When Love No Longer Exists, Hatred Last Forever

On the evening of our dinner date with my parents, we waited at the restaurant from day until night, but Everett Turner never showed up.

I tried calling him, but couldn't reach him at all.

Instead, I saw his childhood sweetheart, Sydney Elliott, posted an update on the social platform.

In the photo, she sat in the car with a smile, wearing a familiar ring.

Her caption read, "Thanks for Mr. Turner's birthday gift. I love it."

I scrolled through her update and quietly liked the post.

Later, I told him, "Since you like her, just marry her."

His eyes welled up, voice trembling, "But you are my girlfriend."

Not anymore, not since the day you gave her that ring.

——

Before I saw Sydney posted on her Instagram, I was still making excuses for Everett's absence.

Now, the truth lay bare before me.

I felt like I was almost suffocating and dying.

I had seen the ring on her hand at home.

He treasured the ring in a corner of his closet.

I had thought he was preparing to propose and look forward to it.

I also thought he invited my parents to dinner to discuss marriage.

But in the end, he stood me up.

As I gazed at the photos she shared, I felt sadness.

It felt like something inside me was crumbling.

My mother, Zoey, noticed my change in demeanor and asked, "Is everything alright?"

I mustered a strained smile, "Let's not wait for him. Let's eat."

Zoey said, "Do we not need to wait?"

"No, there's no need for further waiting," I replied calmly, and took the lead in eating.

The dishes had long been served and reheated multiple times due to waiting for him.

The flavors now lacked their initial appeal.

Zoey noticed something was wrong but didn't ask any more questions.

My father, Nolan, had long been impatient and took her away after eating a few bites.

I also left with my bag and walked aimlessly on the street.

It was late, nearing ten o'clock, with few people around and even fewer vehicles passing by.

At this time, Everett called.

I ignored his call and took a taxi to go home.

As soon as I entered the door, I heard his furious voice.

"Where on earth did you go? Why are you back so late?"

I was slightly startled, clutched my bag tightly, and asked expressionlessly, "Everett, do you remember what you promised me this morning?"

Before he left for work, I was afraid that he would forget the appointment in the evening, so I reminded him, hoping he would come earlier to impress my parents.

He smiled and responded, "How could I forget such an important meeting with your parents today?"

Everett was stunned, and a hint of guilt flickered in his eyes.

It seemed that he remembered what he said in the morning.

He said guiltily, "I'm sorry. Work overwhelmed me today. I forgot it."

With that, he walked towards me and stretched out his hands to hug me.

But I avoided him calmly.

But I could smell a faint scent of jasmine on him.

It was the scent of the perfume that Sydney often used.

Everett was surprised, as if he didn't expect I would avoid him.

He asked, "Winona, are you angry?"

I stared at him coldly and asked calmly, "Did you really forget the appointment today because of work?"

"Are you doubting me?" His voice tinged with irritation.

Looking at his furious expression, I suddenly felt that he was so unfamiliar.

Or maybe, he had never revealed his true self in front of me.

I took a deep breath and said, "Everett, let's break up."