Farewell to Love, Hello to Freedom

Leo Wilson planned a highly anticipated proposal for me.

Under the spotlight at the concert, countless fans screamed and celebrated. I took the microphone with a calm expression.

"I refuse."

Everyone thought I was crazy. Actually, I overheard him complaining.

"Vivian's always nagging. It's so annoying.

"Mia is more fun. She's so exciting to play with."

Everyone knew Leo loved me.

In college, he was an out-and-out rich second generation.

He skipped classes to go to bars and parties everywhere.

He partied all day and night, living happily.

As for me, I had not many friends. All I had to show were my academic credentials and looks.

During a chance college gathering, we played truth or dare. Leo and I ended up together.

The playboy, Leo restrained his wild nature for me, the good girl. He wore a school uniform and was not going to the bar.

In my sophomore year, I complained that the film directing teacher was too popular and I could never get a seat.

Leo would bring breakfast every morning and save a row of seats by 6 AM.

I took notes while he slept.

On weekends, he accompanied me to the library and didn't go clubbing at all.

One girl, not giving up and wanting to cling to him, once blocked the entrance to Leo's villa naked.

The bodyguards threw her into the trash. They shredded her clothes. She had to leave her wrapped in a plastic bag.

Leo took it further by reposting the video on the school forum with a high-profile comment.

"I already have a girlfriend @Vivian. Don't try to ruin our relationship. Don't blame me for being rude!"

For a while, Leo and I became the talk of the school.

The sudden excessive attention made me very anxious.

Leo dyed his striking red hair black. He wore a uniform and carried a backpack to attend classes discreetly with me.

In our senior year, the Wilson family went bankrupt after a failed investment.

Leo suddenly fell to my level, becoming just as ordinary as me.

After a week of no contact, I finally found him in a small rundown house in the suburbs.

The moment Leo saw me, he tried to close the door in a panic. I held the door and insisted on going in.

The old iron door was rusty. Leo, worried I might get hurt, sighed and let go.

"Leo, no matter what you become, I love you.

"As long as I'm with you, even if I have to collect trash and sleep under a bridge, I'm willing."

As a young girl, I was eager to hold on and expressed my feelings incoherently.

Leo's eyes turned red. He wiped away my tears with heartache and hugged me tightly.

That night, I met his parents in the rundown house.

Despite their downfall, his still graceful parents happily held my hand and advised Leo.

"Leo, girls as pure and kind as Vivian are rare now. You must cherish her."

Leo hugged me, looking sweet and happy.

Under the moonlight, Leo's deep, blue eyes were full of tenderness and sincerity.

He made a promise not to let me down.

That night, I tilted my head to kiss his lips. I was trembling as I closed my eyes and let everything happen.

It had only been five years since that day. The once struggling boy had risen to the top again and mentioned me to his assistant on his phone.

"She's so boring.

"She's always nagging.

"So stingy. I just bought a 500,000 watch, and she said I was wasting money.

"Mia is still the fiery one. She's such a stress relief in bed!"

I didn't deny his past love for me.

But now, the hatred was also real.

He was just pretending.

I didn't expose him. Maybe I didn't dare to face the truth, or maybe I still had a bit of nostalgia and stubbornness, wanting to deceive myself one more time.