Lost Me Forever

I left home for eight years because of a man.

He was my brother's best friend but covertly cherished me as his 'secret love.'

After eight years of secret love, I found a ring in his pocket on the eve of my 26th birthday.

A friend told me that he was secretly preparing a proposal and even sent me a blessing.

[Congratulations, Wanda! You’re finally getting your happy ending!]

But in the end, it wasn't me standing at the proposal and it wasn't me wearing the ring!

I stood in the corner and listened as he said to Jennie, "Jennie, I've waited eight years for you. Finally, you're here. After you left, it felt like my heart had died. It never beat again."

"Will you marry me? I can't lose you again!"

I laughed hysterically. All those countless passionate moments over the past eight years suddenly felt like nothing more than a cruel joke.

After turning and walking away, I found myself wandering the streets as the autumn wind chilled my face. I called my brother.

"Hey, I was wrong. I want to go home."

But after I left, he searched for me like crazy and begged me on his knees to come back.

It was too late. Tomorrow, I would be someone else's bride and the love I once felt for him would be gone.

——

"What is it? Why are you apologizing? Wanda, did something happen?"

My brother's soothing voice made my nose tickle.

Not wanting him to sense my distress, I teased him cheerfully.

"No, nothing happened! I just really missed you. Did you forget something today?

My brother chuckled. "Of course not, my little troublemaker. Your gift should be arriving soon."

"Happy birthday, Wanda!"

I laughed. "Yes. I'm so happy, Clark."

But as soon as I hung up, the tears wouldn't stop.

I'm sorry, Clark. I lied to you again.

When Julian returned, he found me fast asleep on the couch.

He knelt beside me and gently shook me awake. His eyes twinkled like stars.

"How come you fell asleep here? You'll catch a cold, silly."

I stayed still, just stared at him with tired eyes.

He seemed different today, a relaxed ease I hadn't seen in our eight years together.

He placed a package in front of me. "Your delivery. I picked it up from downstairs. Judging by the address, it's from Clark."

"What day is it? Why is he suddenly sending you something?"

I pulled my gaze away from him but couldn't shake the dull ache in my chest.

"It’s my birthday."

Julian’s hand froze mid-motion as he loosened his tie.

For the past fourteen years, he had never once forgotten my birthday.

Every year, he'd reserve a private room at the largest hotel in the city and invite my closest friends to celebrate with me.

But this year, he still needed to remember. He was too busy proposing to Jennie to remember me anymore.

He cleared his throat awkwardly and grabbed his phone before retreating into the study.

Half an hour later, Julian hurried downstairs. He carried a small cake and a meticulously wrapped gift box this time.

He unwrapped the cake, placed it before me and lit a candle.

"You know I don't eat cake, so I got a small one."

I tilted my head, almost amused.

"Is it pineapple?"

"Yeah, the clerk said this flavor has a great texture. Come on, make a wish. Whatever you wish for, I'll do my best to make it happen."

I stared at him, unmoving.

Seeing the confusion in his expression, I finally asked, "Julian, is there something you want to say to me?"