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墨書 Inktalez
Sunlight streamed through the slats of Evan's office blinds. Everything inside, from the narrow metal bookshelves to the desk filled with documents and awards, exuded a sense of tranquility in the afternoon dimness.
Evan tightly holds a cup of Americano coffee, and the heat of the coffee rises with the movement of his hand, blending with the faint woody aroma permeating the air.
At the same time, Michelle sits in a spacious conference room. The cold white light bulbs cast her shadow long, stretching far onto the opposite wall.
Scattered on the table are a pile of unfinished reports and promotional materials, as well as a pot of withered yellow flowers.
However, this time Michelle is not contemplating about work, but rather because a five-year-long emotional experience has suddenly resurfaced.
She doesn't know how to handle this situation, let alone how to confess to Evan.
Two weeks ago, she accidentally discovered an email from a man named David.
David is her ex-boyfriend, and at one point, she thought he was the one she could spend her life with.
He wrote: "Michelle, I want to meet with you. I need to talk to you about something."
Michelle questioned whether she had any feelings for David, but as she read these words, she couldn't help but feel a wave of nervousness and curiosity.
That evening, when they met with David, they met at a restaurant with average-tasting food but elegant decor.
The lighting was dim, and soft light emanated from the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, as if casting a mysterious atmosphere for this unexpected encounter.
The walls around are hung with works of contemporary artists, rich in color yet full of hidden meanings. There is a scent in the air, a mixture of spices and high-end perfume.
Michelle is wearing a gray long skirt, with her long black hair casually draped over her shoulders.
Our eyes met for a moment, and his deep blue eyes were still so bright.
He was dressed in a sharp suit, his hair still neatly styled, just like the first time we met at the company years ago.
"Hi, Michelle, long time no see," David said with a smile.
Michelle looked at him thoughtfully, "Yeah, long time no see, David."
He smiled and said to Michelle, "You still look as beautiful as you did at the beginning."
Michelle forced herself to remain calm and retorted, "Beauty is subjective. Everyone has different perspectives."
"Oh, I see," David shook his head, as if filled with regret. "I missed out on such a beautiful and smart woman."
They chose a seat by the window and ordered a few dishes and red wine.
David seemed to be in high spirits as he talked about his recent work and life. But Michelle could sense a hint of anxiety in his eyes from time to time.
Then, after looking at the situation for a while, he finally spoke up and said, "Michelle, I want to tell you that I regret breaking up with you in the first place. I feel like I need to be honest with you about my feelings, even if it may be too late."
Michelle instantly felt a pang of guilt and couldn't help but ask, "Did you break up with someone else? Are you looking for a backup plan?"
David showed a bitter smile, "No, I just realized that no matter how I interact with new people, I am always happier when I am with you."
Their food finally arrived at the table, and a server placed the plates on the table. Then he asked softly, "Do you need anything else?"
Michelle smiled at the waiter and said, "Thank you, that's enough." The waiter understood her smile, nodded, and quietly left the private room.
Michelle broke the silence and said, "I have a boyfriend now."
David bit his lip, then smiled and responded, "I know, I saw your photos. You two look great together."
A glint passed through Michelle's eyes, but the smile at the corner of her mouth did not disappear. "So, what did you ask me out for?"
David was silent for a moment, then looked at Michelle and said, "I actually wanted to say, if one day you change your mind, or feel that marriage and commitment are no longer an issue, I'll be here waiting for you."
Upon hearing this, Michelle felt a complex mix of emotions, as if she had been thrown into an emotional whirlpool.
"David, my life is good now. Evan and I share the same values and future plans," Michelle tried to sound more resolute.
David smiled and replied, "I know, I can see that. I just want you to know that life is full of uncertainties, and if you ever need an option, I'll be here."
Michelle's heart raced, but she immediately calmed herself down. "Are you saying that if Evan and I broke up, you would be my backup option?"
David seemed a bit awkward and slowly said, "No, not a backup option, but if you ever find that what you want is a different future, I hope I can be a part of that future."
Michelle took a deep breath, understanding that this conversation could have an impact on her relationship with Evan.
"I will remember your words, David. But I hope you can also understand that I am now very certain that Evan and I are on a path of unwedded but still deeply loving."
David nodded, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes but also a sense of resignation.
"So, at least I've said what I wanted to say. I wish you happiness, Michelle."
Michelle smiled and replied, "Thank you, I also wish you find your own happiness."
The two of them silently savored their food, each immersed in their own thoughts.
Michelle understood that this meeting with David would be a litmus test for her relationship with Evan, but she also knew that true love always withstands trials.
So, the two said goodbye after dinner. Michelle couldn't help but feel relieved, because she knew that choosing not to marry didn't mean giving up on love, but rather finding a more suitable way to love and be loved.
She thought about Evan's firm stance on not marrying and his trust in her, so she decided to talk to Evan as soon as she got home.
After returning home, Michelle finally mustered up the courage to tell Evan everything.
"I just met with David," Michelle's voice carried a hint of hesitation.
Evan furrowed his brow, his expression revealing a mix of confusion and complexity. "Oh, really? How did it go?" His tone was calm, but there seemed to be an underlying, almost imperceptible tension.
Michelle nervously bit her lip and then said, "He said he missed me and wants to start over."
Evan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he quickly controlled his reaction. "How did you respond to him?"
Michelle chose to be honest: "I told him I couldn't consider it."
Evan took a deep breath, as if finding solace in this brief conversation. "Okay, I understand," he said, but Michelle could sense that there was more left unsaid.
In the evening, on the balcony of Evan's house, overlooking the bustling night view of Taipei City, the two sat down to talk.
Evan said, "Regarding David, I have to confess, I feel a bit uneasy."
Michelle held Evan's hand and said, "I know, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or doubt me. I told you because I feel you have the right to know."
Evan's eyes revealed a hint of gratitude. "I'm glad you were honest with me. It proves that the trust between us is not just talk."
Michelle sighed, "You know, this is why I oppose the institution of marriage. Because it kidnaps love, confines it in a cage, and prevents people from loving freely. But that doesn't mean I will take our relationship lightly."
Evan pulled Michelle into his arms and looked at her affectionately. "I understand, Michelle. I cherish every moment between us just as much. We don't need the constraints of marriage; our love is strong enough."
It seemed as if the clouds were being blown away at that moment, and the moonlight shone upon the two of them, making the moment especially beautiful.
In the interweaving of love and non-love, marriage and non-marriage, they found their own balance.
They understand that love does not need others to define it, only the honesty and trust between two people.
Back in the house, Michelle suddenly laughed, "You know what? David always thought that I didn't want to get married, which meant I wasn't willing to take on responsibility."
Evan chuckled and replied, "He may never understand that responsibility doesn't come from marriage, but from love."
Two people exchanged a smile, a simple smile that contained their shared belief in the future.
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