Love Is Lost

Dad has a stroke and needs money to save his life. I'm left with no choice but to borrow money from my secret CEO boyfriend of five years.Before I can even say anything, he frowns and tells me he's busy. Then, he hurries off to attend his childhood sweetheart's birthday celebration.He only remembers me the following day. "What did you need?"I hold Dad's death certificate and smile wanly at him. "Nothing. I just wanted to tell you that we're over."Light snow drifted from the sky as I asked the man standing next to me in front of the tombstone, "I had an ex-boyfriend of five years. Are you still willing to marry me?""I'm willing." The man wrapped a scarf around my neck, his eyes gentle yet firm. "Sydney, I like you far more than you can imagine."My fingers tightened around my bag, but I didn't shy away from the scarf."Alright, give me five days. We'll get married then."Then, I asked him to leave first so I could have a final moment with Dad.It was the fifth day since Dad had pas

The next morning, as I headed out to the company to resign, I immediately noticed Benji's car parked at the entrance. He opened the door and motioned for me to get in."Come on, let's head to work together," he said.I knew this was his way of making up.In the past, I would have happily accepted, even if it meant getting out a block early and walking in heels the rest of the way. But this time, I simply waved my phone at him."No need, I've called a ride.""Are you seriously throwing a tantrum because I asked you to apologize to Esme?"Benji extended his hand again and continued, "Warren Group is preparing to be listed. We need to handle high-level negotiations and elite business circles. Esme is taking care of all that. Can you handle the consequences if you drive her away?"Five years hadn't left much of a mark on Benji physically, but to me, the man standing before me was nothing like the Benji who had once pursued me.We'd met at the company's annual gala. I was a rookie i

Benji strode past me and carefully helped Esme up.He asked worriedly, "Are you okay? Can you still walk? Let me take you to the hospital."Esme leaned weakly into Benji's arms and sniffled. "Ben, please don't be mad at Ms. Carroll. It's my fault. I shouldn't have given that good project to someone else."I shouldn't have advised Ms. Carroll to watch her words either. I was only thinking about the company and you, and I completely ignored her feelings. I deserved to be hit."Benji actually believed her act. He took off his jacket and gently draped it over her shoulders, saying, "It's okay. I know you're not that kind of person."Turning around, he cast me a look of indifference and impatience."Sydney, if you didn't understand what I said earlier, let me make it clear again. I was merely joking when I said I'd propose to you once you become project director. I will never marry you. If you cause any more trouble, pack your things and leave the company immediately."So, this was t

The airport wasn't far from Roscoe's house, and just as I regretted not bringing gifts for his parents, we had already arrived.His mother, Dolly Shaw, eagerly and warmly took my hand."We've been waiting for you for many years, Syd. Don't worry, even though your wedding is quite rushed, we've been preparing for years. Now that you're here, the wedding can happen anytime."They had been preparing for years?Seeing my confusion, Dolly immediately sold out Roscoe."Oh, Syd, you didn't know? He's been in love with you since high school! He told us he won't marry anyone but you. But, you know, he's a bit shy, so it took him years to finally win you over."She then handed me a pair of soft pink house slippers. "Here, this is your favorite color, right?"Feeling the softness beneath my feet, I felt utterly touched.So, this was what it felt like to be valued?I had yearned for this during my five years with Benji but had never received it.I hugged Dolly and said, "I'm really happy