Seven Years of Love Disappeared with the Wind

I packed my things, determined to leave immediately, as the sun dipped below the horizon.

As I lugged my suitcase out, I unexpectedly ran into Maurice on his way home.

He glanced at me and the scattered remnants of my wedding dress, instinctively frowning.

"Stella, what's going on now?"

I looked at him incredulously. The one who had fled was him, yet he seemed to have forgotten in just a few hours.

"I'm not causing a scene. I just think being with you is pointless. If you don't want to marry me, then let's not."

I spoke calmly, burying all my grievances deep down, pretending it didn't matter at all.

Maurice, aware of his guilt, softened his tone.

"Stella, I know I messed up today, but you know Cara has depression. I couldn't just watch her end her life."

Yes, Maurice's childhood friend had been struggling, and hearing about his wedding had pushed her to the brink.

I forced a smile and locked eyes with him.

"If Cara threatens suicide at the next wedding, you'll leave me behind again, won't you?"

Maurice fell silent.

Because he would go. he could never let go of Cara Simpson.

The air grew thick with tension as I waited for his response, just like I'd waited for him to return to me.

But he didn't return to the wedding.

After what felt like an eternity, I managed a sarcastic smile.

"Maurice, let's break up. I set you free. You don't have to choose between me and Cara anymore."

My words were crystal clear, yet his expression hardened.

"Stella, take that back. I'll pretend I didn't hear it. You can throw a tantrum, but I'll arrange the wedding again. I promise there I won't leave you there a next time."

I felt suffocated; preparing for another wedding meant facing more humiliation.

His promises meant nothing to me.

It seemed Maurice had grown accustomed to being in control; his pride wouldn't let him release me.

For once, I found the patience to reason with him.

"Maurice, put away your pride. I'm not your dependent. Our love was meant to be free. You don't get to decide if I stay or go."

I had never been so cold with him before.

He looked at me in shock, but his expression soon shifted to an anger I couldn't understand.

He almost gritted his teeth and said, "You'll regret this, Stella!"

I scoffed, my steps firm as I silently affirmed my choice.

He didn't stop me as I walked out, but I heard the sound of glass shattering behind me.