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After returning home, Camie and Ant decided to rent a house near the university where they had graduated
Part of it was nostalgia–the place held memones of their youth. But more than that, the streets were lined with sycamore trees, their golden leaves shimmering in the autumn breeze, making the neighborhood particularly enchanting this time of year.!!
After much thought, they decided to open a small coffee shop at the entrance of an alley, hoping to create a cozy appeal to young customers R
TV space
that would
For a month, they diligently learned the basics of baking and making desserts before pouring their energy into setting up the café Business was steady but never overwhelming, leaving them plenty of time to indulge in the little things they loved.
Came often curled up in Art’s arms, reading a book while their tabby cat stretched lazily beside them, soaking in the warm sunlight.
Passersby would often whisper about how affectionate the coffee shop’s owners were, their love seemingly straight out of a storybook
“That’s the kind of relationship I dream of, college students would say with admiration.
Every time Came overheard such remarks, she felt a surge of happiness. Feigning nonchalance, she would tease. “Art, did you hear that? These students sure know how to say sweet things. You should leam from them.”
With a gentle smile, Art would flip the page of her book and reply indulgently, “I will. Maybe I should ask them to teach me a few romantic lines. What do you think?”
“Now that’s more like it Carrie huffed playfully, though deep down, she felt nothing but warmth.
During their time in Germany, Carrie had told Art everything–the deal she had made with Jared’s mother, the tangled two years with Jared, every painful detail she had once buried.
She hadn’t wanted to hide anything from Art. They had promised each other honesty, no secrets between them!
“Art, in a way, I betrayed you,” she confessed. “I did it to make sure you got the best treatment, to wake you up sooner. But that doesn’t change the fact that, for two years, I was someone else’s fiancée.“%
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to continue.<
“Jared and I acted like a real couple. We had normall interactions–everything expected between an engaged pair. If you can’t accept that, I understand. We can part ways peacefully and live our own lives.“R
She said it calmly, but her heart clenched. She had prepared herself for the worst, for Art to walk away.
But Art’s response was unexpected.
The first thing he asked was, “Carrie, do you love Jared?”
Without hesitation, Carrie shook her head vigorously
From start to finish, she had never felt anything for him
The next second, Art pulled her into his arms, holding her close, as if he was afraid to lose her again.!
His voice was thick with emotion. “Then why would we break up?”
“Everything you did–you did for me. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have been hurt. You wouldn’t have been used by others like a pawn. And yet, all I can think about is how much you must have suffered.”
“You endured so much, and I wasn’t there. When you needed a hug the most, I was lying unconscious in a hospital, unable to protect you I’m sorry, Carrie. I love you. I love you so, so much.”
The world of the wealthy was ruthless–a place where people devoured one another without remorse.
Art shuddered at the thought.
Came was only in her twenties, yet for two years, she had fought battles on his behalf, navigating through a storm he had unknowingly left her in.
The realization made his blood run cold.
In his arms, Carrie finally broke down
She had held back tears when Jared’s mother had pressured her. She had withstood Karin’s relentless scheming. Even when Jared himself had humiliated and tormented her, she had not cried.%
Yet now, with just a few words from Art, all the pain and exhaustion she had bottled up burst forth!
She sobbed like a child.
“Thank you, Art, for not looking down on me,” she whispered between shaky breaths.
For so long, she had thought she was no longer worthy of love.!!
Art cupped her face, his voice steady and unwavering.
“I would never look down on you. You are the best. Camie. And you deserve the best.”
At that moment, they sat by the window, bathed in golden sunlight, their books open but forgotten.)
The air was warm, the world peaceful.
This–this was the life Carrie had dreamed of.
And in her heart, she knew.X
She had finally found happiness.
