Celine sat in contemplation on her bed. It was unusual for Zack not to send messages like he did that morning. Only a casual "good morning" was received from him. After that, he didn't send any more messages."Good morning, Dear," Celine greeted Zack through a message.No response. Celine continued to wait, engaging in her usual activities. Occasionally, she glanced at her phone screen, but there was still no reply. Throughout the months of dating Zack, he never let her be alone. If it weren't a morning shift, Zack would usually come to pick her up for a morning stroll or to buy chicken porridge.That morning was different. Celine started to feel uneasy because, by 8:00 AM, she hadn't received any replies from Zack. Celine called Zack several times but got no answer. Zack's behavior made Celine agitated all day. Her heart was restless. Once again, she began to think of unfounded thoughts.Celine smiled happily when the metallic blue car arrived at her house around lunchtime. She knew

43 – Lily, The ExZack stood up. He and the woman who had greeted him earlier now faced each other. Zack was impressed by the beauty of the woman who had once touched his heart. He was very nervous. However, he managed to compose himself, remembering Celine."Uh, hi, Lily.""Hi, Zack. I thought you were out of the town.""No. I rarely go there.""They say you have a girlfriend there?""Yeah. Uh, please, have a seat.""Uh, okay."Shortly after, they engaged in conversation. Lily and Zack reminisced, recalling when they were still in school, remembering their friends, and even reminiscing about their past relationship.They laughed together and regretted their naivety at that time."By the way, are you alone? Where's your husband?" Zack asked.Lily sipped a glass of orange juice and told him about her fate and her husband, "We've separated.""Meaning... divorced?""Yes.""And your kids? How are they?""I entrusted them to my mom.""How long have you been separated?""Quite a while. Abou

Celine reluctantly followed Zack's mother's request to stay overnight. Coincidentally, she was very tired. Celine even planned to take a day off from work the next day. However, she didn't want to talk to Zack. She had been upset about his behavior since Lily's arrival. The anger intensified when she saw Zack sitting face-to-face with Lily.That night, Celine sat with Zack on the house terrace. For a while, they remained silent, busy with their thoughts."Celine," Zack called. "Can I explain something?"Celine didn't answer. She remained still and didn't look at Zack at all. Her heart was still furious, feeling betrayed by her lover."About the woman you met at the stall ... you misunderstood. I have no relationship with her."Celine stared into Zack's eyes with intensity, making the man uncomfortable."I don't care!"Zack sighed roughly."Celine, forgive me. I know I was wrong. I waited to inform you for several days because Leo came to your house. I know. I realize now that I was wr

The breakup words finally came out. For Celine and Zack, the burden they felt was indeed heavy. Yet, at least, it gave them little time to rearrange their hearts and prejudices. The phrase is that a relationship without trust is like planting a tree in barren soil without water to nourish it. Every relationship will face phases where loyalty and trust are tested. The results will be beautiful in due time for those who successfully navigate through these trials. And for those who stumble and fall due to a lack of trust, they should use it as an opportunity for self-reflection. The absence of trust may be caused by their ambiguous and unclear attitudes in expressing feelings. The temptations from third parties, which cannot be denied, are obstacles that need to be wary of. When Celine arrived at her home, her silent demeanor and gloomy face made Gina curious. "What's wrong, sis?" she asked concerned. "Nothing. Why?" Celine felt that keeping it to herself was the best for now. "Rea

The night was getting late. All the afternoon shift employees had left the production area. Some of them, including Celine, went straight to the parking lot, ready to go home. Her eyes scanned for her automatic scooter, her companion for the past few years.The girl smiled upon seeing the blue-white scooter far from the parking lot entrance. After taking and starting her scooter, Celine left the export shoe factory. However, her steps halted when she saw a man with a big motorcycle smoking in front of the factory."Leo?""Oh, Celine. Heading home?""Yeah. What are you doing here at this hour?""Just wanted to make sure you're safe. Shall I accompany you home?""No need. I can go home by myself.""It's okay, I'll stay behind you.""Whatever!" Celine exclaimed lazily.She then started her scooter again and passed by Leo, leaving him behind. Nevertheless, Leo was persistent. He still dared to follow Celine until she reached her home, even though, in the end, he only saw Celine from behin