7
540words
Five years. Consider it a gift.
I had my own issues, building that beautiful cage myself.
Trapped for five years. Thankfully, I woke up.
Five years making excuses for her, afraid to ask if she loved me, how she could treat me like that if she did.
I was sick of living that lie.
"These days… without you… I've been miserable."
"I've thought hard. It was my fault. I took your love for granted, treated your care like it was owed."
"I regret it."
Tears streamed. She covered her mouth, shoulders shaking, radiating pain.
I remained unmoved. "What's the point now?"
She grabbed my arm desperately, terrified of losing me.
"I was wrong, Evan. Please don't leave. We'll pretend that day never happened. I promise I'll treat you right. And tonight… tonight I'll tell your mom about us."
People only value things once they're lost.
But some people, once lost, are gone forever.
"Vivian, think carefully. If we get back together, you cut Leo off. Completely."
She froze, conflict warring on her face.
"Can you do that?"
She snapped her gaze to mine, then the light in her eyes slowly dimmed.
Finally, she spoke, resolute. "I won't contact him again. My life… it's only you now."
Just then, her phone rang.
Leo's special ringtone.
Instinctively, she moved to answer, then remembered me, her eyes darting guiltily.
"Vivian, remember what you just promised?"
She hesitated, then set the phone aside.
It rang again.
And again.
Once, twice, three times…
Vivian grew visibly agitated.
"Leo must have an emergency. He wouldn't keep calling otherwise."
I just watched her coldly, silent.
"Evan! Don't be so heartless! If something happens to Leo, can you take responsibility?!"
Ignoring me, she answered.
Whatever was said, her voice filled with panic.
"Okay… I'm coming. Now."
She grabbed her keys, heading for the door.
"Leo drank too much, crashed his car. It's critical. I have to go."
For a shameful second, hope had flickered. Now it vanished.
Her promises were just placations.
Empty words.
I blocked her path.
"Sign off on my N+1 first."
"Leo's critical! There's no time! Move!"
Not a trace of remorse remained on her face now.
"You don't sign, you don't leave."
She'd sign. Her precious Leo needed her.
She called HR. "Approve Evan Chen's N+1 severance."
Hanging up, Vivian shoved past me.
"Happy now?!" she spat, storming out.
I didn't linger. After leaving the office, I packed and moved out of the city immediately.
I wanted no news of Vivian. I told Mom I needed a fresh start.
She was sad but agreed.
With home settled, I left the town quietly.
I never expected her to track me down six months later.
…
I moved to a coastal city, found a new job, and threw myself into it.
Within six months, my hard work and skills landed me a promotion to Project Manager.
One day, heading to a client meeting, I froze. The contact person was Vivian Shaw.
Instinct screamed to leave, but her assistant blocked me.
"The meeting hasn't started, Mr. Chen. Leaving so soon?"
"I'm passing on this project."
I turned and walked out.
I'd escaped that cage. I wouldn't go back.
