10
For the next few days, Jake was a persistent shadow.
Constantly appearing in my sight, deliberately trying to get my attention.
Daniel noticed my unease.
One evening, he stood beside me, saying calmly, “If you have troubles, I don’t mind removing obstacles.”
I thought he wanted to appear ambiguous.
Maybe he wanted to kiss me in front of Jake? That wasn’t the case.
Before I could respond, he acted. Soon, one
of Gu’s projects was cancelled, Jake had to
rush back to the company.
Finally, peace.
<
I rested well at the villa, my complexion
improved.
Daniel just accompanied me for walks.
Days later, I decided to go home to pack.
I planned to hire movers, but Jake insisted, “I
won’t let strangers in.”
Reluctantly, I went myself.
Jake opened the door, unusually cooperative.
But in my room, all my Hello Kitty plushies
were gone.
“Jake, where are my plushies?” I asked coldly. He glanced at me, sulking. “Sold them, all on the online marketplace.”
I sneered. “Even if you sold them, you
wouldn’t find buyers that fast.!
I checked his online listing and found them.
They were listed for $10,000 each, sold as a
bundle.
“You still remember my account, we still have
feelings, right?” Jake said, with a hint of
L
expectation.
“What are you talking about?” I interrupted
coldly.
Jake scratched his head, sounding helpless. “We’ve fought before, you always apologized first. Sarah, why not this time?”
Looking at him, sadness welled up. “Jake, you want to break up too, right? You said our anniversary was important, really? I asked the flower shop, you ordered a huge bouquet of sunflowers and roses. I’m allergic to
sunflowers. Where did those flowers go? You arranged my trip abroad, too. Jake, I realized I never really knew you. What are you after? If you want to break up, just say it. I won’t cling
to you.”
Jake’s face turned pale, his lips moved, but
he couldn’t speak.
I took a deep breath. “Oh, right, Daniel said
you’re getting engaged? You hid such big
news from me. You planned all this, you wanted me to be your side piece?”
Jake panicked, his voice shaking. “You know?”
Long ago, I noticed Jake’s mother’s attitude changed.
She treated me like her daughter, she even contacted me first when Jake ran away. She held our hands, saying, “Take care of each other in college.”
In our junior year, we became official. Jake’s mother took off her jade bracelet and gave it to me, “This is our family heirloom for our daughter–in–law, Sarah, keep it safe.” I thought I was accepted by the family. But last year, Jake’s mother asked for the
bracelet back.
She said casually, “The bracelet needs
cleaning.”
Giving it back, I felt uneasy.
く
The bracelet never returned.
I understood, but didn’t want to accept it.
I thought I was Jake’s chosen one.
He’d said, “Sarah, you’re in my future.”
But we hadn’t gotten engaged in eight years,
no promise.
Something was wrong.
11
Packing my bags, I was about to leave. Jake grabbed my hand, pleading, “Sarah…”
I coldly pulled away. “Please respect
yourself.”
“Sarah, I didn’t mean to…” he tried to explain, his eyes full of panic.
I interrupted, my tone calm but cold. “From
the moment you wanted to have your cake
and eat it too, we had no future.”
“I was gambling, that your love for me would
surpass societal prejudice.” His voice
softened, helpless.
<
“No, Jake, it’s not societal prejudice,” I looked
into his eyes, saying each word clearly. “Making me your side piece is an insult.” Especially with such despicable methods. Repeatedly manipulating me, making me accept his infidelity.
Making me feel guilty and self–doubt.
Making me psychologically dependent on him. Finally, he begged, “I’m sorry, Sarah, forgive me one last time.”
I remained silent and left.
After resigning, I booked a trip to Tibet.
I worked hard all those years, barely taking a
vacation.
Finally, I had time to breathe.
At the station, surrounded by people, I felt
calm.
Suddenly, someone patted my shoulder.
I turned, and saw Daniel, carrying a simple
bag, with a familiar Hello Kitty plushie.
He smiled faintly.
“Let’s go,” he said softly, as if it was natural.
I was stunned, then smiled. “How are you
here?”
He shrugged, relaxed. “Heard you’re going to
Tibet, I want to go too. Let’s go together, we
can look out for each other.”
Looking at him, warmth filled my heart.
Perhaps, this is a new beginning.
