Brief love, Forever Pain

You got me. I'm the one with the dirty mind. I'm not good enough for Mr. Squeaky Clean over here.

Well, ain't that peachy I'll just mosey on out of your life, and you can go find someone who's up to your standards.

His eyes narrowed, looking like he was about to blow a gasket. He let out a heavy sigh, Wendy, let's put a pin in this for now. My parents are waiting on us for dinner.

The mention of his parents made me feel a twinge of guilt.

Lucian's parents were a far cry from him.

His old man was a real chatterbox with a heart of gold, and his mom was as sweet as pie.

They always treated me like one of their own, sometimes even better than Lucian.

I figured they must be pretty torn up about this whole mess.

Well, I had to face the music sooner or later.

I didn't put up a fight, letting him grab my suitcase as we headed for the elevator.

We rolled up to his parents' place,

and I overheard his mom say, Quick, run out and grab some mangoes. Wendy's got a soft spot for them.

On it, Mr. Louis replied, heading for the door.

When he spotted us, he did a double-take before plastering on a warm smile, Well, look who's here! Come on in. I'll be back in a jiffy with some fruit.

I managed an awkward grin, tongue-tied.

I used to be cool as a cucumber here, greeting them like family.

Now, with all this drama, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Lucian fished out my slippers from the shoe rack and set them down.

I mumbled a Thanks as I slipped them on.

He froze for a sec, giving me a look I couldn't quite read.

I dodged his gaze and waltzed in, knowing the place like the back of my hand.

Mrs. Louis was still busy in the kitchen. Hearing our voices, she hurried out. Wendy's back! Sit on the sofa and rest a bit. We'll eat soon.

She and Mr. Louis were generous with their smiles, as if the wedding incident had never happened.

Seeing her smiling face, my guilt deepened.

But it didn't shake my resolve to break up.

I sat on the sofa as told, stiffly staring at the blank TV screen.

Lucian poured a glass of water and placed it in front of me. It's not your first time here, why so nervous

Without looking at him, I said flatly, Because this isn't my home.

Then I added coolly, It's not the first time, but it will be the last.

Lucian gripped his water glass, his fingertips turning white. His thin lips pressed into a straight line, as if deliberately restraining something.

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

Lucian got up to answer it. His childhood sweetheart Liana's cheerful voice came from outside.

Lucian, what are you cooking It smells so good.

As she spoke, she came in, changing her shoes with familiarity.

She was visibly startled when she saw me, forcing a smile, Oh, Wendy's here too.

My cold gaze swept over her, pausing when I noticed her slippers.

They were cute pink house slippers with little bears on them.

Coincidentally, her slippers matched the blue bear slippers on Lucian's feet, which were unsuitable for his status.

I curled my lips in self-mockery, swallowing all the words I wanted to say.