How long does it take to give up on a man you've loved for ten years?

It takes me 3 seconds.

The first second, I signed my name on the contract to become the chief designer of a renowned studio in Paris.

The second second, I lock away ten years of my youth in my heart.

The third second, I completely prepare to leave Levi's world.

My fiancé Levi is the heir of the Smith Group, the absolute aristocracy.

For others, he is untouchable.

But for me, he's the childhood sweetheart who, with a crooked paper ring he made himself for the first time in his hand, told me, "You're the only girl I'll ever marry, even if I have to wait a hundred years."

From that moment on, the only person I wanted to marry was Levi, and I never doubted that I would eventually marry Levi.

But on the day of our engagement, he disappeared.

I waited for a whole year, waiting for a message, a phone call, or a knock on the door, but nothing came.

Later, he finally appeared.

He stood next to a red Ferrari, holding flowers, and said that he still loved me, that he wasn't ready before, and begged me to give him another chance.

I almost believed him.

But at the same time, I received a provocative message from Levi's first love, Ruby:

[Aren't you curious where he went during the time he eloped from your engagement? I'm already pregnant with Levi's child, and he loves kissing my pregnant belly the most.]

I wiped away my tears, turned around, and applied to study in the Sorbonne University Faculty of Medicine, leaving only one sentence: "Levi, we're breaking up."

Learning that I was leaving, Levi went crazy.

He braved the heavy rain and blocked the entrance to my new place, his eyes red, asking me:

"Stella, if I make Ruby abort the child, can you come back to me?"

How long does it take to give up on a man you've loved for ten years?

It takes me 3 seconds.

The first second, I signed my name on the contract to become the chief designer of a renowned studio in Paris.

The second second, I lock away ten years of my youth in my heart.

The third second, I completely prepare to leave Levi's world.

My fiancé Levi is the heir of the Smith Group, the absolute aristocracy.

For others, he is untouchable.

But for me, he's the childhood sweetheart who, with a crooked paper ring he made himself for the first time in his hand, told me, "You're the only girl I'll ever marry, even if I have to wait a hundred years."

From that moment on, the only person I wanted to marry was Levi, and I never doubted that I would eventually marry Levi.

But on the day of our engagement, he disappeared.

I waited for a whole year, waiting for a message, a phone call, or a knock on the door, but nothing came.

Later, he finally appeared.

He stood next to a red Ferrari, holding flowers, and said that he still loved me, that he wasn't ready before, and begged me to give him another chance.

I almost believed him.

But at the same time, I received a provocative message from Levi's first love, Ruby:

[Aren't you curious where he went during the time he eloped from your engagement? I'm already pregnant with Levi's child, and he loves kissing my pregnant belly the most.]

I wiped away my tears, turned around, and applied to study in the Sorbonne University Faculty of Medicine, leaving only one sentence: "Levi, we're breaking up."

Learning that I was leaving, Levi went crazy.

He braved the heavy rain and blocked the entrance to my new place, his eyes red, asking me:

"Stella, if I make Ruby abort the child, can you come back to me?"

...

Sitting in an office at the Smith Group, I looked at Frank, my direct supervisor, sitting across from me.

“Frank, I've decided to resign.”

Frank almost spilled his coffee, unable to believe his ears.

He stared at me with wide, surprised eyes, "You're quitting? You've got to be kidding me, Stella. Does Levi know? You know the Smith Group's design department can't function without you. Are you sure you won't reconsider?"

Unlike Frank and his surprising tone, my tone is very calm.

"Frank, I've thought it over carefully. A new environment might be a good thing for a designer."

My calm demeanor surprised Frank, but it also made him realize I wasn't joking.

"It's a real shame. Losing you is a loss for the Smith Group, but as a friend, I hope you go after what you want."

“Thank you, Frank.”

After walking out of the CEO's office, I subconsciously took out my phone and opened my interface with Levi.

The interface was full of messages from me, none of which Levi had ever replied to.

Until yesterday, when I sent a message: [Levi, I've already talked to my family, our engagement can be delayed.]

Levi, who hadn't contacted me since the two families proposed the engagement, replied almost instantly this time.

[Okay, I'll come find you tomorrow.]

I looked at that message, feeling a little helpless.

Since the two families decided to get Levi engaged to me a year ago, Levi had avoided me for a whole year.

It took me a year to go from being hysterical at first to being calm and composed now.

I took a deep breath and walked outside.

On the way back to my apartment, my thoughts were jumbled.

I thought of the first time I met Levi.

I was eight years old then.

In the huge banquet hall, Levi immediately noticed me, shyly hiding in the corner.

He argued with his family to take me home, and wouldn't let go of my hand after the party.

He said to my dad, "Uncle, this little girl is so cute, I want to take her home, and she can be my bride when she grows up."

My dad smiled and patted his head, taking it as childish nonsense.

Unexpectedly, he really came to my house whenever he had free time, telling everyone that I was his future wife.

Over the next ten years, our families interacted frequently, and Levi came to be with me every day.

Even though the school he was at wasn't on the way to my school, he insisted on taking me to and from school.

Because I complimented his clothes, Levi ordered many sets of the same outfit, saying he wanted me to be happy seeing them every day.

Over time, I couldn't help but be moved. I always thought Levi liked me.

If he didn't like me, how could Levi have taken such meticulous care of me for fifteen years?

But reality hit me hard.

A year ago, when our two families were discussing our engagement, Levi suddenly changed his attitude.

Since then, Levi disappeared from my world.

No matter how I looked, I couldn't find him.

After 365 days, I finally understood that Levi had no intention of marrying me.

"Stella!"

A magnetic and steady voice interrupted my thoughts.

I subconsciously looked up and saw a handsome young man leaning against a fiery red Ferrari.

Levi's eyes burst with suppressed longing, and he was so excited that the flowers he was holding were trembling.

He walked towards me, his tone sincere, even slightly trembling.

"Stella, in this past year, I've been thinking of you every moment, but I didn't dare to come and find you."

"I was afraid I would impulsively marry you but not be able to give you the best marriage."

"Stella, I'm sorry, I wasn't ready. Can you forgive me?"

He was as gentle as ever, and it pierced my heart.

The easy explanation “I wasn't ready” from him made me a laughingstock in high society and embarrassed my parents.

Seeing that I didn't speak, Levi became flustered, and he hurriedly took my hand.

"It was wrong to run away from the engagement. I will compensate your family for all efforts."

"Please trust me, the person I deeply love is only you from beginning to end."

"And my wife will only be you."

Levi seemed genuinely panicked. He grabbed my hand, led me to the car, and opened the door.

"For the past year, I've been thinking about you every moment. Every time I think of you, I prepare a gift for you."

"Stella, you can hit me, you can yell at me, but please don't ignore me."

"I'll never leave you again, please forgive me just this once, okay?"

So, he's also afraid that I'll ignore him?

He also knows that the feeling of being ignored isn't pleasant?

But he ignored me for a whole year.

Thinking about this, I feel even more sad.

The car full of expensive jewelry didn't stir up even a ripple in my heart.

Feeling the growing crowd gathering around, I could only say, "Okay, you’d better hurry back to the company."

Levi is five years older than I, and he is the current CEO of the Smith Group. He's busy every day.

Levi suddenly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, kissing me on the face:

"I knew my wife was the best!"

I recoiled slightly, resisting.

With that one step back, I saw, on the side of the passenger seat filled with gifts, a ripped pair of black stockings lying quietly.

My face suddenly went pale, which made Levi anxious.

"What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I'll take you to the hospital."

I avoided his hand and softly said, "That’s all right. It's just that my period came suddenly. I'll go back to the apartment first."

Levi understood instantly. He touched my face gently and said in a warm voice.

"Okay, then you rest well first, I'll come to find you tomorrow at noon after I'm done with work."

Watching him get in the car and leave, I returned to the apartment with a heart full of sadness.

As soon as I entered, I sat blankly at the table, looking around my apartment.

On the bed was the puppy plush toy that Levi bought me with his New Year's money when he was a kid.

On my feet were the matching couple of slippers that Levi and I had.

Even the decorations in the apartment were meticulously customized by Levi because he was afraid I wouldn't be used to a new room...

Most of my belongings are related to Levi.

Giving up Levi is like having half of my flesh and blood forcibly ripped away.

I suddenly felt like crying, but what arrived before the tears was that lingering image of the stockings rooted in my mind.

That was Levi's ruthless betrayal, the last thing that made me let go.

Just then, my phone suddenly vibrated.

I picked it up. It was a message from Ruby: [I prepared a surprise for you in Levi's car, you saw it, right?]

My breath caught in my throat.

Ruby Evans and I are neighbors, but we've always disliked each other.

The biggest reason is probably that Ruby likes Levi, but Levi likes me.

Before I could react, Ruby's message came again:

[I said I'd get Levi sooner or later, and I have you to thank for it. If you hadn't been in such a rush to get engaged to him, I wouldn't have had the opportunity...]

Looking at her provocative words, I only felt bitterness in my heart.

I swiped my finger across the screen and finally sent just one sentence:

[Then, congratulations to you.]

Then, I put down my phone and didn't reply to any of Ruby's messages.

Levi called the next day at noon.

"Stella, I ordered your favorite French food. I'll be at your apartment soon."

Listening to his voice, I responded with a daze, "Okay."

When I arrived at the gate, Levi's black Maybach was already waiting there.

I opened the passenger door and was stunned by the sight of pink everywhere.

The girlish decorations clashed jarringly with the understated luxury of the Maybach's interior.

And Ruby likes pink the most.

Levi casually said, "By the way, because Uncle Evans requested it, Ruby is working as an intern assistant in the CEO's office."

"These decorations were all suggested by Ruby. She said you like pink the most. Do you like it?"

I pursed my lips and said faintly, "It's fine."

Soon, I will have nothing to do with Levi anymore.

So, I didn't want to distinguish between truth and falsehood anymore.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the waiter at the door enthusiastically came to greet us.

"Mr. Smith, will you and Miss Evans still be sitting in your usual seats?"

Levi's expression darkened, and he directly took my hand: "This is my girlfriend Stella, not Ruby!"

Saying that, he couldn't help but look at me.

But seeing my face was completely calm, he felt a little strange in his heart.

"Stella, I..."

I interrupted him, "Let's go in first, I'm hungry."

Levi watched my back as I walked in first, shook his head with a smile, and just felt that he was overthinking my attitude.

After sitting down, Levi skillfully ordered the dishes I used to love, and then got up and went to the restroom.

Not long after he left, his phone on the table suddenly lit up.

I looked over, and the message sender was displayed as Ruby.

My heart tightened, I picked up the phone and entered my birthday to unlock it, and it went straight to the message interface.

In the next instant, my fingertips trembled—

Ruby sent a mirror selfie of herself wearing a black lace suspender!

"Did you like the clothes you bought me last time? Are you coming tonight?"

I stared at that text, and my heart couldn't stop aching.

Levi and I have been together for so many years, but we have never taken that most intimate step.

Levi said, "Stella, you are the most precious person to me. I would never offend you before we get married."

I have always been touched by Levi's respect, but now, I only feel helpless.

I looked at the photo over and over again like self-torment, until I couldn't feel the pain coming from my heart anymore.

I turned off the screen and put Levi's phone back where it was.

When Levi came back, he saw me sitting there blankly and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

I shook my head gently, and Levi handed me the strawberry cake he had just ordered.

"Don't think about those worries. Here, their strawberry cake is delicious, you should try it."

I didn't move, and just said softly, "I'm allergic to strawberries."

Levi doesn't eat strawberry cake.

Without thinking, I knew he must have brought Ruby here before.

Levi's face changed instantly. He was about to say something when he saw me speak to a waiter nearby.

"Hello, please change my order to a chocolate cake."

Levi was stunned.

He suddenly remembered the last time he misremembered my preferences, and I was very angry.

It took him a whole week to appease me.

At this moment, I turned back, and only calmness was on my delicate face.

"I just looked at the menu. How about trying the escargots gratin?"

My calm appearance made Levi feel uneasy.

Levi suppressed the uneasiness in his heart and said softly, "Stella, tomorrow is our 16th anniversary. How about we have a celebration party?"

I was a little lost in thought; sixteen years had taken up the majority of my life so far.

Just for a moment, I met Levi's gentle gaze and nodded.

After dinner, Levi drove me back to my apartment.

Back in the apartment, I looked at my belongings, found a black trash bag, and stuffed everything inside.

As I went downstairs, I was surprised to find Levi still standing there, having not left.

Our eyes met, and Levi spoke first: "What's all this?"

My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly said, "Some useless stuff."

Levi reached out his hand to me: "Give it here, I'll throw it away for you."

I looked at him and suddenly smiled: "Thanks."

Things he personally gave me are being personally discarded by him.

Levi threw the things into the trash can and then said, "Throw away anything you don't want. I'll earn money and buy you more and better things."

I chuckled. Those were indeed things I didn't want, but I wouldn't need him to buy them in the future.

I didn't want to dwell on these things, so I casually asked, "Why haven't you left yet?"

Before Levi could answer, a female voice rang out behind us.

"Hello, are you Levi? Ruby asked me to give you these clothes. They're all brand new."

I instinctively looked over and saw that the transparent bag was filled with all kinds of hospital uniforms.

I felt a stab in my heart, and a popular phrase popped into my head: role-playing.

Levi took the clothes from the girl's hand, a hint of heat flashing in his eyes, and then explained.

"Ruby and her brother recently invested in some medical films, and they need these."

I looked at him and suddenly felt that this man, who had been with me for sixteen years, seemed so unfamiliar.

I suppressed my disgust and said, "I understand."

Levi threw the clothes into the car, turned his head, and said, "Then I'll go first. I'll pick you up tomorrow."

Watching him leave so eagerly, my eyes filled with more indifference.

I turned around and entered the apartment.

The next day, the sun was shining brightly.

Levi was waiting at the gate on time.

I opened the passenger seat door and was met with Ruby dressed in professional attire.

She waved at me, sporting a striking hickey on her neck.

"Stella, I begged Levi for a long time to get him to agree to let me go to the banquet with you guys."

Levi's thin lips were tightly pressed, his face cold, and his tone held a hint of warning.

"Why are you sitting in the passenger seat? This is Stella's spot. Go to the back!"

Ruby was startled by him, looking somewhat aggrieved: "Levi, I feel a little carsick..."

Levi's face grew even more unpleasant.

Didn’t want to watch them act in front of me, I spoke up: "It's okay, I'll just sit in the back."