The End of This Love

I had spent 10 years with Trevor Dimitrova, growing alongside him from an unknown individual to the leader of the Dimitrova Family. Even when he was abducted and extorted by his family's rival due to business issues, I was prepared to be brutally harmed by the kidnappers to save him. With red eyes, he vowed to remain at my side forever that day.

"I took you in because I felt sorry for you," he said, looking disgusted when I plucked up the nerve to tell him about how I felt.

“Did you think you deserve me?”

The next day, Trevor scheduled a wedding date and made an official announcement about his relationship with his well-matched girlfriend.

Little did I know, Trevor was completely devastated when he saw me with another man.

***

"Attention, I have important news to announce…” Trevor said, while the company was holding a press conference today.

"Rachel and I are having an engagement party in three days. All are invited to attend!"

After that, Trevor's normally solemn demeanor transformed to a little smile. His gaze rested on a woman called Rachel Lafreniere and he carefully extended his hand to her.

In an instant, Trevor and Rachel became the focus of the audience's reporters' cameras.

The setting was already chaotic.

"A domineering CEO and a rich girl? What kind of book love story has come to life!"

"Did you see Trevor's eyes when he looked at Rachel? Gosh! I wish it was me! That’s so sweet!"

"They are too good to be true, they must be happy ever after!"

They owned the thrill and the loudness.

My heart shattered as I turned to face Trevor on stage and saw his loving glance on Rachel. It was unfortunate that the person beside him was no longer me, even if it was a sight I had undoubtedly dreamed of a lot.

I met Trevor the day Trevor's parents brought me home from the orphanage. Throughout my youth, I was truly captivated by this young man's complete presence.

After his mother and father tragically died, Trevor assumed responsibility for the whole family.

For a while, the Dimitrova Family was a thorny tangle because some members sought to cause difficulties and escape scrutiny. I gave up my promising future because of this and I followed Trevor without protest accompanying him as he rose from unknown to the position of Dimitrova Family head.

In the process, Trevor had angered a lot of individuals. The most hazardous period was when his opponent abducted him and used blackmail against him due to business issues. I saved him by myself and the kidnappers gravely hurt me.

That day, he swore to me with blazing eyes while holding me in his arms and covered in blood.

"Amora, don't worry; I will always be there for you. I will always be with you since you are the one I want most."

Trevor had always maintained a courteous but aloof relationship with the opposite sex. In the 10 years I'd known him, he'd shown me enough that I was the exception.

Yesterday, I plucked up the confidence to tell him since I felt he liked me too. However, I was surprised to get Trevor's sarcasm in return.

"I took you in because I felt sorry for you, Amora," he added. “Did you think you deserve me?”

Trevor even couldn't wait to decide to make a formal statement today, as if he was terrified to be seen with me.

"Amora, can you take a photo of me and Trevor? I want to post it on Snapchat Moments later."

The sound of Rachel's distinct voice brought my thoughts back to the present. She clutched the phone with an arrogant demeanor and suggestive gaze.

I had been with Trevor the longest, after all and everyone in the circle knew it.

Rachel was attempting to warn me by behaving like a hostess.

Rachel handed me the phone and Trevor's face flashed with a touch of disapproval when he saw that I was a little bewildered and didn't grab it right away.

With a chilly gaze, Trevor said, "Amora, could you please be a little more courteous? Rachel is speaking to you."

My heart hurt so much. The thing Trevor detested the most was when someone gave me a bossy order.

Thinking about that one drinking occasion, the partner became inebriated and requested me to serve food and pour wine.

"Amora is my person," Trevor said in a furious tone. “Anyone who treats her disrespectfully is treating me, Trevor Dimitrova, disrespectfully as well.”

The collaboration was never fully completed.

To save my honor, Trevor would rather forgo a project worth ten million dollars.

I also believed I could become close to Trevor due to his unusual affinity for sending me mixed signals. I made the mistake of believing that I was special among women in his eyes. But, in the end, I discovered that I was just a joke to him.

The conversations around me continued and the camera's glare hurt my eyes.

"Didn't they say Amora's place in the Dimitrova Family was secure? But Trevor's attitude toward her appeared to be the same.”

"What do you know? Rachel is the female lead in this story, while Amora is merely an extra."

I was being drowned by insults and whispers.

Trevor appeared to ignore them and had no intention of clarifying for me.

I inhaled deeply.

In front of everyone's jeering gaze, I grabbed Rachel's phone and grudgingly stated, "Okay, I'll take a group photo for you."

There was a small movement in Trevor's eyes, a flicker of concealed emotion. Perhaps he was bewildered because I compromised so quickly.

I wasn't a weakling, after all. I had never lowered my head to anybody and I had always been free and forthright. But I was too exhausted. I glanced up at Trevor. It felt like a huge ocean separated us, even though we were just a few steps away.

I exhaled quietly in my heart and let go of my fixation after many years. I have made the decision to no longer like you, Trevor…

Rachel smiled as she posed for the group shot. "Trevor," she murmured coquettishly, pulling Trevor's sleeve. "Give me your phone. You also have to issue an official announcement!"

Since Trevor's social media posts were solely about his job, I assumed he would decline.

Trevor's face remained mostly unchanged upon hearing this. "Okay, I'll do it for you," he murmured tenderly after giving Rachel a head rub and obediently handing over the phone.

“The password is your birthday.”

Rachel beamed as she successfully unlocked Trevor's phone.

Trevor used to think that using one's birthdate as a password was the most juvenile thing you could do. Now, he himself used this childish way to express his love for Rachel sincerely and passionately.

Deep down, I chuckled at myself.

Rachel was Trevor's exception to the rule that there was no bottom line that could not be breached.

The official announcement was sent out by Rachel.

Meanwhile, my phone rang at the worst moment. That was the special reminder I set for Trevor. It took too long to set it and I forgot to cancel it.

Trevor looked at me icily, as though he were staring at something filthy, after hearing the message alert tone. He eventually spoke something after a long silence.

"Amora, you should take care of the rest of the press conference. Rachel can't stay up late. I'll take her home."

Trevor left the venue with Rachel's hand in his without waiting for my response.

This was the first time that Trevor left me for another woman. And I was fully aware that if there was a first time, there would be several ones. At last, the boy who vowed to be with me forever betrayed his word.

After taking care of everything, it was already late when I returned home. I discovered that my room's belongings had been carelessly dumped into the living room as soon as I opened the door.

"I'm sorry, Amora," Rachel said, feigning regret as she turned to face me. “I'm going to move in. Trevor said I may choose which room I wanted. Strangely enough, it appears that we even like the same room!”

Rachel purposefully trod on my clothes that were spread on the floor. She looked to be referring to the room, but in reality, it was about a person.

Trevor gave me a chilly look as he left the study.

"What are you arguing about?"

When Rachel heard this, she grabbed Trevor's arm right away and angrily said, "I'm to blame for everything. My favorite room appears to be Amora's. She is upset and refuses to give it to me.”

I never wanted to punch someone’s face so bad until this moment.

Rachel acted as though she was unaware that the room belonged to me, even though the family was small. She only wanted to brag to me about how well regarded she was by Trevor.

How could Trevor, who had worked in business for so long, have missed Rachel being sneaky?

However, love was blind.

Trevor glanced at me impatiently as he shielded Rachel from me.

"It wasn't Rachel's intention. It's just about one room. You could just..."

"Well, you're right," I interrupted before Trevor could finish. “It's only a room. I'm going to get everything out now."

"This house has a lot of rooms," Trevor replied after pausing. “It is the same whether you live in another room. If you need anything, let me know.”

In my heart, I scoffed. What did Trevor believe he was doing? Did I get this in exchange for giving up my room? Trevor was always like this. He definitely didn't like me, but he kept giving me hope, purposefully confusing me. But this time, he overthought things. I had no intention of living shamelessly in this house.

"Amora, let me help you move beyond the rest of your things." Rachel boldly lifted her eyebrows. She appeared to be eagerly assisting, but all she wanted was for me to give her space as soon as possible.

Rachel feigned to have accidently knocked the crystal ball on my table to the ground.

"Rachel, are you okay? Is your hand hurting?” As though holding a priceless gem, Trevor hurried to Rachel's side, took her hand and carefully examined it.

"I'm fine, but it's unfortunate that I broke the crystal ball," Rachel said, waving her hand apologetically. “This was a present you gave to Amora. Amora, I'm sorry, I'll help you glue it, it should be able to be put together again."

Despite its low value, the crystal ball was the first present Trevor gave me. Even though Trevor offered me more expensive gifts later on, this childhood friendship present was the most valuable.

I still cherished this crystal ball and kept it in the bedroom's most noticeable location.

Without concern, Trevor looked at the rubble on the ground and remarked to Rachel in a calming voice…

"It's just a little thing. Now it's broken, you don't have to worry about it. Your safety is the most important."

I nodded and said lightly, "Yeah, it doesn't matter, I was going to throw it away anyway."

In the next instant, I swept all of the crystal ball's debris into the trash bin, catching Trevor off guard.

Trevor glanced at me in disbelief, his brow furrowing further and deeper.

"Amora, what do you mean?"

I shook my head and spoke in an emotionless voice.

"It doesn't mean anything. Broken things should have stayed in the trash can."

Trevor moved forward to seize my wrist, dropped his voice and mockingly said, "Amora, did you think of another trick? I told you to put such inappropriate ideas away, or else..."

Rachel could have been a little upset to see Trevor approaching me too closely. "Trevor, I'm so hungry, let's go out for a midnight snack," she said quickly, changing the topic.

Trevor nodded to Rachel, pushed my hand away in disdain and said softly, "Okay, I'll take you to whatever you want to eat."

Rachel hypocritically said, "I want to eat spicy hot chicken wings," leaning on Trevor's arms like a little bird. “Do you want to join us, Amora?”

I firmly said, "No, I'm not hungry," without even considering it. “You guys can go without me."

As if considering whether or not what I had said was true, Trevor pursed his thin lips into a line and dropped his gaze.

After all, if it were before, I would use every opportunity to get along with Trevor. Always actively approaching him.

"Rachel kindly invited you, Amora, don't be shameless."

The tinge of melancholy in Trevor's tone struck me as somewhat odd.

He should be pleased that I carefully made it possible for him and Rachel to spend time alone. Why did he have to make me, an outsider, join them? Eventually, Trevor stormed off when Rachel persuaded him to do so.

It wasn't until they were both gone that I went into my bedroom.

To some way, Trevor gave his implicit approval when Rachel destroyed the decorations and wallpaper at her whim.

But unexpectedly, a face with a broad smile appeared in my head.

It was 19 years old Trevor, who clumsily and carefully decorated the room for me.

As if to claim credit, he told me while he was perspiring, "Amora, look, you will have a home in the future."

The fresh evening breeze flowed in through the window and cleansed my mind.

I gave a sour smile.

With his own hands, the man who had promised to provide me a home instead shoved me into the abyss.

One by one, I picked up the items on the ground and nearly all of them held memories of Trevor and me. As well, the damage and stains on every object showed that Trevor and I would never be able to return to the past.

Not a single item in this house truly belonged to me and they wouldn't even fit in a single bag. This way, I had nothing to lose, so it was fine.

I rented a home outside and resigned from Trevor's firm.

I received some messages on my phone, it was from Rachel.

[Trevor and I are busy with the engagement things, so we won't be back for several days.]

[Amora, I'll leave the house in your care!]

[Remember to attend our engagement party in three days!]

The message was followed by a picture showing Rachel kissing Trevor while holding up her phone and taking a picture in front of the mirror. Even though it was a blatant provocation, I didn't feel offended. Naturally, I wouldn't care about anything relating to Trevor because I didn't want to be involved with him any more.

In addition, my birthday fell on the same day as their engagement celebration in three days.

I ignored all the messages from Rachel.

I got in touch with my old pals and invited them to join me in celebrating my birthday.

Trevor had been the center of my universe for the last decade.

Today, all I wanted to do was live for myself.

***

After spreading my long hair, I changed into a dress that was burgundy in color. I felt magnificent when I looked in the mirror.

For years, I had been following Trevor about the office.

I had been wearing a boring black and white business suit for a long time. But I was only in my twenties this year and like all girls, I was at the age of loving beauty.

My friends joyfully gathered around me and shoved a giant birthday cake over when I entered the private room I had rented.

I couldn't contain my tears as I sniffed.

They were all my pals from the orphanage where I grew up.

"Amora, happy birthday!"

When the door to the private room opened and Gavin was holding a delicate present box bag, his eyes fell on me.

My best friend prodded my arm and said, "Amora, Gavin came here especially today because he heard you were having a birthday," with a smile.

For some time, Gavin McGath, a senior in my college major, also made a concerted attempt to court me.

I immediately rejected Gavin because my thoughts and feelings were on Trevor at the time.

"Birthday gift, I hope you will like it."

Gavin gave me the gift and sat down next to me.

I smiled politely, "Thank you."

Following the welcomes, the mood abruptly brightened.

Gavin seemed to have mustered up his courage, cleared his throat and asked carefully, "Amora, can I ask for your number?"

Everyone knew that Trevor and Rachel had officially announced their relationship.

Those who intended to use me to get close to Trevor have long since vanished in a matter of days.

In the economic world, it was common to swoon over the powerful.

Gavin was the first person to approach me and ask for my contact details in such a situation. His eyes were completely uninterested in those matters as he waited silently for my response.

With a nod, I said, "Sure."

Gavin's eyes brightened suddenly.

I simply happened to pull out my cell phone and saw Trevor called me.

I accidentally pressed the answer button and heard Trevor's angry voice on the other end, "Amora, you already agreed to be Rachel's bridesmaid! Where are you now? Come to me now to the engagement party quickly. Everyone is waiting for you. Is there something wrong?"

Rachel didn't even ask me to be her bridesmaid, which momentarily shocked me. She wanted Trevor to believe that I was purposefully having a tantrum and ruining their engagement party, as if its intention couldn't be clearer.

At the same time, she pushed me to see her and Trevor's happiness for myself and urged me not to entertain any ridiculous notions.

However, Trevor refused to believe me, so I replied, rather casually, "I wish you happiness, Trevor. But today is my birthday, I won't go to your engagement party."

Trevor hesitated a little; it was clear that he had long since forgotten my birthday. After all, he had no time to worry about me, an outsider, since he had been busy getting ready for him and Rachel's engagement party.

"Amora, you said you wanted to give me your number..." Gavin, who was waiting, reminded me softly as he held his phone out in front of me.

I subconsciously replied, "Ah, wait…"

"Amora, where are you now?" Trevor's voice on the phone abruptly increased a few notes, with a faint undertone of worry. "Who are you with?"

I didn't respond to Trevor's questions. Indifferently, I set my phone on “do not disturb” and hung up.

The birthday celebration was a lot of fun with friends. The only drawback was that the new waiter inadvertently knocked over the kettle on me.

Only Gavin and I remained after almost everyone had left.

It hurt to scorch my ankle.

Gavin seemed concerned and got up to go to the nearest pharmacy to get me some scald ointment.

The waiter expressed regret to me and worked out a settlement. He insisted on first letting me rest in a room above. I had to agree since I couldn't help myself.

Thank goodness, Gavin returned in less than a quarter of an hour after buying the medication. He thoroughly and deliberately cleansed my wound after removing the burn ointment and cotton swab iodine.

The blazing agony traveled directly to my head as the wound made contact with the medication. I shuddered and said, "Ah, it hurts."

"Sorry, I'll be gentler," said Gavin, slowing down his motions.

"What are you doing?!"

The hotel door was abruptly kicked open with a "bang" sound.

Trevor, who was meant to be hosting an engagement party, suddenly appeared in front of me.