A Hopeless Love

On the day I was discharged from the hospital, no one came to pick me up.I took a taxi alone and returned to the cozy little home that Miles Graham and I once shared. It was a place just for the two of us outside the Graham residence.As I pushed the door open, I could hear the sounds of laughter echoing inside. I was stunned for a second but still walked in calmly.Just then, Miles glanced up at me. His expression was cold as he snapped, "I only warned you not to touch Nora's things. It wasn't like I was asking you to strip on the spot."The zipper broke, but the dress didn't even fall off. Did you really need to fake an episode? You embarrassed me in front of my family."Nora Spencer clung to Miles' arm, covering her nose as she said mockingly, "Leilani's convulsions were so convincing! If she joined the entertainment industry, she'd definitely be Oscar material."Miles let out a derisive laugh. "Her? She wouldn't even dare to show skin."Nora laughed so hard at Miles' statem

Before I could reply, Nora retracted the message. I had grown tiresome of this little game of hers. Ever since she returned, she had been sending me photos of her and Miles in intimate moments.I remembered the first time I confronted Miles about it. He glanced at me briefly, then smiled indulgently. "Nora? She's just trying to tease you. Even after all these years, she's still so mischievous.""Miles, what are you saying?" I stared at him in disbelief.His smile faded, and he let out a faint scoff. "Don't come to me with this nonsense again. If Nora and I wanted to be together, we would've done so long ago."This time, I quietly blocked Nora.I casually opened another chat and, after some thought, sent a message to him. "I'm planning to join a water conservation project in Affenheim. Maybe I'll spend the rest of my life there."…After graduation, I gave up staying at the university to become Miles' secretary. Then, Miles arranged for Nora to join the company when she returne

When I got off the plane, my mentor stood there holding a sign with my name and greeted me with a radiant smile."Ms. Gardner, I've missed you so much," I said as my nose tingled with emotion.Having lost my parents at a young age, I had faced everything in life alone. Seeing Ayla Gardner—my mentor, friend, and almost a mother figure—I couldn't help but feel a deep pang of sadness.She stood before me. There was worry and gentle reproach in her voice as she said, "Gosh, I should've forced you to come here two years ago. It would have spared you from all that drama and wasted time back there."I nodded in agreement while looking at her closely. Her once smooth and supple skin had grown rougher. Her lean, upright figure now resembled a pine tree weathered by harsh winds, radiating a serene, steadfast aura.Ms. Gardner had long earned the title of lifetime achievement professor at her university. She could have spent her days teaching students, doing research, and living a peaceful l

I instinctively stepped back. Miles seemed hurt by my reaction, and his emotions erupted. He stammered while grabbing my arm, "How could you come to this godforsaken place without telling me? Are you really planning to stay here forever?"I've told you countless times, Nora doesn't threaten your position! Come back home with me, please? We can get our marriage license right away and have a grand wedding! I'll give you everything I have!"I gave him a brief, cold glance and let out a faint laugh. My reaction left him utterly confused. It was as if his confidence had been drained."Is there anything else?" I asked calmly.It was as if Miles' pride was wounded. He quickly grew angry, revealing his true nature. "You don't love me anymore, do you? Did Carter send you to Affenheim first? That brat's been moving assets here lately. Are you two planning to elope behind my back?"Hearing him bring up Carter, I felt my own anger ignite. "We've been over for a long time. If you want to thr