To the Love of My Life

All along the way, the two were engaged in a lively conversation.

Even after Ruby and Edric’s figures had completely vanished from sight, Steve Burton remained rigid, staring directly at the entrance of the community.

It was only after an unknown amount of time that Steve realized there was a trembling pain in his chest.

In the month since they had broken up, he had not stopped fantasizing about the scene of their reunion and the possibility of seeing Edric by her side when they finally met again.

Though merely thinking about that moment caused unbearable pain, when it finally happened, he discovered that the real pain was even worse than he had imagined.

Steve did not leave. He continued to stare at the entrance of the community as time went by: ten o’clock, eleven o’clock, midnight, one in the morning… not until the people on the street disappeared, and the traffic on the street gradually reduced, and the shops along the street began to close one after another — still he maintained that statue-like gaze upon the entrance.

Finally, at two in the morning, Steve blinked slowly and somewhat weakly collapsed onto the steering wheel.

Sitting there so stubbornly, staring at the entrance of the community, what was he really waiting for?

Was he waiting to see when Edric would come out?

Was he holding on to a fantasy that she was not with Edric, that he still had a chance, or was he waiting for the truth that they were together, so he could finally let go?

Now that his wish was realized – Edric and Ruby entered the community together and never came out – were they living together? Was their love finally reciprocated?

Should he give up now?

But why, other than heartbreak, jealousy, and sadness, was there not a single thought of giving up his love for her?

After a long time, Steve raised his head, and his eyes looked a little red.

The beef noodle restaurant where Ruby ate was open 24 hours. He locked the car, went in, and ordered a bowl of noodles.

Sitting where Ruby had sat, he picked up the chopsticks and ate with an elegant posture.

For someone accustomed to luxury like him, the taste of the noodles was quite ordinary. But still, he finished the bowl completely.

After finishing, Steve felt a slight blockage in his throat.

He had investigated Edric: an ordinary background, average financial conditions, hardworking since childhood, studied abroad for four years before returning to work as a low-level manager in a foreign enterprise with a monthly salary of US$2,700. In a city like Ciawell, where land was worth its weight in gold, even if he didn’t eat or drink, it would probably take ten years to save up for a house.

Although he had once scolded her, neglected her, and even hurt her in a moment of anger, what he had given her had always been the best in the world.

But now, after following Edric, she had to take a taxi to and from work, eat US$2 beef noodles, and buy fruit at a roadside stall…

If he had known, when she was with him, there had always been a chauffeur, top chefs to make her noodles, and the finest selection of fruits…