Fooled Eleven Times, Freed at Last

Once again, I found myself alone as I made my way to the city hall. A fog seemed to cloud my mind.All around me, strangers flowed by—couples walking hand in hand, families with young children, and elderly partners who had weathered time together.Their happiness hit me like a slap, a painful reminder that my partner's love was fleeting. If it were real, she wouldn't keep leaving me behind.Tears welled up and streamed down my face, but I lifted my chin, trying to steel myself. Stumbling to a corner, I collapsed, crying without restraint.Seven years felt like an entire chapter of my life, but all I got in return for my love were nothing but betrayals.Though I wore my finest clothes, I was the most shattered person on that street. No one else could have been as miserable as I was.Nonetheless, I'd been through this kind of despair more times than I cared to count. This was the 11th time. People often claimed that misfortune wouldn't strike more than three times, but I had alre

But this time, I simply took the file from Timothy and said calmly, "I'm happy to accept the company's assignment."While others climbed the ladder with promotions and pay raises, I remained stuck in the same role for seven years.I wasn't blind to the whispers behind my back. Everyone thought I was a fool. Despite my potential, I had let a woman hold me back.Timothy paused, a look of surprise flashing across his face."And what about Paisley?"Judging from his expression, he thought it would take days to get me on board. He clearly hadn't expected such a quick agreement."I can decide for myself. You're right. A man shouldn't reach his later years with nothing to show for it.""That's the spirit. I believe in you. Now, go ahead and start preparing."As Timothy patted my shoulder, I let out a slow, steady breath.I had chased Paisley for seven years, only to be left behind time and again. I gained nothing from her; I was the one constantly giving.Work, on the other hand, wa

As she stood halfway out the door, Paisley stopped and typed a message, her words carrying a hint of regret."Adrian, Justin is sick. I'm taking him to the hospital and will find you as soon as I can. He's sick. Please don't take it out on him. My heart belongs to you alone."By that point, I was almost numb. Was I really expected to back down just because he was sick?But the truth was, I didn't owe him anything. Whether his illness was genuine or a lie, it made no difference to me.I had checked with several friends about Justin's health.He was born with a congenital heart defect, but thanks to proper care during his childhood and timely heart surgery, he shouldn't be experiencing frequent attacks like these.What struck me most was how conveniently his "attacks" always seemed to occur—on my birthday, our anniversary, or the very days we were meant to register our marriage.I had never known anyone whose symptoms flared up so predictably. Was it possible he was controlling it

Paisley had started to notice that I no longer comforted her or felt sympathy when she cried.She wiped her tears away and drove me to the office in silence.She seemed to wither in that instant, like a flower in darkness. But I had stopped caring long ago.When we arrived, she didn't drive off right away.Instead, she looked at me with pleading eyes and asked, "I'll come pick you up this afternoon, okay?"It was always the same. Once someone realized they were no longer loved, they started walking on eggshells.These were our last few days together. For the sake of what we once had, it was better to keep the peace.Paisley smiled. She was just as beautiful as before, but my heart no longer stirred.Watching the scene unfold, Timothy grew anxious. He hinted and probed throughout the day, worried I might change my mind.I gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'm going abroad. It's for the benefit of both her and me."If Paisley couldn't decide, then I would decide for he

Paisley sifted through the locks one by one, searching desperately for the one engraved with our names.She wanted proof of our love, yet the constant stream of people made it all the more challenging.No matter how long she searched, it was nowhere to be found."It's gone. It's really gone. Why isn't it here?"She collapsed to the ground, her tears falling freely. Unwilling to give up, she pulled out the key again."You promised you'd love me for a lifetime. That's what you said."Adrian, I haven't been in contact with Justin for a long time. I followed your suggestion and told him to hire a caregiver."He won't come between us anymore. I'll go abroad with you, and we can build a life for just the two of us."Thousands of steps stretched beneath me, each one a scar deeply etched into my memory.But through all those steps, happiness felt like a distant murmur, drowned by her frantic questions and the heaviness of my own pain."If you're still unsure, I'll block him right now