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557words2026-01-26 11:23

I grew up with Leo Sinclair, the so-called prince of New York's elite.
At the peak of our love, he tattooed my name over his heart, put in my name most of his assets, and swore in public that he would marry no one but me.
But eight years had passed. He never brought up marrying me again after that.

Lately, rumors had been flying about Leo and his new assistant.
It was said Leo took her to all sorts of events, punched a reporter for accidentally brushing against her, and had my tattoo lasered off his chest…
He even secretly married her on our eight-year anniversary.
I got his casual explanation:
“Lina said she had a mission. If I don't marry her, she'll die in the most painful way possible.”
“Don't worry, it was just a ceremony.”

“Your name will still be on the marriage certificate.”
I smiled like it was nothing, but my heart was being torn to shreds.
I left New York on a rainy night, deleting every contact of Leo.
Soon after, he showed up furious.

“Sylvia, you're breaking up with me over something this trivial?”
“Or are you playing hard to get to force me to marry you?”
So in Leo's mind, marrying me had become a form of pressure.
I didn't care if Lina would die painfully death when she failed her “mission”.
All I knew was that I was dying…
A light snow began to fall as I walked out the hospital.
The diagnosis in hand said my life was ending.
I lost in thought for a long time before I finally called Leo.
The ringtone rang mechanically, almost going to voicemail before he finally picked up.
“Leo, what are you up to?”
“Today's our eight-year anniversary, and there's something I want to talk to you about —”
“Sylvia, are you serious?” He cut me off. “Can't you live without me?”
“Is an eight-year anniversary so important to interrupt me?”
All my words stuck in my throat. A sour ache spread through my chest.
Just as I gathered my thoughts to speak again, a sweet voice came through the receiver.
“Leo~ aren't you done yet?”
“They're all bullying me, making me drink. Come back and get revenge for me.”
Leo's voice turned gentle,
“Who's bullying you? Just wait, I'll deal with them.”
“Be good, go back inside. It's cold out.”
The next second, it was like another personality took over.
“Stop calling, Sylvia. It's annoying!”
Without a hint of hesitation, he hung up.
I stood frozen in the snow, staring at the ended call screen for a long time.
Leo and I grew up together.
He was a perfect guy, with great looks, a sweet personality, and an elite background.
I was always quiet and withdrawn. Not many people wanted to hang out with me.
Leo treated me differently.
Not only did he spend time with me, he'd chase off anyone who picked on me.
He'd been my knight for years.
My parents died in a car accident on a business trip eight years ago.
Back then, we were only eighteen. Yet he had handled everything for my parents' funeral.
At Mom and Dad's graves, he swore he'd take care of me for life.
He was like a beam of light, cutting through the darkness which threatened to swallow me.