Breaking the Shackles of a Secret Crush

Initially, I had loved Elliot Lautner for four years and he had pinned after Nikki Stewart for four years. I finally grew tired and turned to accept Kendrick Jefferson, who had secretly loved me for four years.

For three years, he pampered me into becoming the happiest woman in Covington city. Until at Elliot and Nikki's engagement day, his good friend accidentally let something slip, "Kendrick, to fulfill Nikki's happiness, you actually pretended to love Maya for three years. That's ruthless!"

"Tsk, as long as Nikki is happy, it doesn't matter who I marry," he said. I finally understood that all his affection for me was just his unresolved feelings for Nikki.

Forcing back the tears threatening to spill, I dialed my mother's number and said, "Mom, I agree to the arranged marriage you and Dad set up for me."

——

On the other end, my mom gasped in surprise, "Didn't you always oppose the idea of an arranged marriage? Why agree so suddenly? If you truly don't want this, we can cancel it. Don't force yourself."

Taking a deep breath and holding back the tears welling in my eyes, I forced a light laugh, "Mom, you're right. Marrying the right person is far easier for happiness than marrying for love. Give me a week. I'll wrap things up here and come back to get married."

The sound of the door opening reached me and Kendrick walked in and asked, "Marriage? Who's getting married?"

"My childhood friend." I lied casually.

Kendrick hung up his coat, turned around and pulled me into his arms. His warm kiss landed on me. "Your childhood friend? The bride isn't you, right?" he raised an eyebrow at me teasingly.

Yes, Kendrick, it's me. I forced a smile and turned my face away, pushing him back, "Don't. I'm not feeling well today."

"As you wish, honey. After all, we're getting married soon, it doesn't have to be now." Kendrick pinched my chin and turned to the study.

I let out a bitter laugh. Not anymore, Kendrick. We will never get married.

A buzz from my phone notified me of a new message. I glanced at it, it was a post from Nikki: [Had a fight with my fiancé. Feeling so empty, so lonely. Anyone want to keep me company?]

Kendrick immediately rushed out of the study, grabbing his coat in a hurry and said, "There's an emergency rescue mission. I need to go now!"

Before I could reply, Kendrick stormed out, as if he was truly on his way to save lives. Watching his flustered back, leaving without even closing the door, my heart clenched in pain.

He had loved Nikki for seven years, yet hadn't even earned the right to be her lapdog. She granted him the title of Backup Boyfriend No. 1 and he was thrilled for a long time.

I stood up, quietly shut the door and finally let the long-suppressed tears flow freely. Taking the anniversary gift I had prepared for our three-year relationship from my pocket, I tossed it into the trash. Kendrick, since you don't love me, I wouldn't love you anymore.

Half an hour later, I saw another post from Nikki: [He dropped everything to be with me because of our friend circle. He is worthy of being the number one backup boyfriend!]

The accompanying photo showed a man kneeling like a loyal dog at her feet, massaging her legs. On his wrist was the Rolex I had bought for him not long ago.

I let out a cold laugh, put down my phone and started packing. Since I had decided to leave, I didn't want to leave any trace of myself in this house.

The bedroom, living room and study were filled with photos we had taken during our three years together.

I took them down one by one and threw them into an old metal bucket. Taking the bucket to the terrace, I burned the photos one by one. Each photo held memories of our time together.

Only now did I realize that the backgrounds of these photos often appeared in Nikki's posts.