When Love Affair Withered Away

So, all this time, the one she had been calling out to was never me.

Tears finally spilled unstoppable from my eyes and landed squarely on Thomas’s caption.

“Last night’s sweet memories. She told me that a counterfeit will always be a counterfeit, it can’t compare to the real thing, not even a little.’”

I wiped my tears, casually gave the post a like and walked out of the office.

I turned around, and on my way out, I ran into my good friend, Rick. He came here to run an errand. Without thinking, I told him, “I’m heading to New Boonville soon. I’m getting married.”

Over the years, I had kept my relationship with Crystal a secret at her insistence. Every time Rick brought up relationships, I’d deliberately change the topic.

Now that I was leaving, I owed him a proper goodbye.

He stared at me in shock. “So sudden? Does this mean we’ll barely see each other from now on?”

I nodded reluctantly. Before I could explain further, he grabbed my arm firmly.

“Tom, you’ve always said work keeps you busy and I’ve never had the chance to introduce you properly to my mom. But now that you’re leaving, you have to come to tonight’s family dinner!”

Just like that, he dragged me to attend the family banquet that his family was organizing in the evening.

For years, I avoided his invitations because Crystal insisted that we should wait until she could formally disclose our relationship and bring me to the Lancaster Family as their future son-in-law, then introduced me to her mother.

After all these years we had been together, she never brought me to meet her parents.

Ironically, now that I was leaving, the opportunity had finally come.

After getting ready, Rick and I arrived at the Lancaster Family's home halfway through the dinner.

There, standing beside his parents, was Crystal. She linked her arm with Thomas’s. Around them, guests from all circles took turns congratulating them on their engagement.

So, tonight’s dinner was actually an official announcement of their engagement.

Crystal did not even try to hide her eagerness to proclaim to the world that she was marrying Thomas.

I instinctively wanted to leave, but Rick had already pulled me toward them.

“Mom! Dad! I finally brought my best friend to meet you!" he called out.

Crystal froze the moment she saw me. She loosened her hold on Thomas’s arm ever so slightly.

As soon as Lancaster's matriarch saw me, her face lighted up with joy.

“I’ve heard so much about you from my son," she said. "He told me how hardworking and upright you are. When I meet you in person, you truly have such a kind and handsome face!”

I offered a stiff smile and shook my head politely.

Watching her warm and affectionate demeanor left a hollow ache in my heart. We could have been a pair of harmonious mother-in-law and son-in-law.

“By the way, Mr. Davis,” she added, “Rick told me you’ve been so focused on work all these years so you haven’t had time for a girlfriend. There are many lovely young women at tonight’s dinner. Would you like Auntie to introduce you to someone?”

Before I could decline, Crystal let out a cold laugh, "He doesn't need that."

Of course, I did not. After all, I was going to back to my mother and marry out of obligation anyway.

Rick added, "Mom, Tom really doesn’t need your help. My dear friend here is getting married soon in New Boonville! Who knows how many times I’ll get to see him in a year after this ....”

Crystal’s smug expression froze when she heard Rick's words Her eyes darkened as she stared at me, her emotions unreadable.

Halfway through the dinner, I stepped away to use the restroom. When I returned to the dining room, Crystal was waiting for me. Looking up, she pouted slightly, her tone tinged with playful reproach,

She grabbed my arm and pulled herself into my embrace, then leaned lazily against me. “Baby, stop making up stories about marrying someone else. Hearing it makes me jealous, you know.”