From Heartbreak and Parting to a Triumphant Comeback

After ten years of dating, my boyfriend proposed, and I accidentally overheard his conversation with his friends.

He said, "I don't love Zoe Somer as much anymore. After being together for many years, our love has evolved into a deep-rooted affection akin to family ties."

***

Around seven o'clock, Evan Falcon sent me a message on WhatsApp, complaining that he had drunk too much at a social event and had a stomach ache. He wished I was there.

So, as soon as I finished work, I hurriedly bought some stomach medicine and prepared to surprise him.

The private room door was slightly ajar, and I heard his voice just as I was about to push it open. "I feel that my feelings for Zoe have transformed into a sense of familial closeness, to the point where even our intimacy feels like my left hand touching my right, devoid of any spark or sensation."

My hands abruptly stilled, and I stood there motionless and stiff.

Their conversation continued.

"Then why are you still marrying her?" One person asked.

After silence, Evan said, "After all, we have been together for so long; I have a responsibility to her."

"What about Yuga?" One asked.

His friend hinted, "As Yuga is a wealthy girl, she bravely cast aside her dignity in pursuit of you, going so far as to unselfishly provide you with her family's resources, fully aware of your existing relationship and the impossibility of reciprocation. Can you sincerely claim to be unaffected by her devotion?"

"In my opinion, you have done everything you can for Zoe. How many true loves can a person encounter in their lifetime? It would be best if you held on to Yuga tightly," One of Evan's friends said.

"You don't understand," Evan took a puff of smoke and exhaled deeply.

Amidst the smoke, he sighed softly, "Yuga is indeed wonderful, but it seems we are fated to be apart. If there is a next life, let me meet her first."

My breath hitched, and for a split second, it felt like my blood was boiling over with adrenaline.

I never thought that Evan, who had been in love with me for ten years, would consider someone else his true love and eagerly promise his next life to another woman.

We had been together for ten years, occupying nearly one-third of our lives.

Evan had long become a part of my body.

The truth was within reach, but I lacked the courage to uncover it.

I admitted I was a coward.

If I lay everything out, I must be prepared to cut out the part of me that belonged to Evan.

That would be too painful.

As humans, we all had the instinct to seek benefits and avoid harm, so the thought of questioning him only appeared for a brief moment, and I fled.

I returned to the apartment we had planned to use as our wedding home.

Everything in the room was so familiar.

Evan proposed to me here not long ago, and I said yes.

There were still flowers I bought last night on the table, and we chose the sofa and coffee table together.

There was a large floor-to-ceiling window in the living room.

Because I once told him that if we had our apartment one day, it must have a floor-to-ceiling window.

This was our personally decorated home, once filled with all our expectations for the future.

No.

Now, it seemed that this may only be my own expectation.

Evan's call came in, and I looked at the flashing light on my phone, but I never answered.

The messages came right after, [Why didn't you answer the phone? Are you tired?]

[Rest early today, and you don't have to wait for me.]

[Miss you, goodnight.]

I lifted my hand to shield my eyes, yet tears persisted, trickling through the narrow gaps between my fingers.