Once the last bottle of IV fluid finishes, I will be able to leave the hospital. Sophie was busy replying to messages on WeChat, while I sat idly by the bed, my mind drifting far away. Thoughts of Celeste resurfaced, that name which always lingered in my heart. She had been acting strangely lately, and after returning home last night, she had not contacted me again.

I took out my phone, hesitated for a moment, then finally decided to send her a message: "Celeste, are you alright?"

After sending the message, a sense of unease settled in my chest, and I stared anxiously at the phone screen, waiting for her reply. Yet, time passed slowly, second by second, with no response. My heart grew heavier as various possibilities flooded my mind. What had happened to Celeste?

Noticing my distracted demeanor, Sophie put down her phone, leaned close to me, and asked, "What's wrong? Why do you seem so lost?"

I didn't want to answer, simply shaking my head. She persisted, tugging at my hand and pouting, "Tell me, what's going on? Why won't you share it with me?"

With a sigh, I finally spoke, "After Celeste went home last night, she hasn't contacted me."

The moment I mentioned Celeste, Sophie's face immediately dropped, as though doused with cold water. She retreated back onto the bed and began pressing fiercely on her phone. I half-felt as though she might break it with her frustration.

After a long while, the notification sound from my phone startled me. I quickly reached for it, my heartbeat quickening with anticipation as I opened the message. But upon reading it, I felt as though the ground had been ripped out from under me, the world collapsing in an instant.

"Ryan, last night, I went home for a blind date. After thinking about it, I realized that maybe what we had wasn't love, but more a fleeting passion. My love for you wasn't pure, and I think I like him more. He can meet both my family's and my own expectations. Being with him won't face as many obstacles. I'm really afraid there might be problems between us in the future. I'm just a fragile woman, and I don't dare to think about it anymore. I'm sorry, Ryan. Let's break up. Perhaps this way, our memories of each other will remain as the best parts of us. I'm sorry."

Reading those words felt like a knife had plunged into my heart, the pain so intense I could hardly breathe. I stared blankly at the screen, my mind empty, as though time itself had frozen in that instant. Tears welled up uncontrollably. What was happening? We had only reconciled a few days ago, and now this?

I tremblingly dialed her number, my heart a mix of confusion and uncertainty. The cold, unrelenting busy tone mocked my helplessness. I refused to give up and called again, but still, no one answered. Desperately, I sent her a message: "Is this really true? You can change your mind in just one night? Was someone forcing you? I'm coming to see you. Let's talk."

A few minutes later, she replied, her message brief and resolute: "What I said is true. I like him now, and no one is forcing me. I've made my choice between you two, and I believe it's the right one. Please don't come looking for me. I'm afraid it might cause him to misunderstand. Let's not contact each other again."

Reading those words, my heart shattered completely. I tried to send another message, but the screen displayed only a red exclamation mark. In that moment, I was overcome with fury, my fingers clenched tightly around the phone, my knuckles white. Only then did I understand the frustration Sophie must have felt when she smashed her phone.

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As I spiraled deeper into a vortex of rage and sorrow, Sophie gently leaned in. Seeing the anguish on my face, she softly took the phone from my hand. She glanced at the message, and a flicker of sympathy and tenderness passed through her eyes. Then, she embraced me, speaking softly, "Ryan, don't be sad. If she doesn't love you, then she doesn't love you—it's her loss. We Ryan are handsome, considerate, and irreplaceable. Where else would she find someone like you?" Her comforting words, like those of an older sister, wrapped around me, and for a moment, I felt a small sense of peace in her warm embrace.

"But why did this happen?" My voice was hoarse, and tears welled up again.

Sophie gently patted my back and spoke in a soothing tone, "Ryan, the complexities of love in this world are beyond our control. The fact that she so easily gave up on your relationship only shows that she lacked the courage and determination to face and hold on. Perhaps her vision was too narrow, focusing only on the material and the immediate, while overlooking what is truly precious."

She lifted her hand and gently wiped away the tears from the corner of my eye, continuing, "You must believe that true love, the one destined to walk through storms by your side, unwavering and loyal, is waiting for you in the future. This is but a minor setback in your life. You cannot let this blow define you or diminish your belief in love."

Sophie's gaze was resolute, brimming with encouragement. "Ryan, you are an extraordinary person. The goodness within you cannot be erased simply because she failed to cherish it. You have your own worth, your own charm. Do not let her departure lead you to doubt yourself. Stand tall. Grow stronger, more remarkable, so that one day, she will regret her choice."

"But I truly love her," I choked, "I don't understand how she could change so suddenly."

Sophie sighed softly. "Love can be unfathomable at times. But you cannot remain trapped in this sorrow. You must move forward, look ahead. Think about it: even if you beg her to come back, can you truly return to the purity of what you once had? She has made her choice. You, too, must learn to let go."

She placed both hands on my shoulders, meeting my gaze with a seriousness that conveyed her words' weight. "Ryan, life stretches far ahead. You will meet someone who truly understands and loves you. The pain you feel now is temporary. Trust that time will heal all wounds. I will always be by your side, supporting you, accompanying you."

I couldn't believe Celeste could change her heart so quickly. Was it really as she said? That it was just a fleeting passion? Or perhaps she was simply more practical than I had realized? I truly knew so little about her. Yet, even with this melodramatic turn of events, why did it still hurt so deeply? And now, Sophie—who had once despised me—was the one offering comfort. This world was utterly insane. For the first time, I felt the urge to run away.

By around 11 p.m., Sophie finished her IV, and the nurse gently removed the needle. Sophie rubbed the back of her hand, offering a tired but faint smile. I moved to help her out of bed, guiding her toward the parking lot. Her face was pale, yet her resolve remained unshaken. Suddenly, she reached into my pocket, retrieved the car keys, and flashed a mischievous smile.

"I'll drive," she said, already opening the driver's side door. I could only shrug in resignation, knowing there was no way to argue. I settled into the passenger seat.

The car moved smoothly toward the hotel parking lot, the neon lights lining the streets flickering and reflecting on her face, softening her features. We chatted intermittently, with her occasionally coughing. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern.

"Are you sure you're okay? Should I drive instead?" I tentatively asked.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," she smiled, her eyes gleaming with stubbornness.

Upon reaching the hotel, she parked the car, and we entered the room together. I felt a knot of anxiety in my chest, unsure of what to do next. Sophie, however, acted as though nothing were amiss. She began packing my things with practiced efficiency.

"What are you doing?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Of course, I'm helping you pack," she replied without even turning around.

"But… you're still a patient. You should be resting," I said, looking at her with concern.

Sophie paused her actions and turned to face me, her eyes slightly red. "I just saw how heartbroken you are, and I wanted to do something to help."

Her words struck a chord in my heart, and I rushed over, pulling her to the sofa. "Sit down. I'll pack. You've done enough."