Chapter 3
I pulled out the property contract I’d always kept in my bag, tears falling one by one onto it.
I quickly wiped them away, afraid of damaging the paper.
All this time, I thought Alex wouldn’t propose because he was struggling financially, afraid he couldn’t measure up to my parents‘ expectations.
That day, he heard everything clearly when my mother called.
“So what if his parents are deceased? He has less education than you, earns less than you, no house, no car – what do you see in him? Just his face?”
“With your qualifications, you could have anyone. Why him?”
“Come home, I know so many outstanding young men, any one of them better than him.”
I covered the phone: “Mom, he’s on a new project, getting a raise next month. He’s ambitious and treats me well – I just love him.”
“About the house, we’ve saved enough for a down payment together. Our combined housing funds can cover the monthly payments. Things are getting better…”
After hanging up that day, I crouched by the bed, pulled out all my bank cards, laid them out, and looked up at him: “Let’s get married. I have money – worst case, I’ll support us.”
Alex froze slightly, an unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes, but only said: “Wait a little longer.”
Back then, I thought he wanted me to wait until he climbed higher, until he could marry me properly.
But I never understood that look in his eyes. Now I realize he must have been laughing.
Laughing at my naive trust, at my passionate love that meant nothing to him.
These past days, I’d been planning how to surprise him.
While I was dreaming of our cozy future together, he was calculating his exit from this deceptive game.
It’s laughable, really – I’m laughing until I can’t stop the tears.
It took every ounce of restraint not to push that door open.
I backed away step by step, the truth suffocating me. I lowered my head and pressed dial.
06:34
Seven Years of Love. Seven Minutos.
10.00%
Chapter 3
Looking up, I saw Alex raise his hand, silencing everyone instantly.
I spoke normally: “Still working?”
Alex’s languid voice came through: “Yeah, probably another hour or two. Why aren’t you asleep?”
I wiped my tears: “I had a fall. I’m at the hospital…”
In my peripheral vision, I saw Alex straighten up.
“Which hospital?” He gestured for someone to hand him his coat.
Alex hung up and extinguished his cigarette. His friend asked, “Where are you going? You just sat down.”
“Girlfriend’s in the hospital. I’m leaving.”
“Some girlfriend she is…”
Before he could finish, Alex leaned against the doorframe, turning to give him a fleeting glance.
That look completely emotionless, cold as a winter pond – made the speaker fall silent, struck with fear.
06:34
