When He Finally Loved the Stand-in of His First Love

Wendy was about to return to her bedroom when Michael suddenly called her.

Ever since she learned the truth,she’d moved to the guest room and cited poor sleep quality.

“Anything else?”

She paused,her long,soft hair flowing freely.Her face,always cast as a“femme fatale,”was breathtakingly beautiful under the bright lights.

Michael stared at her for a moment,then said gently,“Tomorrow’s the anniversary of Grandma’s death.I’ll go with you.”

Wendy’s eyes widened slightly,as if she hadn’t expected him to remember.

She had been raised by her grandmother since childhood and they had a deep bond.Even after marriage,he would accompany her,but this was the first time he’d mentioned it on his own initiative.

For three years,it was precisely because of these seemingly caring moments that she had foolishly believed Michael truly loved her.“I have a meeting this morning.I’ll pick you up after it’s over.”

“Okay.”Wendy didn’t hesitate,but when Michael leaned in for a kiss,she turned away.

“It’s too late.I’m going to bed.”She hastily closed the door.

***

The next morning,Wendy woke up and packed her things.It was almost ten o’clock.

Last night,they had agreed to leave at eleven,but as the clock ticked past eleven and twelve,her calls to Michael remained unanswered.

Looking at her chat history,which had become increasingly quiet since Madison returned,a familiar sense of desolation washed over her like a tide.

She gave a self-deprecating laugh and hailed a taxi to the cemetery.

The cemetery was shaded by green trees and she placed a bouquet of white lilies in front of the tombstone.

“Grandma,I’m going back to Stellis.I don’t know when I’ll see you next.You always said I deserved the best in the world and now I finally understand.”

The old woman in the photo smiled kindly,just like she always did when she was little,coaxing her to sleep.

“I fell in love with the wrong person,but I’m starting over.I’ll think of you and I’ll get better and better.Please bless me.”Wendy’s eyes were red as she whispered for a long time before reluctantly getting up.

As she stepped out of the cemetery,she saw Michael’s car parked outside.He hurried over,a look of regret on his sculpted face.“Sorry,my phone was muted and I didn’t notice the time.”

Wendy numbly wanted to say,“Nothing,”but the passenger door opened.Madison,dressed in a red dress,stood out from the solemn cemetery.

“Miss Presley,I’m so sorry,”Madison said,her smile meaningful.“I’ve been feeling unwell for the past couple of days and I had no appetite this morning,so Michael accompanied me to buy those butterfly cakes.The line’s long,would you like to try some?”

Wendy suddenly raised her eyes.

That place…just driving there and back took over three hours.

So,he’d broken his promise without a care in the world,just to please his beloved.

In the face of true love,he was willing to do even these little things.Wendy felt a sharp pain in her chest,clearly suffocating with pain,yet she forced herself to remain calm.“No need.”

She turned to leave,but Michael stopped her.“Madison said she’s been back for so long and she hasn’t even formally greeted you yet.She wants to treat you to a meal.”

Madison immediately responded,“Yes,Miss Presley.After all,a secret marriage is still a marriage.Michael and I grew up together and are the most important people to each other.It’s only right that I treat you.”

Wendy’s gaze swept over the two figures huddled together and after a long pause,she said,“Okay.”

In the private kitchen,secluded and quiet,Michael quickly named a few dishes.

“I love it.You remember it all,”Madison recalled sweetly.“When I was in school,I hated the cafeteria food,so Michael learned all these recipes just for me…”

“Madison,”Michael interrupted with a frown.Madison was stunned,then immediately lowered her head and said aggrievedly,“I’m sorry,I shouldn’t have said that in front of Miss Presley…”

Wendy shook her head.“It’s okay,I don’t mind.”

Michael,however,looked at her.

He and the female lead from another drama were always hyped as a couple and after Wendy finished reading the gossip,she would angrily hug him.“I’m clearly the real couple!”

But now,she seemed to care nothing.

Throughout the meal,Madison kept talking about their past.Michael responded,while Wendy remained silent.

As Michael went to answer the phone,Madison suddenly asked,“Aren’t you curious about why we broke up?”

Her tone was one of condescending pity.Wendy raised her eyes.“Why?”

“Because the better the man,the more he yearns for what he can’t have.”Madison said confidently,“It’s important to be sensible.It’s not nice to feel like both the role and the lover belong to someone else,isn’t it?”

Wendy watched her quietly and suddenly found it amusing.She put down her teacup.“I understand.”

She would leave him,too,but she no longer needed his constant lingering thoughts.