City of Longing

On the winding, twisting track, two race cars alternated positions, neither giving an inch.

Cora stood in the viewing area, watching the constantly changing speeds on the screen.

George's car maintained the highest speed, but he could not shake off Tyler, who kept varying his pace with practiced ease. Even a novice could see that Tyler was deliberately provoking him the entire way.

George paid him no attention. He pushed himself to the limit, flooring the accelerator on the final lap. But even giving it everything he had, his car was still a considerable distance behind Tyler's.

Then, on every curve, Tyler would swing to the outside lane, deliberately closing the gap between their cars.

Seeing this utterly humiliating behavior, everyone thought George would surely lose and began sighing in disappointment.

Cora picked up her bag, preparing to leave.

A few seconds later, hysterical screaming erupted behind her. She turned at the sound to see George's black race car crash into Tyler's like a madman on the final curve.

In an instant, the white sports car swerved violently to avoid the collision, forced to veer off the track.

George seized the opportunity and shot across the finish line. The price he paid was losing control of his speed and slamming straight into the guardrail.

The entire car flipped on its side. The front end shattered into pieces and burst into flames.

Witnessing this scene firsthand, everyone in the viewing area gasped. No one had expected George to be crazy enough to win the race this way.

Even Kimberly, who had seemed somewhat bored, screamed and ran onto the track. Seeing her appear, George, covered in blood, stumbled out of the car.

Then, he brought her over to Tyler's car and raised his hand high, making the gesture reserved for winners.

"You lost. For the rest of your life, you're never allowed to come near Kimberly again!"

Cora had known him for nine years. He had always been cool, refined, steady as a rock. This was the first time she had seen George so spirited and fierce.

It would also be the last.

Amid the thunderous cheers, she turned silently and left. This time, she would have no lingering attachments.

…

It was the early morning hours, and George still had not returned. He only sent a message saying he would be on a business trip for a week.

Soon after, Kimberly also sent a photo of George taking her and a group of friends to a victory celebration.

[George said he's taking me abroad to celebrate his victory.]

Cora only replied with one word: [Great.]

Taking advantage of this time, she packed her luggage and made a detailed travel itinerary. After finishing her plans, she first booked a flight back to her hometown.

The airline called to confirm the itinerary. She listened carefully and repeated it back. "Yes, I booked the ticket for a week from now..."

"A ticket? Where are you going?"

Hearing George's voice, Cora turned to find he had returned without her noticing.

She avoided his confused gaze, hung up the phone, and answered honestly. "Back to my hometown to see my parents."

George nodded without asking further. He pulled out an exquisitely wrapped gift.

"Cora, you said before you didn't want jewelry or bags. I picked out a perfume for you this time. Do you like it?"

Cora unwrapped it and sniffed it perfunctorily before setting it down. "I like it."

Her flat response surprised him. He stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms, sounding concerned.

"What's been going on with you lately? I was away on business for so long, and you didn't send me a single message. Are you in a bad mood?"

Cora had not expected him to notice such a small detail while he was with Kimberly. However, she remembered how she used to share everything with him, from seeing a flower to hearing some gossip.

For three years, he had endured daily messages from someone he did not love. When that person suddenly stopped, any normal person would notice.

Thinking of that, she did not find it strange anymore.

Seeing her remain silent, George thought she was truly upset. He leaned down to kiss her, but she pushed him away, which was a stark contrast from her usual behavior. She turned toward the bathroom.

"It's just my period."

Looking at her retreating figure, George felt stunned. Her period started quite a while ago. Was it still not over?