Seven Years Together, But Never Forever

After arguing fruitlessly with the merchant, I had no choice but to take the souvenirs home and pack them myself. The task stretched late into the night, and by the time I looked up, the clock was inching toward the early hours of the morning.

Daniel hadn’t returned yet.

He’d gone to attend an event in another city, and his flight was supposed to land at 11 PM. Just as I picked up my phone to message him, I heard the sound of the door unlocking.

He stepped in, arms full of things, and greeted me the way he always did—with a soft kiss on the cheek. Among the items he carried were gifts and a bouquet of fresh flowers.

“Lily,” he said, his voice warm yet somber. “Thank you for staying with me all these years.”

I knew what he meant.

When he graduated, Daniel had a bold dream of starting his own business. No one believed in him, not even his family. No one, except me. I went against my parents’ wishes, took the dowry they had carefully prepared, and sold every shop and house I owned to fund his dream. It wasn’t easy, but I believed in him wholeheartedly.

Time proved me right. Daniel’s company is now a leader in the industry. He is young, successful, and admired—a man who has achieved everything he once set out to accomplish.

And now, he wanted to tie up the loose ends of his past.

When he put the gifts down and turned to me, his expression was serious. “Lily, I want to spend a month trying to get Abigail back,” he said, his tone calm but unwavering.

I wasn’t surprised.

“I don’t want to leave any regrets,” he continued. “You wouldn’t want me to still think about another person after we’re married, would you? I promise that if I don’t succeed, I’ll let her go completely. I’ll guard you and spend the rest of my life with you.”

His eyes were red, his voice thick with emotion. It was the kind of vulnerability that should have moved me, should have made me feel closer to him.

Instead, all I felt was an ache in my chest.

I couldn’t say no.

Maybe it was because I remembered how, when we first started dating, he had told me plainly that Abigail still lived in his heart. If you mind, you shouldn’t be with me, he had said.

I didn’t mind then. I thought I could wait, that time and love would heal the wounds she left behind.

But now, as I looked at him standing before me, asking for permission to chase her once more, I realized how naive I had been.

“Okay,” I said quietly, my voice steady despite the storm inside. “Go.”

I looked at Daniel, my face serious as I replied, “After all, life should not leave regrets, right?”

He didn’t even pause to confirm if I truly meant it. Instead, he smiled, thanked me for understanding him—just as I always had—and left, happily packing his things and driving away into the night.

I stood amidst the wedding souvenirs scattered across the floor. The elegant packaging, the neatly placed gifts—every detail carefully arranged by my hands just hours ago. A wave of irony washed over me.

It’s a pity they’ll never be sent out.

Picking up the bouquet Daniel had brought earlier, I noticed a small card tucked inside. I hesitated, then flipped it over.

Abigail, long time no see. I hope you’re still doing well.

The name hit me like a cold gust of wind.

So, he had bought two bouquets—one for me and one for her. In his rush, he must have taken the wrong one.

I didn’t mind. But I couldn’t help but wonder: would he feel a twinge of awkwardness when he handed her my flowers and realized his mistake?

Without another thought, I tossed the bouquet into the trash.

Later, I noticed a message from my mother.

The flight is booked for a week from now. You’ve been in Washington for so many years—use this time to say goodbye.

I decided to do just that.

While Daniel was away, I roamed the city I had called home for so long. I had dinner with friends, revisited old haunts, and slowly said my farewells to Washington.

Daniel’s calls came like clockwork every day.

“Lily, what are you up to? I miss you.”

“Nothing much,” I replied, my voice steady. “Just packing up at home.”