3

Linda stormed out, probably to find Melvin.

Not long after, she sent me a message:

"Take some time to reflect and then come apologize to me."

I stared at the shattered pieces of porcelain, lost in my thoughts, reminiscing about the past.

When we graduated from high school, Linda cautiously moved closer to me, just to be closer in our group photos.

We were separated by only a shoulder's width, yet I could feel the intense affection of a young girl back then, burning like fireworks.

The summer breeze carried a hint of the lingering daytime heat.

Being close to her, I could feel a warmth in my chest.

Even now, I still remembered it.

When I accepted her confession, the radiance and excitement in Linda's eyes were unforgettable.

She said she would be the perfect girlfriend in the world and would treat me well for a lifetime.

The sincere and fervent love of a young girl surrounded me, and I naturally believed it.

I never doubted her sincerity, but sincerity can change in an instant.

Once I started college, I ventured into entrepreneurship. I dedicated most of my time to my studies and business.

Despite my busy schedule, I always made sure to plan exciting surprises for our dates. The emotional value I brought to our relationship never waned.

However, Linda remained unsatisfied.

She wanted me to spend more time traveling and going on adventures with her.

To make the 10 years of hardship in studying worthwhile, I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

We began to argue frequently, and it persisted until the shop I had built from the ground up declared bankruptcy due to fierce competition.

On that day, Linda accompanied me to close the business.

Throughout the journey, she seemed unusually excited.

"I’ve told you numerous times, stop bothering yourself with this. After graduation, just settle down as the Chancers' son-in-law," she said.

She wanted me to be obedient without independent thoughts, much like the traditional role of a stay-at-home “wife”, where she would hold the ultimate authority.

"I have no need for reflection," I replied.

Linda seemed to have been waiting for my response all along.

Almost instantly after sending the message, she replied, "Lewis Leedon, I'll wait for you to come and beg me."