PinkMeow›werewolf›A Bitter Farewell

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A Bitter Farewell

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My boyfriend lost his memory and mistook the girl who had been chasing him for me. He was preparing to marry her.

I returned the engagement ring to him, but I accidentally discovered it was all an act.

He kicked me out of the house, and I warned him not to regret it.

Yet on the day of my engagement, he wept pitifully.

One

Julian was hit on the head by a falling object. I didn’t find out until half a month later.

I had thought he was on a business trip out of town, but it turned out he had been whispering sweet nothings with Yvonne at the hospital.

Even when a friend sent me a photo of them together, I still refused to believe it.

It wasn’t until I went to the hospital myself and Julian and his “new flame” threw me out that I was forced to accept reality.

Julian had completely forgotten me, mistaking Yvonne for me.

No matter how I laid out the facts, he refused to believe me.

He was cold and disgusted with me, treating me worse than a stranger.

That day, I received a notice from the doctor that he might regain his memory.

I rushed to make his favorite lean meat porridge and brought it to him.

When I arrived at the hospital, the room was empty.

“Nurse, where did the patient from this bed go?”

“Oh, it’s you. He was discharged today. His girlfriend came to pick him up.”

I stood there frozen, the thermos in my arms nearly slipping from my grasp.

I called Julian, but Yvonne answered.

“Selene, you again? My boyfriend said he doesn’t want to see you.”

“Yvonne, let him talk to me.”

“But he’s busy celebrating with me. Just say what you need to say quickly. Don’t disturb our date.”

Yvonne laughed arrogantly.

She had been chasing Julian since her sophomore year, but back then, he was devoted to me and ignored all other advances.

If it weren’t for his memory loss, Yvonne wouldn’t have had a chance to get close to him.

“The doctor said he might regain his memory. Don’t get too cocky, Yvonne. When he remembers everything, he won’t let you get away with this deception!”

“Really? Then I’ll be waiting.”

Julian’s gentle voice came through the phone.

“Yvonne, who is it?”

Yvonne handed the phone to him directly.

As soon as he heard my voice, his tone changed.

“Didn’t I tell you to stop bothering me? Why are you so shameless? Can’t you take a hint?”

“...”

That was the kindest thing he had said to me since waking up.

He had never hurt me like this before.

I took a deep breath.

“Julian, she’s lying to you. When you regain your memory, you’ll realize...”

“Enough!”

His voice was icy, making me shiver.

I sniffled, tears threatening to spill.

“Julian, I showed you our photos and all the proof of our past. Why won’t you believe me?”

“You’ve never treated me like this before.”

A sneer came from the other end, dripping with sarcasm.

“Since you’re so desperate for me to remember, why don’t you make me some of my favorite soup and bring it over?”

Two

I had just finished making chicken soup.

Julian texted me, saying he wanted fish soup instead.

I gripped the knife handle tightly but patiently made the soup again.

In the end, I brought both soups.

I had learned to cook just for him.

Maybe if he tasted the familiar flavors, he would remember me.

The meeting place was a hotel.

When I walked in, the place was decorated with flowers and balloons, looking very romantic.

Julian came out, with Yvonne clinging to his arm. She was wearing a little black dress, her figure stunning.

“Senior, I didn’t think you’d actually come.” Yvonne smirked triumphantly.

I ignored her, staring straight at Julian as I handed him the thermos.

“Julian, you like green onions. I added them to both soups...”

Before I could finish, he handed the thermos to Yvonne.

He gently squeezed her hand.

“You’ve worked hard taking care of me these past few days.”

“It’s only right. I’m your girlfriend.”

Yvonne looked at me, deliberately frowning. “But I don’t like green onions. I don’t want to drink this soup.”

“Then throw it away.”

Julian’s casual words made all my hard work go to waste.

So he hadn’t really wanted to regain his memory. He was just toying with me.

My face pale, I stared at Julian, struggling to hold back my tears.

Julian glanced at me impatiently. “Why are you still standing there? Do you want to watch me propose to Yvonne?”

“Yvonne was right. You’re a hopeless, clingy fool.”

I didn’t know how Yvonne had brainwashed him.

But I could guess.

In Julian’s mind, our roles had been swapped.

He now loathed me, believing all my so-called evidence was fabricated to trick him.

Summoning my last bit of courage, I met his cold gaze.

“Julian, there’s still plenty of proof of our past at home. You can come back and see it.”

“No need. Move out tonight. I need to help Yvonne pick out couple items.”

Julian said coldly, while Yvonne beamed with joy.

I clenched my fingers, feeling a chill spread through me.

That house had been left to Julian by his parents.

He had once said he would propose to me there.

Three

I didn’t watch their proposal.

But Yvonne posted photos on social media—their intertwined hands adorned with matching diamond rings.

Her joyful words stung my eyes.

I didn’t understand how someone could switch feelings so quickly just because of memory loss.

Why did he trust Yvonne so much?

Because she was the first person he saw after the accident?

I went back to pack my things, but I couldn’t finish in one night.

The next morning, I ran into Julian and Yvonne walking hand in hand into the house.

They were still wearing last night’s clothes.

I didn’t need to guess what had happened after the proposal.

A wave of nausea washed over me.

How could Julian do this to me?

We had been each other’s first love. He had promised to be faithful.

“Why are you still here?” Julian’s voice was cold.

The moment he saw me, he looked away as if I were something disgusting.

Yvonne stood by watching, telling him how she wanted to decorate the room.

Julian agreed to everything, playfully tapping her nose.

I forced myself to look away and dragged my heavy suitcase out.

“The moving truck will be here soon. There’s still some stuff in the room. I’ll grab it and leave.”

The room felt empty without his things.

I pulled out the simple ring he had given me after graduation, hesitating whether to take it or throw it away.

Julian came in to rush me, saying Yvonne was tired and needed rest.

I knew they just didn’t want me around.

“I’m leaving now. This ring—you gave it to me when you graduated.”

“You said that in a few years, you’d replace it with a diamond one. I didn’t think you’d give it to someone else.”

Julian stared at the box, his gaze lingering for a moment.

I tossed it into the trash.

“Julian, it doesn’t matter if you don’t remember me.”

“I don’t want you anymore anyway.”

“...”

For once, Julian didn’t mock me. He stood there in silence.

I closed the storage box and brushed past him.

“There are some things you gave me in the living room,” he said coldly. “Throw them all away. They’re an eyesore.”

I glared at him and swept everything into the trash.

There was a pair of gentleman rabbit figurines I had given him last Valentine’s Day.

I was too rough, and one fell and broke, leaving only one rabbit standing on the shelf.

I crouched to pick up the pieces and cut my finger.

For a second, I saw hurried footsteps in my peripheral vision.

I looked up and caught a flash of panic on Julian’s face before it turned cold again.

Silently, I cleaned up the mess.

As I walked out with the storage box, I stopped and turned to look at him.

“Julian, you didn’t lose your memory, did you?”

Otherwise, how would he know those things in the living room were from me?

Four

Julian froze, his expression凝固 with surprise.

I narrowed my eyes, finding it almost funny.

I had just guessed randomly, and it turned out to be true?

“I didn’t think you’d figure it out so quickly. How boring.”

Yvonne laughed, throwing my potted plants into the trash.

I stared at the man in front of me, unable to believe it.

“Julian, what do you mean?”

Yvonne stepped forward and linked her arm with his.

“Since she knows, let’s tell her the truth.”

Julian glanced at her, then chuckled.

He laughed in a roguish way, completely different from the gentlemanly, gentle man I had known.

“Selene, I was planning to drag this out a little longer and watch you beg. But you left so decisively. How boring.”

“Fine, I’ll tell you the truth. Yvonne and I have been together for a long time.”

I was stunned, rooted to the spot like a statue.

“Then why did you pretend to lose your memory?”

“For fun. Yvonne thought it would be amusing. That fish soup the other day? She wanted it. I didn’t think you’d actually bring it.”

They both laughed, as if I were a clown.

I clenched my fists, wanting to tear that smile off their faces.

But reason told me I couldn’t take them both on.

So he had been cheating on me all along.

Before the accident, he had been so caring, reminding me about my period.

But in reality, he had been sharing his affection with two women.

I asked the cliché question, my voice bitter.

“So, Julian, you don’t love me anymore, do you?”

Julian looked as if I had asked something ridiculous.

“You don’t have Yvonne’s figure. What makes you think I’d keep liking you?”

“But thanks, Selene, for taking such good care of me all this time.”

I felt my stomach churn, a bitter ache spreading through my chest.

What had I been to him during those three years?

How many times had they laughed at me behind my back while I was running around frantically during his accident?

No wonder Julian’s friends had all stayed silent when I asked them to explain.

Disgusting.

Absolutely disgusting.

Five

After moving out of Julian’s house, it took me a long time to recover.

The person I had treasured so much had taken my feelings and trampled them underfoot.

I couldn’t believe that his three years of love for me had all been fake.

The nights he stayed up to take care of me, the carefully chosen gifts—it all felt like a dream.

Turns out, falling out of love can happen in an instant.

Even breaking up, he had to toy with me like this.

...

I had no parents and no close friends in this city.

I checked into a hotel and planned to find an apartment the next day.

I thought I would bounce back quickly, but reality had other plans.

I got scammed out of two thousand dollars while apartment hunting.

At work, I lost an important document because I was distracted, and my boss docked my bonus.

My coworkers, who already disliked me, made things even harder.

I didn’t expect a breakup to leave me so vulnerable.

After a terrible day, I saw Yvonne and Julian’s photos on social media.

Julian was cooking for her, buying her gifts, treating her like a princess.

All of that used to be mine.

I couldn’t understand why Yvonne would treasure a man who cheated.

Was it because he had a handsome face?

They deserved each other.

Six

At the end of the month, I was fired.

A coworker made a mistake on a project, costing us the deal.

But since she was the boss’s relative, I was the one let go.

Even without that incident, I knew I wouldn’t have lasted long.

As I was leaving the office with my things, I ran into someone familiar in the elevator.

Philip, Julian’s friend.

He had also been part of their scheme to deceive me.

I tried to ignore him, but he spoke first.

“Selene, what a coincidence!”

“I heard you and Julian broke up. Is it true?”

I nodded coldly.

Philip raised an eyebrow, as if he had expected it.

I sneered. “Is this fun for you?”

Philip’s smile faded, and he sighed.

“I didn’t want to do it, but Julian is my best friend, and I...”

The elevator doors opened. I didn’t want to talk to him anymore, so I hurried out.

He caught up and grabbed my shoulder.

“Hey, Selene, there’s something... I should tell you.”

I shook off his hand and told him to get on with it.

“When Julian first started pursuing you, it was because of a bet we made while drinking. The prize was a car.”

“None of us thought he’d be able to keep up the act for three years. We were impressed.”

“But it’s good that you two broke up. Julian isn’t right for you.”

He spoke as if he were doing me a favor by telling me the truth.

But all he did was crush what little self-respect I had left.

I gripped the storage box, my fingers trembling.

So even his love for me had been fake.

“Why did he choose me?” I asked stiffly.

I honestly didn’t know what I had done to deserve being toyed with like this.

Philip thought for a moment, then muttered:

“He said you were quiet and didn’t stand out much in the club.”

“He thought you’d be easy to pursue, so...”

His voice trailed off, as if he realized how childish and cruel it all was.

A wave of disgust washed over me, making me nauseous.

I gave him a cold look and walked away quickly.

Seven

After that, I fell seriously ill.

Forcing myself to let go of the memories and feelings felt like ripping out a part of me.

It was like scraping flesh from bone, leaving nothing but blood and pain.

In my hotel room, I slept for what felt like an eternity.

I almost thought I wouldn’t wake up.

Even when I was a child in the orphanage, bullied and ostracized, I had never felt this heartbroken.

I had always been quiet and introverted.

People often attacked me for it, calling me mute or a freak.

Then Julian came into my life, and I thought he was my light.

I never imagined that light would one day burn me.

He had used my personality to win a bet, never truly caring about me.

...

When I woke up, my pillow was soaked with tears.

I didn’t want to cry anymore.

He wasn’t worth it.

I blocked everything related to Julian.

I had studied in this city and built my life here, so I didn’t want to leave.

Julian lived in the west, so I moved to the east to find a job.

From then on, I kept my distance.

Eight

My new job was as a designer’s assistant at a studio.

My boss, Lucas, was a very aloof person.

Maybe because he was three years older, he had a mature perspective on many things.

I enjoyed working with him.

He was usually very quiet, which made my own silence feel less awkward.

Today, he suddenly asked me to accompany him to the mall after work to pick out gifts for his parents.

As an employee, I didn’t want to work overtime.

But he offered double pay.

Happily, I suggested various gifts.

“For your mother, a silk scarf or jewelry would be safe choices.”

“Which one do you think looks better?”

He asked casually while checking his emails.

I looked at the display and picked out a classic bracelet and necklace.

He glanced at them and bought both.

After shopping, Lucas offered to drive me home.

I looked up and saw a familiar figure in the distance.

Julian was standing nearby, holding a bag of desserts.

It was from my favorite brand.

He met my gaze, his expression dark.

My heart tightened, a sharp pain spreading through me.

I was about to pull Lucas toward another elevator when Julian walked over.

“What a coincidence,” he said with a smirk, his demeanor far from the gentleman he used to pretend to be.

I guess he didn’t need to keep up the act anymore.

“We’re not close. No need to greet each other,” I said coldly, remembering what Philip had told me.

Julian’s smile faltered as he sized up Lucas.

His eyes lingered on Lucas’s expensive watch and the luxury shopping bags.

He let out a light laugh.

“Selene, you’re quite something. Found a new fling already?”

In his eyes, I was that worthless.

Lucas frowned, uncomfortable with Julian’s tone.

But instead of clarifying our relationship, he raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Selene, a friend of yours?”

I was startled by his casual use of my name but nodded.

“Yeah, but not close.”

“Should I wait for you in the car?”

“No, I’ll go with you.”

I moved closer to Lucas, not wanting to stay with Julian.

Julian narrowed his eyes, looking displeased.

“In such a hurry? Don’t want to catch up? You used to beg to see me.”

He seemed determined to embarrass me.

I clenched my fingers and shot back.

“I was blind back then. If I had known you were such a jerk, I would rather stay single forever than look at you twice.”

“Of course, I should thank you for showing me your true colors. Now I can find someone better than you.”

With that, I deliberately tugged at Lucas’s sleeve.

It wasn’t holding hands, just a subtle, flirtatious gesture.

Julian frowned, his face darkening.

I felt a small sense of satisfaction and glanced at the dessert in his hand.

It was strange that he had come all this way to buy it.

Julian noticed my gaze and sneered.

“What, do you think I’m still hung up on you?”

“...”

Of course, I wasn’t that naive.

Soon, Yvonne came out of the restroom.

She saw me and clung to Julian’s arm, as if marking her territory.

“Yvonne, I bought this for you,” Julian said, handing her the dessert.

Yvonne was surprised but quickly smiled.

“I just mentioned it casually. I didn’t think you’d remember.”

“Of course. You’re my treasure! But you’re preparing for pregnancy, so you should eat less of this.”

“I know. I’ll listen to you.”

Yvonne looked blissful.

They were moving fast. It seemed they were planning to get married.

I looked away and gently tugged Lucas’s sleeve again.

“Let’s go.”

Nine

On the way back, I was distracted.

Lucas started the car and asked softly, “Your ex-boyfriend?”

“Yeah. Sorry about that, boss.”

“It’s fine.”

He remained expressionless, as if he didn’t mind being used earlier.

I stared at the scenery outside, feeling dejected.

“Boss, do you think I have terrible taste?”

He thought seriously for a moment.

“No. People change.”

“It’s his fault. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

He had a point.

I looked at his profile—his sharp features as refined as the products he designed.

Even someone as rational as him had an unforgettable ex, right?

I had heard from the office gossip that Lucas had only returned to the country after breaking up with his ex.

She was supposedly an impressive woman.

Ten

On Mid-Autumn Festival, I received a gift from Lucas.

I thought it was just the company’s mooncakes.

But underneath the mooncakes was the necklace I had picked out last time.

So he had given the bracelet to his mother.

But why give me something so expensive?

I asked him directly on WeChat.

I couldn’t bring myself to ask in person.

He replied late that night.

Lucas: It suits you.

Just four words, but I couldn’t decipher their meaning.

I bit my lip, suppressing the strange feeling in my chest.

Maybe he was just rewarding me for my hard work.

After all, I often stayed late to work with him.

After the holiday, the company took on a big project.

The contact person turned out to be Lucas’s ex-girlfriend, Zoe.

No wonder the office atmosphere had felt off since morning.

I brought the documents into the meeting room. Only the two of them were there, and the air was icy.

After pouring coffee, I tried to leave.

“Stay, Selene. I might need you to look up some information.”

Lucas’s tone was the same as always.

But something felt off.

I sat down nervously, trying to focus on my work.

Zoe glanced at me, her gaze appraising.

Eleven

After that, wherever Zoe went, I was sure to follow.

She tried several times to get rid of me but failed.

Gradually, the way she looked at me changed.

I guess I had ruined her plans for reconciliation.

But Lucas didn’t seem interested in getting back together. He only talked about work.

Being stuck between them as a buffer was uncomfortable.

On Friday night, the office lost power.

Zoe told me to leave early, saying she needed to discuss something with Lucas.

As I walked out of the building, I realized the entire area was blacked out.

Someone was on the phone, complaining and demanding the power be restored quickly.

I hurried toward the subway station, feeling like someone was following me.

I gripped my bag tightly, scared.

When I passed a group of pedestrians, I pretended to look back and caught a glimpse of a dark figure.

The person was wearing a hat and looked thin.

Even though he was bundled up, I thought he looked a lot like Julian.

But I quickly dismissed the thought.

Why would he come all the way here? To buy Yvonne more desserts?

I mocked myself and kept walking.

Suddenly, a hand landed on my shoulder.

“Ah!”

I screamed and turned around to see Lucas, out of breath.

“Boss?”

“Why are you walking so fast? I called you, but you didn’t answer.”

Lucas wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“I was going home. My phone was on silent during the meeting. Did you need something? Is there a problem with the documents?”

“No. I came to take you home.”

He looked at me seriously, as if he were about to attend an academic conference.

I paused for a moment.

“Huh? That’s not necessary. I can get home on my own.”

“The whole area is dark. It’s not safe for a woman to walk alone. Come on.”

Without waiting for my response, he headed toward the parking lot.

Twelve

Sitting in his car, I was still puzzled.

He was my boss. Why would he go out of his way to take me home?

Even if the power was out, I wasn’t the only one working late.

I thought about the necklace and couldn’t help but let my mind wander.

But Lucas was such a serious person. I didn’t dare speculate too much.

I cleared my throat and tried to probe.

“Boss, didn’t Zoe say there was still work to do? Isn’t it bad for you to leave?”

“Work can wait until tomorrow.”

“But...” I glanced at him and decided to be direct.

“Your ex-girlfriend wanted you to stay for a reason. You must know that, right?”

In my opinion, he wasn’t clueless.

When other women tried to get close to him, he was always tactful in turning them down.

Lucas glanced at me and said softly, “She’s just a business partner, not my ex-girlfriend.”

I nodded, understanding that he was drawing a clear line.

When we reached my apartment, I thanked him.

As I was about to get out of the car, he suddenly asked, “Selene, haven’t you noticed?”

“Noticed what?”

“I’ve been trying to court you.”

“...”

I was so stunned that I forgot how I got out of the car.

Lucas didn’t pressure me for an answer. He just smiled and said goodnight.

It wasn’t until later that I realized the snacks during lunch, the blanket during breaks, the encouragement during overtime—none of it was from him as my boss. It was from...

I had always seen him as my superior, and I had just come out of a painful relationship. I never considered the possibility.

I didn’t dare respond to Lucas easily, afraid it might be another trap.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. I scrolled through social media.

Remembering the dark figure from earlier, I checked Yvonne’s page.

Julian had been with her on a tropical island all day.

So it wasn’t him.

But oddly, I didn’t feel disappointed. I was just relieved.

Good. It was time for me to move on.

Thirteen

The next morning, Lucas came to pick me up for work, bringing my favorite breakfast.

I stood there, at a loss.

“Boss, this makes me uncomfortable.”

If my coworkers found out, I would be judged.

Lucas thought for a moment. “Sorry, I didn’t think it through.”

“Let me drive you today. From now on, I’ll ask for your permission first.”

Everything he did was measured, making it impossible to dislike him.

I ate breakfast in the car, feeling his occasional glances.

I knew I was ordinary, so I was curious—what did he see in me?

While waiting at a red light, I asked, “Lucas, why do you want to court me?”

“Because... you attract me.”

He suddenly gripped the steering wheel tighter, as if nervous.

I smiled. I had never seen him like this during business negotiations.

“For example?”

“For example, you’re serious about your work and your life. You don’t gossip about others behind their backs. When you’re treated unfairly at work, you don’t complain to me. You handle things in your own way.”

He looked at me. “I like serious women. Like you.”

My heart skipped a beat. I looked away.

“Zoe is serious too. Why didn’t you get back together with her?”

“She liked me because it was convenient for her.”

I frowned. Was it really that complicated?

To me, Zoe seemed like an excellent, independent woman.

“Selene, don’t feel pressured. If anything makes you uncomfortable, you can tell me anytime.”

Lucas spoke with conviction, making him seem reliable.

The light turned green, and the car moved forward.

Out of consideration for me, he didn’t stop at the company entrance. He let me off at the corner.

Fourteen

Lucas kept his word. He stopped doing things that made me uncomfortable.

Sometimes he would drive me home, but he always asked first.

Occasionally, he would prepare small surprises for me.

To be honest, I was starting to waver.

Being with him was genuinely pleasant.

In October, Lucas took me on a business trip to another city.

At the hotel, I ran into two familiar faces.

Julian and Yvonne looked like they were on vacation. They seemed surprised to see me.

Yvonne smiled, sizing me up. “Selene, are you here on vacation with your boyfriend too?”

“I’m here for work. He’s not my boyfriend.”

“What, still trying to latch onto someone?”

Julian raised an eyebrow, his tone mocking.

Lucas walked over with the room keys and overheard.

He put his arm around my shoulder.

“Still sulking? He’s not my boyfriend yet, but he will be soon. Right?”

His tone was intimate, catching me off guard.

Julian and Yvonne’s expressions froze, as if they couldn’t believe a wealthy boss would be interested in someone as ordinary as me.

Lucas glanced at them and smiled.

“Julian, right? Thank you for taking such good care of Selene before.”

“...”

Julian’s face darkened, as if he had swallowed something bitter.

How strange. He had said the same thing to me before.

Why couldn’t he handle it when someone said it to him?

Lucas blocked my view and led me into the elevator.

Once inside, he let go.

“Sorry for acting without permission earlier.”

“Haha, it’s fine. I should thank you.”

Just thinking about Julian’s expression made me laugh.

Lucas smiled too when he saw me laugh.

Fifteen

Work ended late. Lucas was taken to a bar by the client.

He knew I didn’t like those places, so he told me to go back to the hotel first.

In the hotel lobby, a figure stood out conspicuously, as if waiting for a long time.

Julian stared at me, his gaze intense, as if he wanted to devour me.

I quickened my pace toward the elevator, but he followed.

I glared at him warily. “Julian, what do you want?”

“Do you really come back this late every day because of work?”

“What does it have to do with you? What right do you have to question me?”

If we were broken up, why couldn’t he just leave me alone?

Why did he keep haunting my life?

The elevator arrived. I wanted to wait for him to leave before going up.

But he grabbed me and pulled me inside.

“Julian, what are you doing? I’ll call security!”

I struggled, but he pinned me against him.

The elevator doors closed, leaving us alone in the cramped space.

I smelled the strong alcohol on him and frowned.

“Julian, aren’t you afraid Yvonne will see?”

“Or do you just love cheating? Is the thrill that exciting for you?”

I sneered, but he only held me tighter. I bit his wrist.

I bit hard, but he didn’t let go.

Up close, I noticed he had lost a lot of weight.

So Yvonne wasn’t taking good care of him?

“Selene, I regret it.”

His voice was hoarse, choked with tears.

I froze, stopping my struggle.

He gripped my arm, as if afraid I would disappear.

“I mean it. I...”

“Shut up! What do I care if you regret it?”

I looked at him coldly. I wouldn’t be fooled again.

His eyes were red, his expression pained.

To me, it all looked like another trap.

“Julian, you were the one who let me go. Don’t come back to bother me now.”

“Without you, I’m doing just fine.”

Julian stared at me, his face full of sorrow, his hands trembling.

“Really? Are you happy with that man?”

“Of course. Unlike you, he doesn’t make me sad.”

He choked, as if words were stuck in his throat.

“Selene, do you really love him?”

“Yes. So stop looking for me. I don’t want him to misunderstand.”

“...”

Silence. Slowly, he let go.

The elevator doors opened.

“Fine. I hope you’ll be happy.”

Sixteen

For the next few days, I didn’t see Julian or Yvonne.

Good. It saved me the trouble.

After work, Lucas took me to try the local cuisine.

After a few drinks, he looked at me tenderly.

“Selene, I’ve really enjoyed working with you.”

“Me too.”

“Then how about we try being together? Maybe we’ll be just as compatible in life.”

I looked into his bright eyes and didn’t hesitate.

“Okay.”

Lucas was truly a great person.

Disciplined. Decisive.

I was drawn to him too.

No one knew we were together.

At work, he would secretly hold my hand where no one could see.

It was sweet and thrilling.

Lucas was right. We were compatible in life, and we rarely argued.

The only big fight we had was when I wanted to quit and try something else.

He was worried I would fail and get hurt. He argued with me for a long time before gently convincing me to stay.

Overall, our relationship as adults was relaxed and enjoyable.

Gradually, Julian faded from my life.

My focus was entirely on Lucas.

Seventeen

A year later, Lucas proposed to me.

It was on a camping trip, on a grassy field decorated like a dream.

His friends cheered and clapped.

“Marry him! Marry him!”

Lucas knelt on one knee, looking at me with deep affection.

I couldn’t hold back my tears.

“Selene, will you marry me?”

“Yes!”

I nodded, my voice choked, and he lifted me up.

Through blurred eyes, I saw a familiar figure in the crowd.

It looked like Julian. He seemed even thinner than before.

But when I steadied myself, he was gone.

It didn’t matter. I didn’t care if he had been there.

He was no longer part of my life.

Under Lucas’s loving gaze, I saw hope for the future again.

Eighteen

Lucas bought a new apartment in the city center.

We hired a designer to renovate it.

He was busy lately, so I checked on the renovations after work.

Today, the weather was gloomy, with a light drizzle.

As I reached the apartment complex, I ran into Yvonne.

She looked pale but managed a smile.

“Selene, I heard you’re getting married. Congratulations!”

“Thanks!”

I was about to congratulate her too, but I noticed the ring on her finger was gone.

She caught my gaze and put her hands in her pockets.

“Julian and I broke up.”

“Oh.”

I felt nothing, as if she were talking about a stranger.

Yvonne seemed dissatisfied with my reaction but didn’t say anything. She just sighed.

“Selene, I’m sorry about everything before.”

“This is my early wedding gift to you. I hope you’ll be happy.”

She pulled out a blue box from her bag, her expression heavy.

Before I could refuse, she shoved it into my hands and walked away.

I watched her retreating figure, feeling uneasy.

I went to check on the renovations. They were almost done.

Soon, Lucas arrived, bringing my favorite egg tarts.

He noticed the box by the door and asked what it was.

Before I could answer, he opened it out of curiosity.

What was inside stunned me.

It was a gentleman rabbit figurine, identical to the one I had given Julian.

Was Yvonne doing this on purpose?

She broke up with Julian and sent this to spite me?

“It’s cute. Reminds me of you,” Lucas said with a smile.

“How is it like me? I don’t like it. Throw it away.”

“Didn’t you buy it?”

“No.”

Seeing my expression, he didn’t ask further and tossed it into the trash outside.

Nineteen

By the end of the year, Lucas became very busy.

He often worked late into the night.

As his assistant, there wasn’t much I could do to help.

But as his fiancée, I made him a late-night snack and brought it to the office.

When I arrived, I saw Lucas walking out with a woman.

“When are you getting married? I thought you were only dating her to appease your parents. I didn’t think you were serious,” the woman said with a light laugh.

Lucas nodded. “I’ll send you an invitation.”

“What’s so special about her? Your mom introduced you to so many women. None of them were good enough?”

“Other women have too many ideas. She’s more suitable as a wife.”

“You mean... a homemaker?”

“Yeah. I need someone who will focus on the family after marriage.”

The woman scoffed and shook her head.

“You haven’t changed at all. No wonder Zoe broke up with you.”

“...”

The woman walked to her car, and Lucas watched her leave.

I stood behind a potted plant.

Even though it was spring, I felt an icy chill.

I knew Lucas’s family didn’t like me because of my background.