Seven Years of Misguided Love，One Goodbye

I returned to my apartment and pulled out the wedding suit I had tailored for Dylan. In a fit of rage, I tore it to shreds.Then I opened the closet and gathered all the jewelry Dylan had given me over the years.Logging onto a second-hand trading website, I listed everything for sale.Within hours, the items were sold one after another. I donated all the proceeds to the orphanage where I had lived as a child.My friend Olivia called shortly after, her voice filled with gratitude. “Lydia, thank you for your donation. It’s truly a lifesaver.”“No need to thank me,” I replied calmly. “It’s all money from a scumbag, so I spent it with a clear conscience.”The sum was insignificant compared to Dylan’s extravagant lifestyle, but for the orphanage, it could provide the children with a brighter future. A bitter smile crossed my face as I wrestled with mixed emotions.“Did you and Dylan... fight again?” Olivia asked cautiously.“We broke up.”“You’ve broken up a hundred times before.”“This t

Just after I hung up on Dylan, my phone chimed with Ethan’s name on the screen.“Lydia, didn’t you say you’d treat me to dinner?”“Sorry, I… I picked up some freelance work and have been busy rushing to finish illustrations,” I stammered on the phone.“No matter how busy you are, you still need to eat dinner, right? Are you free tonight?”“Sure. What do you like? I’ll make a reservation!”“I’ve already taken care of it. Just show up tonight.”“Alright, then… see you tonight.”I hurriedly ended the call, my cheeks burning.The wild scenes from that night flashed through my mind. Even now, closing my eyes, I could still smell the scent of Ethan’s cologne.I didn’t know how to face him since we lost control that night. That’s why I hadn’t reached out.What exactly was my relationship with Ethan now?A mistake?Friends with benefits?I shook my head, telling myself not to overthink it for now.Ethan is very handsome and humorous. When I’m with him, I feel relaxed and happy—that’s enough, i

The next morning, I booked a flight and rushed to the hospital, where Dylan was admitted.When I reached the door of his ward, I saw him lying quietly on the bed, with Sarah by his side.Strangely, the sight didn’t sting. Instead, it brought a sense of relief.I didn’t enter the room. Instead, I spoke to the doctor to confirm if his injuries were life-threatening or not and left. In the days that followed, I occasionally thought of Ethan. I wanted to talk to him but put my phone down every time I picked it up to call. I couldn’t muster the courage to do it. I didn’t want to hurt him.One afternoon, as I stared at Ethan’s WhatsApp profile picture, Olivia called.She invited me to the orphanage’s Christmas event next week. I understood her intentions—she was worried I’d feel too lonely spending the holidays alone after breaking up with Dylan.I prepared a lot of gifts and painted some watercolor pictures.What I didn’t expect was to run into Ethan at the Christmas event. I wanted to ta

“The doctor said he shouldn’t be discharged yet, but he insisted on coming to give you these jewelry pieces. He even had a diamond ring custom-made for you.I’ve never seen Dylan put so much effort into any woman. You’re truly special to him!” His assistant said. I pushed away the bag. To me, they were far less valuable than a simple necklace worth 500 yuan.“I don’t want to be special. I want loyalty, someone irreplaceable, someone who is the only one!”As I spoke, I glanced at Ethan.Ethan met my gaze with understanding and determination, then firmly held my hand.“But you are Dylan’s only one right now. That Sarah…” Dylan’s assistant hurriedly tried to explain.“Enough!” Dylan snapped, cutting him off with a cough.“I think you should take Dylan back to the hospital. He doesn’t look well. I’ll cover the cost of his treatment,” I said politely to his assistant.The emotions Dylan had been holding onto crumbled entirely.His expression as he looked at me was one of utter sorrow.If i