After I Disappeared, He Realized that He Loved Me

Over the years, I had sold off all the jewelry, designer clothes and handbags Peter had given me, making quite a bit of money.

I used the money to buy a small farmhouse in the countryside, only providing my ID number when signing the contract.

Once Peter closed the bedroom door, I packed a half-filled suitcase, picked up Timmy and left the house. When you stop loving someone, nothing else matters anymore.

I hoped that my departure would finally put an end to these ten wasted years, allowing both of us to return to our separate lives. It would be better for him and for me.

The two weeks I spent living in the farmhouse with Timmy were some of the most peaceful and free days I'd had in years. The neighbors were incredibly friendly, going out of their way to take care of me, the newcomer. They delivered baskets of fruits and vegetables to my home, refusing to take any money in return.

Letting go of everything lifted a great weight off my chest. My mood improved, my health followed suit and I didn't need to rely on medication as frequently anymore.

One morning after breakfast, I was lounging under the grapevine in the courtyard with Timmy in my lap, scrolling through short videos to pass the time.

The top trending video was a live broadcast of Peter and Claire's grand and lavish wedding. The sunlight bathed the green lawn, casting a warm glow over their love, as if blessing their union. The gentle waves in the distance lapped at the shore, playing a beautiful melody for their vows.

The couple, hand in hand, walked down the long red carpet, beaming with joy, basking in the well-wishes of the guests.

Their striking looks made them a picture-perfect couple, even by the entertainment industry's standards, where beauty abounds. Onlookers couldn't help but praise them as a match made in heaven.

A private helicopter hovered above, scattering rose petals, symbols of love, while thousands of white doves soared into the sky as they exchanged rings.

The comment section erupted with wave after wave of awe and admiration. The atmosphere reached its peak when Claire boldly announced that she was four months pregnant.

On screen, a flicker of panic and shock crossed Peter's face, his fingers trembling slightly.

My heart, long thought to be cold and still, was unexpectedly pricked with pain, not for Peter, but for the child I'd lost before it ever had a chance to live.

I never expected Peter would find me. Three days after his wedding, at dusk, I returned home from a walk with Timmy, only to see him standing stiffly at the entrance of my courtyard.

His face lit up with a smile I once knew so well, as if he had transformed back into the boy who had loved me deeply.

He ran toward me, enveloping me in a tight embrace, as though he wanted to merge me into his being. Overwhelmed with emotion, he said, "Hillary, everything's been taken care of. We can finally get married!"