Chapter 1

Valentine's Day coincides with the weekend, and travel videos from various places are a hit. My phone also received a video of a famous mountain sunrise.

This video, with millions of likes, showcases a magnificent sunrise above the clouds, then pans to my boyfriend and his childhood friend, huddled together, laughing blissfully.

The comment section explodes with uniform praise. "They look so sweet and so beautiful.” “It makes me want to fall in love again..."

Watching Laurence's adoring smile, I tremble and turn off my phone.

He has never looked at me with such adoration.

One more second, I would burst into tears.

On Valentine's, I had prepared a candlelit dinner and waited all night, only to see a video of him watching the sunrise with his childhood friend.

He had told me he was working overtime at the office and would be home soon.

Late into the night, after two more calls to him, he kept saying he would be home soon.

How foolish I was, waiting all night on his promises, even fretting over whether calling him would disturb his work.

It's utterly ridiculous!

I cut a small piece of steak, now cold and hard from the long wait, and spit it into the trash.

Suddenly, I feel like this relationship, just like the overnight steak, has expired and spoiled.

The phone rings. It's Laurence.

I answer with self-mockery, hearing his voice.

"Been busy all night, but it's handled. I'll be home in an hour."

His voice sounds deliberately weary.

His deceit towards me is so smooth, completely without guilt.

I take a deep breath and say the words that have been turning over in my heart for hours.

"Laurence, let's break up."

"Are you upset because you've waited too long? Kiki, I'm really tired. Be more considerate, will you?"

I almost laugh in anger.

"I saw the video of you and Lila watching the sunrise. Lying must be exhausting. Breaking up with me will spare you the effort."

I hang up without waiting for his response.

He calls back repeatedly, non-stop.

Irritated, I block him.

After blocking him, I look at the romantic Valentine’s setup I created, feeling like it's April Fool’s Day instead.

I sweep the candles, balloons, fried steak, and the uncorked red wine into the trash.

After that, I pack my bags and return to my own place.

Back to my own house, I finally allow myself to cry loudly.

Laurence, whom I pursued for two years before he agreed to be my boyfriend, brought me immense happiness initially and now just as much pain.

Recalling every moment with him, it's almost always me waiting for him.

When Lila was sick, he left me alone in the restaurant to rush to the hospital.

When Lila was scolded by her boss, he hurried to comfort her.

I got jealous and angry, and we fought and argued, but he claimed he had no romantic feelings for Lila, saying she was just a childhood friend of his.

Whenever I got angry, he would cook for me and soothe me with gentle words.

Weakly, I couldn’t resist his coaxing, and threw myself into his arms just like before.

In love, the one who loves deeply is often the one who gets hurt the most.

I've decided to remove him from my heart.