Participants:
Main: Maria Avery
Ex-boyfriend: James
Maria's mother: Merinda
Maria's father: Anton
Beginning:
Autumn. October.
I woke up in a good mood. It was around 7:00 AM. I opened the window. The weather was a bit windy but not too cold. I stepped out onto the balcony and took a deep breath. What wonderful air! Still in my morning high spirits, I asked my assistant to make me coffee. She brought it shortly after. I sipped my coffee on the balcony. When I checked the time, it was already 7:40. So, I glanced at my phone on the table in front of the sofa. James had texted me: "Shall we meet today at 5:00 PM at xxx place?" I replied, "Of course," and put my phone back on the sofa.
To look captivating for the day's meetings, I prepared by wearing my most expensive heels and my favorite dress. As I left, I glanced back with joy. My house and my car, both bought with my own hard-earned money! A warmth filled my heart, and I felt even more motivated to keep pushing forward. I was 24 years old at the time.
I arrived at my company and spent hours in discussions with partners from another firm. I loved my job and felt incredibly secure in myself. By evening, around 5:00 PM, it was time to meet James.
The Meeting:
I went to the famous restaurant he had mentioned. It was stunning—filled with celebrities and singers… and James was already there.
When James saw me, he stood up, greeted me with a bright smile, and handed me a bouquet of flowers. I took the flowers, placed them aside, and sat down as he began talking. James, like me, was a millionaire with his own company. We had been talking for six months. We both ordered steak, and I got a Caesar salad and wine for myself.
Two hours later, it was time to leave. As I gathered my things, James suddenly hugged me from behind, then knelt down on one knee. Annoyed, I was about to snap at him—but when I turned around, he was holding a small, square box.
"Maria, I've known you for so long. We've talked on and off since school. But six months ago, I met you again… and I fell deeply in love with you. Will you marry me?"
At that moment, I burst out laughing—so loud that everyone in the restaurant heard me. When I finally stopped, I coldly replied, "You mean nothing to me. Don't ever forget that." Then I walked out.
James grabbed my arm. "What do you mean? After all the time we've spent together, you're saying no?"
My irritation flared. I shook off his hand, got into my car, and drove away. He followed in his own car.
At home, I told my maid not to open the door for anyone and to bring me wine. She obeyed. I sat on the balcony chair, staring at the sky, feeling lighter. Then James showed up. He saw me from below and called out, "Maria, please, let's talk. If I made a mistake, forgive me. Come down, or I'll come up!"
I stood up and poured my wine over him. His white suit turned red. I felt nothing—no pity, no anger, just… emptiness. A vast void, like a black hole.
"You should leave. I don't ever want to see you again," I said.
He collapsed to his knees, crying. "Please, Maria… no, please, don't do this. Tell me what I did wrong—I'll fix everything! I'd do anything for you!"
I didn't respond. I just walked inside and took a long, hot shower, washing away the stress. Today was a good day, I thought, relaxing in the steamy water.
When I got out, I checked the mirror. Rain was pouring outside. I didn't feel like going back to the balcony—part of me wondered if James was still there. I just watched the rain from inside.
Soon, my maid came in. "He's still waiting," she said.
I ignored her and told her not to disturb me again.
Then my mother called. I didn't want to answer—she only ever called when she needed something.
Finally, I lay down on my soft bed. In my dream, I was in a beautiful meadow, playing with two identical little boys with white hair. We were all dressed in white, happy.