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668words2026-01-26 09:07

On Valentine's Day,my explorer husband invited me to climb Mount Everest together as a special commemoration of our third wedding anniversary.
At the foot of the mountain,however,we unexpectedly met his first love,whom he hadn't seen for many years.
Halfway up the mountain,his first love's dog began gasping for breath.With tears in her eyes,she pleaded for my husband's help.

My husband immediately carried the dog on his back and turned to go down the mountain with her.I begged him not to leave,but he shook off my hand."Stop being so unreasonable!There’s a life at stake here.Just stay here on the mountain yourself for a while!"
Looking at his receding figure,I murmured softly,"But I have congenital heart disease.I'm afraid I won't last til your return."
...
Shortly after ‌Finn went down the mountain,snowflakes began to fall.The bitter wind,mixed with ice and snow,lashed at me wildly,quickly engulfing me.
Last night,‌Finn had mysteriously said he wanted to give me a surprise.I was amazed that this unromantic man finally learnt something about romance.So,I got dressed up early in the morning,putting on a little red dress and high heels,getting myself ready for a romantic dinner.But he drove straight to the foot of Mount Everest instead.
The moment I opened the car door,my bare skin stung from the sharp wind and snow.

Yet ‌Finn was beaming with excitement.He said this would be a Valentine's Day we'd never forget.
"‌Finn,I..."I hesitated.
"I know what you're worried about.Don't worry,I'll definitely protect you.This will be a romantic journey just for the two of us,"he interrupted me before I could finish.
I opened my mouth but swallowed the words"I have congenital heart disease",I judt silently took off my high heels and put on thick mountaineering gear instead.

I didn't want to spoil his mood,nor did I want him to worry.
However,while I was bending down to put on my climbing equipment,a golden retriever wagged its tail and came over.Then a woman in a bright mountaineering suit ran over from a distance.She stared at ‌Finn for a moment,then suddenly hugged him excitedly."‌Finn darling!I thought I'd never see you again!"
‌Finn's voice trembled slightly."‌Iris?What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to take Charlie and try climbing Mount Everest together.I never expected to run into you here!"‌Iris said,pointing at the large golden retriever in front of her.
"Are you alone?That's too dangerous,isn't it?"‌Finn frowned,his voice full of concern.
"Don't underestimate us.Charlie is a trained search and rescue dog!"‌Iris punched ‌Finn's chest gently, pretending to be mad,then softened her tone."But if the great explorer Finn is willing to let me tag along with,I'd be more than happy!"
‌Finn turned to look at me."It's too dangerous for her to go up the mountain alone.It's safer if she stays with us,don't you think?"
A wave of bitterness welled up in my heart.Before I could say anything,the golden retriever dashed up the mountain,and ‌Iris followed suit.
‌Finn hesitated for a moment,then started chasing after them."Take your time getting ready.We won't go too fast..."
Watching him run after ‌Iris,I felt my heart aching as if pricked by countless needles.
In college,it was an open secret that ‌Finn liked ‌Iris.
‌Iris was beautiful and came from a wealthy family.No one could argue that she was the goddess of the school.
And I was just the sidekick,her best friend whose existence only served to highlight how amazing she was.
In our senior year,‌Iris went to study in Australia,and ‌Finn was depressed for a long time.
I tried every way to cheer him up and encourage him every day.Just like that,I accompanied ‌Finn through those dark days.
On Valentine's Day,‌Finn suddenly confessed his love to me.
"Eva,thank you for always being there for me these days.I've realized that I've fallen for your thoughtfulness and tenderness."
"Are...are you serious?"I stammered.
"Of course I am.I swear."He leaned down and kissed me on the lips.
Naturally we became a couple,and ‌Finn had always taken great care of me,being extremely considerate.
But I never expected that when ‌Iris reappeared,he would abandon me without second thoughts.