She was about to have a difficult talk. Outside the window, the lights of passing cars flickered, while pedestrians hurried along the pavement. Edward sat alone with his thoughts, feeling unusually low, though nothing in his outward appearance gave it away.
His mind kept returning to Lydia. Their relationship had lasted several years, and for a while, everything had seemed perfect. He’d done everything possible to make her happy—buying expensive gifts, planning romantic dinners, being attentive and caring. But lately, he’d noticed something shift. Lydia had grown distant, lost in her own world, their conversations becoming shorter and less frequent.
Edward tried to understand what had happened. Had he done something wrong? Or had she simply grown tired of his devotion? The questions gnawed at him, leaving him desperate for answers.
He remembered their first meeting—a party he’d attended in his free time. Lydia had stood out immediately, striking him with her beauty and confidence. She wasn’t like the other women he’d known. She had her own way of seeing the world, her own passions. He’d wanted to know her better, and soon, they were dating.
At first, everything was wonderful. They spent endless hours together, travelling, exploring, attending events. Edward cherished every moment, believing they were moving in the right direction. But gradually, he sensed a change. She smiled less, replied to his calls and messages more slowly. Sometimes, he wondered if she was merely tolerating his presence.
The thought stung, but Edward kept his emotions in check. He doubled his efforts, trying to rekindle what they’d lost. Yet whenever he brought up their relationship, Lydia deflected, citing work or exhaustion.
Today had been particularly hard. Lydia had left again to meet her friends, leaving him behind. He knew people needed space, but his chest tightened with unease. He felt like he was losing her, and he didn’t know how to stop it.
These thoughts tormented him, but he had no solution. He loved Lydia and wanted her happiness, even if his own efforts might be in vain. Deep down, he hoped she’d open up, tell him what was wrong. Until then, all he could do was wait.
Meanwhile, Lydia sat in a café, surrounded by the hum of the evening rush. She could have been with Edward—her boyfriend, who, by all accounts, was perfect. Handsome, clever, thoughtful… any woman’s dream. Yet she felt miserable.
It had all begun years ago when they first met at a party. Edward had charmed her instantly—his confidence, his effortless conversation, his polished appearance. The fact that such a man had taken interest in her had flattered her vanity.
She remembered the day their eyes met across the crowded room. Back then, she’d thought love was sudden, fiery, passionate. But with Edward, it had been slow—steady, almost methodical. They spent more time together, falling into a relationship. He doted on her, gave thoughtful gifts, arranged trips. It was all going according to plan, yet she couldn’t shake the emptiness inside.
She appreciated his respect for her opinions, his willingness to help, his steady support. She’d believed understanding and respect were the foundations of a strong bond. Love? Surely it would come in time.
But it never did. Instead, irritation grew. Edward’s gestures, his words, even his smile, began to feel forced. Worse, she found herself comparing him to someone else—someone completely different.
James. Her childhood friend, awkward at times, forever stumbling into comical mishaps. She’d always seen him as just a confidant, someone to share secrets with. Yet lately, he occupied her thoughts far more than Edward. Memories of their long talks, shared laughter, unshakable loyalty resurfaced. Lydia realized James had loved her all along—but she’d dismissed it. He was only a friend, wasn’t he?
Trying to untangle her feelings, she thought of the past few weeks. Edward had become unbearable. His constant attentiveness, once seen as devotion, now felt suffocating. His eagerness to please weighed on her.
She knew she had to talk to Edward. To tell him their relationship had run its course. But admitting her feelings for someone else made her feel wretched. How had she missed what was right in front of her?
Tears pricked at her eyes. She wiped them away, refusing to draw attention. She despised her own weakness, her tangled emotions. But she knew she had to fix this—however painful, however late.
Lydia stood and headed for the door. She was about to have a difficult talk with Edward, and she knew her life would never be the same afterwards. But perhaps this was the first step toward the happiness she’d spent years overlooking.
