Too Late, I Walked Away

From the backseat, I watched them returning to the car after their marriage registration, without saying a word. Over the past seven years, I had exhausted myself to elbow my way in Liam’s world. I learned their favorite board games and even deliberately mimicked their manner of speaking. I thought I could earn a place in his circle as long as I exerted all my energy. But Lyra never had to lift a finger to lock in her with him forever. I finally knew some seats simply weren’t meant to be won through effort. "What a terrible music!" Lyra suddenly grumbled, frowning as she reached for the center console. "It's noisy!"The song playing was from my playlist. Liam kept logging into my account because he knew I like to hear my songs in his car."Don't be such a pill."Liam slapped her hand away."I’m carsick. I just want something quiet. What's the big deal?"Lyra retorted, stubbornly reaching for the console again. Two seconds of silence passed."You're such a hassle," Liam muttered, cavi

Early morning, Liam pulled me out of bed as if nothing has happened yesterday.“Sophia, it’s time to head out. It’s a sunny day for a hike.”There was no sign of displeasure last night on his face. It seemed that his figure rushing out of the door was nothing but my delusion.“Don’t worry. Lyra won’t come with us.” He paused as if he took it granted, “I’ve made full preparations for her. She can pamper herself with hot spring, ski resort and fine food at the foot of the mountain. I didn’t want her getting bored down there and coming up to cause trouble.”Liam even thought about the way for her to kill time. How thoughtful he was!The path up the mountain was steep. Liam walked ahead of me, occasionally turning around to lend me a hand. But he was absent-minded. Lyra’s messages came one after another. He replied to Lyra while talking to me, “Are you tired? We can take a break.”His phone rang before we finished less than half of the journey. It was Lyra, her voice trembling with tears.

Liam heavily panted, saying in a hoarse whisper, “Sophia. Are you leaving? Where are you going?“We’ve broken up. Wherever I go is none of your business.”Liam stepped into the elevator, blocking my path as he reached for my suitcase. “I can explain the bet.”I took a step back, “I don’t need it.”“Please, just let me finish.” He suddenly raised his voice, ‌his eyes glistening with tears, “That was a bet from seven years ago. At the very beginning, I chased after you on a whim, out of spite. But, it didn’t stay that way. I later realized I truly love you, Sophia!”"Liam." I cut him off coldly, “The way you love is really unique.”He bit his lip hard, unable to utter a word. The elevator arrived at the first floor. As the doors slid open, I pulled my suitcase forward, but Liam grabbed my wrist instantly. “Sophia, give me one more chance. Please.”“It has been seven years. How many chances have I given you?” I stared straight into his eyes. “Whenever you bickered with Lyra, exchanged g

I glimpsed the message and shoved the phone in my pocket, carrying the water cup back to the desk.Blair asked me, “What’s up? You look pale.”“Nothing.”“Did you see the news?” She yielded to curiosity, “Liam…isn’t he your…?”“Ex-boyfriend.”“Aren't you going to check on him?”“Why would I?”Blair was astounded for a moment.“He is just injured, not dead. Even if he died, it wouldn’t matter to me.”Blair stared straight at me before breaking into a smile, “You truly don’t love him anymore.”I didn't answer. Everyone thought I was just being stubborn and refusing to admit I still love Liam. Only I knew it was the truth.‌ When love is gone, it’s just gone. It was pouring rain the day I worked late. Stepping out of the office building, I forgot my umbrella and stood under the awning, waiting for the downpour to stop. A black car pulled over by the roadside. I found Liam in the driver’s seat when he rolled down the window. His right hand was wrapped in a thick white bandage, suspended i