Semua Bab Sing Through the Pain: Bab 1 - Bab 9

Staring down at the abortion report in my hand, I fell silent for a long time.Nancy Reid and I had known each other for three years. She said she was uninterested in being intimate and always refused to get close to me.I believed her.During those three years, aside from holding hands and hugging, we barely kissed at all.I thought she was the kind of girl with traditional values, and I quietly felt lucky.But the report in my hand hit me like a hard slap, mocking my foolishness.I was so careful and cautious with every kiss, yet someone else had already deflowered her.She had even had an abortion.I put the report back, as if trying to fool myself.As long as I pretended I didn't see it, maybe my relationship with Nancy could still be the same.Late at night, Nancy came home.But she wasn't alone; there was someone with her.The moment I saw the man, it was like a bomb went off in my head."Gideon, why are you just sitting there? Come help me!" Nancy snapped.I sat fr

The moment I saw the photo, all hope I had left was shattered completely.Even a stray dog would develop some feelings for a human who was with them for years.But to her, it seemed I was worth less than a stray dog.If that was how she felt, then she couldn't blame me for cutting her loose without mercy.I forced myself to pull it together and went to the hospital alone.While I was hooked up for an IV, Nancy called."I won't be home tonight because I'm working late at the office. Just buy some medicine yourself," she said.Before I could say a word, the line went dead.Not a single word of concern.For years, whenever she was sick—even with a headache or a cold—I never left her side.I wasn't saying I was keeping score or expecting anything in return.Because I never once asked for her to repay me for treating her well.But at the very least, I was the man she was about to marry.And yet, here she was, going on dates with another man while her own fiancé was sick.Did s

When I highlighted to Howard that his daughter was five years younger than me, he just laughed and said, "Age is just a number."When I met his daughter, Valerie Conner, I was a bit surprised.Howard was big and broad-faced, but Valerie was stunning—absolutely breathtaking.Compared to my awkwardness, Valerie was confident and natural."Mr. Poole, don't feel awkward. My dad's always like that. Just think of me as your tour guide and travel buddy," she joked.During our conversation, I learned she was an art major.Not just that, she was also the school's campus beauty.Over the next few days, she stuck by my side, and she even called me "Hunk".She was easy to get along with.One day, she asked if I wanted to go on a trip, just to relax.I thought about it for a moment.Then I said, "I want to travel to many places across the country."I'd love to visit Stonebridge to see the legendary Guardians of the Realm statues and try the famous smoked brisket sandwiches and cool cucu

"If you have any complaints, you're welcome to sue me."I said that and started to walk away, but Nancy suddenly grabbed my hand."Please let me explain. I admit I was involved with Keith, but that was a long time ago. The person I truly, really love is only you. I never once thought about betraying you."She never once thought about betraying me?Her words struck me as laughably absurd.Taking wedding photos with Keith might have been a moment of weakness.But what about sleeping with him? Getting pregnant? Having an abortion?She opened her legs on her own—no one forced her, right?I didn't even want to argue with her. I just shook her hand off sharply."Don't touch me. You're filthy."She stared at me for a long moment, then suddenly smiled."I get it now—you're jealous because I kept in touch with Keith, right? I promise you, I can cut off all contact with him. Can you come home with me now?"After saying that, she reached out to grab my hand again.I smiled coldly and

Just as I turned to leave, Nancy grabbed my arm, her face twisted with frustration and fury."Stop acting like you're the only victim here! Do you really think this whole mess is just my fault?"I let out a quiet sigh. I knew that unless I laid everything out clearly, she'd never stop chasing me down."I have thought about what you said. Our relationship faded over time. I tried to hold on, but all I got from you was impatience and, eventually, betrayal."Was it because I wasn't exciting anymore? Or was it because you never really got over Keith?"I looked her straight in the eye and spoke slowly, each word firm and measured, "Now I understand. You cheated, and you disrespected what we had. You need to take a hard look at yourself. You stopped loving me, and that's not my fault."Tears welled up in her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Her voice was shaky. "But... I regret it.""So what?" I gently pushed her hand off my arm, my face cold and unreadable. "Why should I carry the weig