8
After arriving in France, I threw myself wholeheartedly into art.
During the day, I studied my major courses, in the evening I practiced in the studio, and on weekends I attended academic lectures.
The busyness gradually made me forget about the unpleasant things back home.
After saying goodbye to the past, I felt I was gradually taking control of my own life.
I also met different people, learned about many new things, and lived each day fully and happily.
Before graduation, I designed a product that was recognized by the industry and received a substantial royalty fee.
During the celebration, Jessica specially flew abroad to drink with me for a night.
She told me about the things she had heard from back home as if they were jokes.
“After you ran away from the wedding, Jack went crazy looking for you everywhere, searching every place he could think of.”
“Unfortunately, we all maintained a united front, and no one told him where you went, so of course he couldn’t find you.”
“He even came to me specifically to ask where you had gone. I said if he could finish a whole case of alcohol on the table, I’d consider telling him.”
“In the end, he drank until he had a gastric hemorrhage, and I still didn’t tell him a single word. It was hilarious and so satisfying.”
“His reputation is bad now, and his company has taken a big hit.”
“As for Emily, she hasn’t been able to contact Jack at all since that day. She can’t even get into Jack’s house now.”
“And guess what? Later, she went on to be the other woman for someone else’s husband, but was caught in bed by the wife, who recorded a video and posted it online. Now she doesn’t dare show her face in public anymore.””
I smiled calmly and clinked glasses with her: “It’s all in the past.”
By now, I had completely let go of Jack.
Even hearing his name didn’t cause much of a stir in my heart anymore.
Now, every day when I wake up, I have my own things to do.
I think my decision to give up the offer from my dream university just to be with him was really stupid.
Jessica couldn’t help but comment: “Sigh, you ran away from the wedding, and only then did this man realize how to be devoted. Who knows what he’s thinking.”
I clinked glasses with her and smiled sarcastically: “Who knows indeed.”
After graduation, I returned to the country to start my own business, opening my own studio.
After finishing work at the studio and packing up to go home, I saw Jack standing at the door of my studio, having come from afar.
It was raining that day, and he stood in the rain, not knowing how long he had been waiting.
“Lily, can you please listen to my explanation?”
<
I kept my face expressionless and maintained my distance from him: “There’s no need.”
“Lily, please, at least give me a chance to explain.”
“You used to love me so much, can you really let go just like that?”
He tried to grab my hand, but I dodged him.
I was a bit impatient: “No matter what explanation you give, I won’t forgive you.”
He persisted: “I know I hurt you, but from today on, I will do everything to make it up to you.”
“If you just give me one chance, this time, I will do well.”
I smiled coldly: “Why should I give you a chance? Why should I waste my time on someone who doesn’t deserve it?”
“I’ve already stumbled once because of you. I won’t give you another chance to hurt me.”
Jack, with red–rimmed eyes, urgently told me:
“Lily, actually, I never planned to run away from the wedding that day. I really wanted to be with you.”
“In college, the first time I saw you, I was smitten, but you were always surrounded by so many admirers.”
“The first time you came to the student union to confess to me, I rejected you in public, thinking you were too casual.”
“But later, I actually fell for you. I was easily won over by you, wrapped around your finger. I felt it was too embarrassing, so to protect my ridiculous pride, I said those things to Emily.”
“I was just too stupid, unable to swallow my pride.”
“That night, nothing actually happened between her and me. In my heart, you are the only one I love.”
He looked up at me: “Will you forgive me and give me another chance?”
I looked at him calmly:
“Are you done?”
“If you’re done, you can leave now.”
Jack stood there stunned.
I looked at him mockingly: “What’s with that expression? Did you think that if you lowered your head to me, I would forgive you? You’re really too full of yourself!”
“Jack, you disgust me.”
I walked past him and left alone.
From then on, he came to my studio every day.
He even used his connections to attract customers for me.
Since the customers came for free, I took their money without any hesitation.
Later, he came to the studio in a suit and tie, bringing me a large bouquet of violets.
His gaze was gentle: “I know you’ve always liked these flowers. I saw them on the way and specially brought them for you.”
“When you’re done with work, can I take you to your favorite seafood restaurant?”
He carefully held my hand: “This time, I’ll peel the shrimp for you.”
<
People were coming and going on the street.
Many were attracted by this scene.
I stomped on the flowers in front of him.
“Jack, aren’t you pathetic!”
The flowers were crushed, making a mess.
I looked at Jack’s stunned expression and turned away, saying: “Clean it up yourself, don’t cause trouble for others.”
He picked up the flowers and ran away in embarrassment.
After that, every time I left the studio, there would be a bouquet of my favorite flowers at the door.
Sometimes violets, sometimes tulips.
But without exception, I threw them all in the trash.
Later, I met someone who was very good to me.
His name was Ethan, a senior I met during my studies in France.
He had the same high level of understanding in art as me, came from a good family, and was a gentleman and very gentle..
Moreover, he always took care of my feelings.
On weekends, I would put on makeup, apply lipstick, wear my favorite clothes, and prepare for dates with Ethan.
But when I went out, I encountered Jack again at the corner.
Jack’s eyes were full of unwillingness: “Lily, can you stop being angry with me?”
“You liked me for so long, we were… almost married. Can you really let go?”
Just as I was about to say something, Ethan suddenly hugged me from behind: “Who’s this?”
Ethan knew about my history with Jack. Though he was smiling, his face was full of hostility.
Jack’s expression froze. After a long while, he finally spoke: “…Who is he?”
Ethan answered for me: “Me? I’m Lily’s fiancé.”
He smiled and handed Jack an invitation: “What do you think? Interested in attending our wedding?”
Jack looked at the invitation, standing there, almost unable to steady himself.
In the end, he couldn’t say anything and ran away in embarrassment.
Ethan chuckled softly and bit the back of my neck.
I patted his fluffy head: “What’s wrong, not happy?”
He replied: “Mm, I’m jealous!”
That night, he “punished” me for a long, long time as if in revenge.
After that, Ethan completely clashed with Jack.
Whatever project Jack’s company was negotiating, Ethan would immediately step in to compete.
Jack probably never imagined t
C
Jack probably never imagined that his smooth–sailing life would have such a frustrating moment.
Later, at my wedding with Ethan, I saw Jack from afar.
He made eye contact with me for a moment, then lowered his head, his back slightly bent, as if he had fallen into the dust, and left with red–rimmed eyes.
I stood on tiptoe, cupped Ethan’s face, and kissed his lips.
Don’t try to correct someone who doesn’t cherish you.
You should love someone who is inherently good and is only good to you.
Love where you understand and cherish each other is the greatest happiness in life.
