After dating for a year, Evan and Michelle's relationship became increasingly stable, so they decided to move in together. They chose a rental place near their company.
The new home is located in a residential area in Taipei City, and the entire space is filled with a modern urban atmosphere.
The spacious floor-to-ceiling windows allow sunlight to pour in, creating a wonderful contrast with the soft indoor lighting.
Natural light creates subtle reflections on carefully selected furniture, such as a well-crafted deep brown leather sofa and a large, sleek glass coffee table.
The walls of the room are adorned with some abstract art pieces, with bright colors that are not too harsh, much like their attitudes towards love and life.
The bookshelf is filled with books related to advertising and creativity, as well as novels and photography collections that the two of them enjoy. Although the small open kitchen is not used often, its utensils and coffee machine are ready and waiting to be put to use at any time.
Although this is the first time the two have attempted cohabitation, this space has already become a showcase created together, with every corner reflecting their unique tastes and personalities.
"Look at this place, I have to say, this is simply our ideal home." Evan looked out into the distance, where the night view of Taipei was shining, with sparkling buildings dotting the dark night like stars.
Michelle smiled and said, "Yes, our own little world of freedom. Unbound by traditional concepts, unaffected by the outside world."
Excitedly, Evan said, "Then let's raise a toast to our new life here." He picked up a bottle of pre-prepared champagne and gently popped the cork.
With the "pop" of the champagne cork, it seems that this new space has also gained new life. The two clinked glasses, celebrating this beautiful night and the future full of possibilities.
"Yes, indeed, a new beginning, a new us," Michelle's eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation.
"By the way, I'm going to meet Rebecca tomorrow, the sister you met before. We're going to have a best friends' afternoon tea." She suddenly thought of this and her eyes lit up as she faced Evan.
Evan smiled as he took the wine glass from Michelle's hand and gently clinked it. "That sounds great. Rebecca is an interesting person. Where are you planning to meet?"
Michelle sat on the sofa, holding a decorative cushion and lightly biting her lower lip, as if choosing her words. "Well, we're planning to go to that newly opened art-style café, you know, the one filled with contemporary art pieces," she said.
Evan raised his glass, gazing deeply into the red wine as if searching for something within.
His expression turned slightly pensive, then relaxed. "Sure, enjoy your girl time. Maybe those art pieces will give us some inspiration for our advertising project."
Michelle put down the cushion in her hand and walked to the window, observing the night scene on the streets and alleys. This new living environment gave her a completely new feeling, as if she was about to start a whole new life.
The next day, when Michelle entered this unique coffee shop, the air was filled with a rich coffee aroma. This fragrance mixed with a hint of caramel and the scent of dried flower petals, making one feel as if they were in a rich and colorful sensory world.
The interior of the shop is simple yet elegant, with industrial-style pendant lights hanging from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the wooden tables and leather sofas.
Seating by the windows is adorned with various succulent plants and delicate ceramic decorations. A gentle breeze blows in through the windows, softly brushing the leaves of the plants and filling the entire space with vitality.
The walls are covered with contemporary art pieces, from abstract oil paintings to figurative sketches, each piece seems to be telling a story.
These artworks not only add an indescribable charm to the store, but also allow every customer who enters to feel a strong literary atmosphere.
Some paintings use bold colors and irregular shapes, showcasing endless creativity; while others evoke deep contemplation on life and love through delicate brushstrokes and profound color tones.
On this Friday afternoon, people in the café chat and laugh, enjoying a brief respite.
Michelle and Rebecca are sitting in seats by the window, each holding their favorite drinks.
Rebecca chose an iced latte, while Michelle opted for a hot mocha. Their conversation is relaxed and natural, revealing a sense of familiarity between old friends.
"To be honest, I feel like I've completely lost my way," Rebecca sighed wearily.
"What's wrong? Do you have any issues with Tony?" Michelle furrowed her brow, carefully observing Rebecca's expression.
"The problem isn't with Tony, it's with us. We are no longer the two people who were once in love and pursuing dreams. After getting married, it's either work or taking care of the children. I feel like we are just getting by in life." Rebecca stared out the window, as if searching for some relief.
"Dreams and reality are always difficult to balance," Michelle understood this deeply, but still wanted to find a possible solution.
"However, one shouldn't give up everything for the sake of ordinary days," Rebecca's voice was low, her gaze fixed on the iced latte in her hand, as if she could find the answer in that cup of coffee.
Michelle looked at Rebecca, knowing full well. Although she and Evan both held the position of not getting married, watching friends struggle in their marriages still made her uneasy. She couldn't help but think, if she and Evan went down that path, would they end up like Rebecca and Tom, losing their initial passion and dreams.
"Perhaps this is the challenge that most people will face in marriage," Michelle chose her words carefully.
"And what about you? You've been dating Evan for a year now, living together. How will you choose your future?" Rebecca suddenly asked.
Michelle hesitated for a moment, then said, "We've all seen too many examples of failure, so we don't want to put ourselves in that position. But we also know that love itself is a gamble, and no one can be sure whether they will win or lose in the end."
"At least you still have the right to choose," Rebecca smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her smile.
Like this, the two women sat in the coffee shop on this afternoon, sharing their views on marriage and love, while the city outside remained busy and restless, much like their own lives.
When Michelle got home, she immediately found Evan.
"Evan, I feel like we really need to have a serious talk," Michelle said firmly.
Evan looked at her, knowing that this topic was unavoidable. Perhaps this was just another test in their relationship.
"Okay, let's talk then," Evan said.
So, the two of them sat down and began to discuss the future seriously, as if at that moment, they were also standing at a crossroads like Rebecca and Tony, but the only difference was that they still had the right and courage to choose.
"Anyway, we can't lose ourselves, right?" Michelle looked at Evan.
"Of course," Evan tightly held Michelle's hand. "If we lose ourselves, then what's the point of this relationship?"
"We always need to have a goal, don't we?" Michelle said.
"Yes, goals are very important," Evan nodded.
On the table, there were still a few traces of foam on their respective lattes, evidence that this deep conversation had been ongoing. "Evan, do you remember Rebecca telling me once that she dreamed of becoming a writer?" Michelle suddenly spoke.
"I remember," Evan reminisced.
"But she hasn't mentioned it in a long time now. In fact, her life revolves almost entirely around Tom and the family. I don't think it's a bad thing, but when I look at her, I can't help but wonder, what kind of feeling would it be to give up one's dreams for love?"
"It might be very unpleasant, with regrets, and maybe a little bit of reluctance," Evan bit his lower lip, "Dreams and love shouldn't be mutually exclusive."
Michelle gazed into Evan's eyes, "So, if one day I have to choose to pursue my dreams, would you support me?"
"Of course, just as I hope you will support me," Evan replied.
Michelle felt a warm feeling and said, "So what should we do? How can we ensure that we don't end up like Rebecca and Tom, seeing love as everything in life?"
Evan fell silent for a moment, "I think we need to ensure our independence. Just as we have our own responsibilities at work, we should have the same in our relationship. We need our own space and freedom, so that even if life changes, we can adapt."
Michelle thought Evan's words made sense, "It's like a separation of powers, right?"
"Perhaps that's one way to put it," Evan chuckled. "Secondly, we need to frequently examine our relationship to ensure that it is built on a foundation of equality and mutual respect."
"That way, we can ensure that we don't lose ourselves and can also give each other freedom and space whenever needed," Michelle added with a smile.
Evan raised his latte cup and said, "Yes, here's to our future."
The two cups lightly clinked together, making a crisp sound, just like their hopes for the future.
Comment 0 Comment Count