The Last Time I Loved Him (Autumn and Ryan)

In the following days, Winston was swamped with work. After the sudden cancellation of the show, he had to apologize to industry elites, smooth over connections, and find a new venue.

But with Alex's family holding significant influence in Seattle, no one was willing to risk offending an established, century-old family for a brand still finding its footing.noveldrama

Seeing the dark circles under Winston's eyes, I felt a pang of guilt.

"Maybe we should let it go," I said gently. "It's not like I have to do this show. I could go back to designing jewelry, and that'd be fine, too."

Winston hugged me tightly, his reassuring words like an anchor.

"No way. You just wait-I'll make sure you get to hold this show beautifully."

Tears welled up and spilled down my cheeks.

"I'm sorry. I'm just a burden."

"Vivian, I'm the one who's let you down."

Growing up in Seattle, I thought I had many friends. But when push came to shove, I found I had no one to turn to for help. A month passed, and finally, Winston brought good news.

"Vivian, I found a venue in another city. It's not as bustling as here, but it's a strong second-tier city with great growth potential.

It's a good choice." We'd discussed this before. If Alex was going to block us here, we'd start fresh elsewhere.

"Alright. Let's wrap up things here this month and head over."

Apparently, my plans hadn't gone unnoticed by Alex. Furious, he intercepted me on my way home from work.

"Vivian, where are you planning to go this time? You're not leaving!" He grabbed my wrist roughly and shoved me into his car, pressing his weight against me.

I panicked.

"Alex, let go of me! If you don't, I'll scream for help!"

"Go ahead," he said, his tone suddenly sorrowful. "Vivian, why don't you love me anymore? We were together for seven years.

How can you just stop loving me?" He added, "It's fine. Once we're together again, you'll love me like before."

I struggled to break free, but the strength difference between us was too great. I could feel his warm breath on my neck when suddenly, a loud "bang" shattered the car window. Winston, his eyes bloodshot, reached through the window, unlocked the door, grabbed Alex by his shirt, and threw him out of the car, landing punch after punch on his face. The two of them grappled fiercely.

I raised my voice, shouting angrily, "Enough! Alex, I've told you I don't love you anymore. Can't you wake up and live in the real world?"

"You're so selfish! When your parents had that accident, it was me who stayed by your side, helping you through seven years of depression. But in the end, you told me you were tired of me- tired enough to throw it all away for a girl you'd only met three times. I left, and here you are again, trying to pull me back. You always want everyone to revolve around you."

I continued, "Open your eyes, Alex! You're not the only one who suffered when your parents had that accident. Your grandfather lost his only son, yet he had to put on a brave face, managing the company despite his age. Meanwhile, you act indifferent, retreating from reality like a poet oblivious to everyone else's struggles."