ManyWriters

On April Fool's Day, Levi proposed to me over the phone.
The very next day, he took it back, using April Fool's as an excuse.
This is the prank he pulls every April Fool's Day without fail. This is the ninth time.
In past years' April Fool's lies, he's gathered friends to set me up, causing me to lose my entire company. He's also purposely called some thugs pretending to be clients, forcing me to drink until I had a bleeding ulcer, and more...
This year, he made a joke out of what I desire most.
After hanging up, I overheard Levi's friends roaring with laughter in their private room:
"Stella is such a pathetic woman! You've toyed with her so many times, yet she's still so desperately eager to marry you!"
Levi smugly looked at the phone he'd just hung up, lazily taking a sip of his drink:
"What can I say? Although this woman isn't good enough for me, she's truly a rare find as a dutiful wife and mother. If I marry her, no matter how I play around outside, she'll never question it."
"I really like that about her. This way, no one will stop me from being with Vivi, and I'll have a plain Jane to manage the household. What's not to love?"
"So I've decided! After I've had my fun a hundred times, I'll officially marry her!"Levi's brothers burst into laughter:
"Levi really knows how to handle women, making the most of every situation! From now on, when we're playing with women, we should learn from Levi's example!"
I gripped my phone tightly, unable to hold back a bitter laugh at my own expense.
So, the love I once held so sincerely in my heart was worth nothing in Levi's eyes.
Ten years of waiting would wear out even a machine.
Levi.
Those nine times I believed you were my love for you.
Now, I'm taking back my affection.
I lowered my head and dialed the number:
"Mom, Dad, I've made my decision. I'm coming home for the arranged marriage. I won't be staying here anymore."

Loveless, I'll Divorce You

After such a long time apart, Levi looked much more haggard, having lost so much weight he was almost unrecognizable.


The moment he saw me, a spark of brilliance flashed in his eyes, reminiscent of when we first met.


He rushed towards me without hesitation, so excited he could barely speak clearly:


"Stella, I've finally found you! I know I was wrong. You're the only one I've ever truly loved. Can you please give me another chance? Will you come back with me?"


I looked at him with disgust and took a step back:


"Levi, from the moment I left you, we were over. You have your beloved Evelina, and I have my own life. The best ending for us is to not interfere with each other anymore."


"I don't love Evelina! Stella, you've misunderstood me. I've only ever thought of her as a sister. You're the only one I've ever loved!"


"A sister? Is there such a thing as a sister you love all the way to the bedroom?"


Chapter 8