After a fervent embrace, Su Hua was drenched in fragrant sweat.

Gu Beixian didn't go to take a shower as he used to but instead held her from behind, tightly, with such force as if he wished to merge her into his body.

Su Hua felt like she was melting in his arms, her heart unexpectedly filled with surprise, nervousness, excitement, and a touch of sorrow.

It had been three years since they were married, and this was the first time he had held her like this.

She felt deeply loved.

Her heart pounded wildly, like a deer in disarray. Slowly turning around, she hugged him back tightly, her face adorned with a sweet, beautiful smile, as if she had embraced the whole world.

They stayed like that for a long while.

Gu Beixian released her, got dressed, sat up, and took a pack of cigarettes from the drawer. He skillfully shook one out, lit it, and took a deep drag.

The smoke swirled around him, his handsome and spirited face obscured by the haze, his expression unreadable, his thoughts unknown. The cigarette burned close to his fingers, yet he seemed unaware.

Su Hua coughed lightly, "Didn't you quit smoking a long time ago?"

Gu Beixian extinguished the cigarette, his gaze deep as he looked into her eyes.

After a few seconds of silence, he said, "Su Hua, let's separate."

It struck her like a bolt from the blue!

Su Hua was stunned, her burning heart instantly turned to ice!

Her face pale, she looked at him in a daze, her voice trembling as she asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

"No."

"Then why separate?"

"Suosuo is back, I'm sorry."

Chu Suosuo, his ex-girlfriend.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Su Hua's heart was torn apart. Three whole years of daily companionship, of mutual support, yet it couldn't withstand the return of that woman!

He didn't love her, and that was her greatest fault!

Despair, defeat, and sadness overwhelmed her. Su Hua bit her lip, her body rigid.

She shakily began to dress, ready to get out of bed.

Gu Beixian held her shoulder, his voice gentle, "Where are you going?"

Su Hua fought back tears, "To make breakfast."

"You always do it, let me make it today. You sleep a bit more," he said, his voice deep and tender.

Su Hua murmured an acknowledgment, lay down, and pulled the covers over her damp eyes.

After he left, she got out of bed, ran into the bathroom, and couldn't hold back her tears any longer.

Tears fell like pearls off a string, unstoppable.

She never knew that loving someone could hurt so much, like a piece of her heart had been gouged out.

She leaned against the wall, crying until she trembled.

After some time, Gu Beixian called her downstairs to eat.

Su Hua responded, splashed cold water on her face repeatedly to rinse her eyes.

But no matter how much she washed, her eyes remained red, bloodshot.

Downstairs, Gu Beixian stood waiting for her in the dining room.

Dressed in a well-tailored designer suit, his long legs accentuated by dark trousers, his demeanor was refined and noble, his mere presence dazzling.

Su Hua silently took a seat at the dining table.

Gu Beixian leaned slightly towards her, his gaze especially tender as he noticed her red eyes, "Did you cry?"

Su Hua looked up at him, forcing a smile, "I accidentally got face wash in my eyes while washing my face, it'll be fine in a bit."

"Be careful next time, let's eat." Gu Beixian sat beside her, passing her the chopsticks.

Su Hua took them, her eyes lowered, admiring his handsome fingers on the chopsticks.

The lavish breakfast spread its tempting aroma, yet neither of them touched their food.

Never before had a meal been eaten with such sorrow.

Half an hour later, the food remained untouched.

Su Hua put down her chopsticks, stood up, and said softly, "I'll go pack my things."

Gu Beixian's hand tightened around his chopsticks, "No rush."

Su Hua gave a bitter smile. With things as they were, should she wait to be thrown out?

She turned and went upstairs, throwing her belongings into a suitcase. After a while, she zipped it up and carried it downstairs.

Gu Beixian came forward to take the suitcase, "Let me."

"No need." Su Hua took the suitcase and walked out, her back straight.

Passing through the courtyard, she couldn't help feeling sentimental. How could one be heartless when even plants have life?

Three years, and the so-called affection that comes with time was only on her side.

She loved him so deeply, with passion and kinship, but what was the use?

Let go, just let go.

They walked to the front door, one after the other, a car waiting outside.

Gu Beixian handed her a check, "Thank you for your company these past three years."

Su Hua stood defiantly, unsure whether to accept it.

Gu Beixian stuffed the check into her suitcase, "Take it, you'll need money in the future."

"Okay."

Su Hua responded dryly, lifting her head to greedily gaze at his handsome lips, his high nose, his striking eyes.

Remembering the moments in bed, how his eyes covered hers, and the stars filled the sky, her heart twisted in agony, too painful for words.

She thought, surely there would come a day in her life when she would finally stop loving him.

Three years? Ten years?

Perhaps a lifetime.

Falling in love with someone seemed easy, but forgetting them was hard, very hard.

Gu Beixian watched her for a moment, then suddenly pulled her into his arms, his face calm but his eyes turbulent, "It won't be easy for you alone in the future. Call me if you have any trouble."

Tears welled up, but she swallowed them down, "Okay."

"I wasn't well these past two years, I had a bad temper, and you suffered for it."

"It's okay."

"Take care of yourself."

"You too." Su Hua slowly raised her hand, hugging him as if it were a farewell for life and death.

Suddenly, she let go of him.

She pushed him away, quickly wiped her face, grabbed her suitcase, and turned to leave.

After a few steps, she heard Gu Beixian ask, "Who is Ah-Yao?"

Her heart trembled slightly, and Su Hua's lifted foot slowly touched the ground.

Memories long buried crashed down on her.

She was too sad to speak.

Then she heard Gu Beixian say, "He must be very important to you, right? Sorry for taking up three years of your life, I wish you happiness."