Rapid Breakdown

“Let’s break up, Carl.”I never dreamed that I would be the one asking for a breakup.I had a crush on Carl Lorde for three years and tried to win his heart for five. When we finally got together, I did everything he wanted and never even considered a breakup.He cast me aside for Cynthia Winston, his childhood friend, repeatedly and put me on the spot constantly. Yet, I never made a fuss because I loved him and had spent five years winning his heart.I could not bear to give up on him. But at this very moment, I was in despair because I had lost my baby.Due to one single phone call from Cynthia, he heartlessly left me and my baby in a deserted area. In the end, I miscarried.When I lay alone on the hospital bed and never received any replies on my phone, I gave up.After staying in the hospital for half a month, I applied for a discharge despite the doctor’s protest.I returned to Carl’s house and packed up my stuff. Just as I was about to leave, I saw him and Cynthia coming

However, Carl just acted like he had heard a joke. Displeased, he said, “What on earth are you saying? Even if you’re joking, there’s a line you can’t cross.”Carl had a talent for pushing me off the edge.I loved him so much in the past and tolerated whatever he did. When it came to him, I always had a pair of rose-tinted glasses. But I no longer loved him. All I felt for him was disappointment and disgust.Cynthia just had to say the word, and he would go to her no matter what. Yet, everything I said was meaningless to him.I should have figured this out long ago.The moment Cynthia heard that I had miscarried, she was overjoyed.However, hearing Carl’s response, disdain rose on her face. “Natalie, even if you’re mad at Carl, don’t curse your baby! The baby’s innocent,” she mocked me.No one wanted my baby to be alive more than I did. I would give everything up for my baby to be alive again.At this point, Carl finally realized that I was acting abnormally and not being as su

Carl still had something to say, but he was worried about upsetting me even more. So, he left while dragging his feet.When I woke up the next day, I saw Carl sitting by my bed and staring at me lovingly. Seeing that I was awake, he grabbed a lunch box on the table. “Natalie, I made you some porridge. The doctor said that you need to go on a bland diet. Once you’re better, we’ll get more nutrients into your body.”He had never been so gentle and caring toward me before. That was a privilege solely reserved for Cynthia.Whenever Cynthia was sick or unwell, Carl would go and take care of her. He would even stay with her after she got better to help her relax. His excuse was that she had stayed in the hospital for a long time.As for me, no matter how sick I got, he would just tell me to visit the hospital and never ask about me. There were even times when he yelled at me for bringing my germs back home. Apparently, it would be horrible if Cynthia caught my illness.Hence, he would a

Still worried, Riley cast me a look. When he saw how insistent I was for him to leave, he eventually relented.Before he left, he said, “You have to stay safe. If anything happens, call me.”I promised in the form of a nod.Throughout the exchange, Carl watched by the side in silence. Once Riley left, he walked over to me.At that moment, I noticed him holding a delicate box. As he opened it, I saw what was inside.It was a pair of beautiful, matching sapphire rings. I had mentioned that I loved them offhandedly in the past.Carl knelt down on one knee and proposed to me earnestly, “Natalie, I’m sorry. Will you marry me?“Let’s start over, okay? I really do like you!“Haven’t you always wanted your own family? If we get married, you can fulfill your dream.”However, I just found the situation ridiculous. “No need. Whenever I see you, all I feel is disgust. Carl, if you’re really concerned about my well-being, just leave me alone.”He wanted to say something else, but he fell