probably busy taking care of Jane. On her last day before leaving, she shipped her packed belongings to the lab, keeping only one suitcase. Late at night, Stefan finally returned. His face still carried traces of anger. “Jane is still in the hospital. She’s a patient, and the baby isn’t stable either. Even if you didn’t do it on purpose, couldn’t you be a little more generous and tolerant? Do you have to be so petty about everything?” Generous? Ariana thought she had been generous enough. She had given up the wedding dress and photographer that should have been hers, given up the man who was supposed to become her husband, letting him have a child with Jane. Now, did she have to give up her place beside Stefan too? Stefan inadvertently noticed the red mark circled on the calendar, and his expression softened slightly. “Alright, we’re getting married tomorrow. I don’t want to fight with you anymore. After the wedding, you can apologize to Jane, and then we’ll go on our honeymoon. Have you arranged the honeymoon itinerary?” Ariana didn’t respond. If Stefan had paid even the slightest attention, he would have noticed there were no wedding decorations in the house at all. “We…” she was about to speak when the phone suddenly rang. Jane’s voice came through the phone, and Stefan’s expression immediately grew tense. “Wait for me, I’ll be right there.” After hanging up, he immediately got up and headed for the door. “Jane isn’t feeling well. I need to go check on her. I’ll be back before the wedding. Remember to go to the hotel tomorrow and wait for me.” The moment the door closed, the words she had been holding back finally escaped Ariana’s lips. “Let’s break up, Stefan. The wedding is canceled.” Her voice slowly faded in the empty room, with only the ticking of the wall clock echoing. Ariana sat in the living room from night until dawn, watching the view outside the window change from pitch black to daylight. Her phone suddenly vibrated. A text reminder showed there were two hours left before boarding time. She got up and walked into the bedroom, took out her already-packed suitcase, then picked up a marker and drew a big X over the heavily circled “10” on the calendar. Then she wrote a message beside it: [Stefan, let’s break up.] She placed the calendar in the most visible spot, pulled her suitcase, took one last look at this home where she had lived for five years, then turned and left, taking a taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Stefan.
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