My Parents Neglected Me Until I Died Novel by yueji

Yesterday, I added Calista to my contacts. She seemed to enjoy spending time with Stella and me, and today she messaged me, inviting us to go shopping together.

When I received the message, Stella looked at me.

“It’s fine, go ahead,” she said.

We met Calista on the street opposite the bar. Seeing her alone was a relief.

“Anna, Stella, you’re here!” Calista greeted us with a smile.

Stella asked, “Um, isn’t Kiaan with you?”

Calista looked a bit embarrassed and replied, “Even though we’re about to get married, he’s not the type to need to be glued to me every second. He has his own things to handle, too!”

The sweetness in Calista’s words about Damian made me regret coming out.

“To be honest, I feel like we met too late; we get along so well. Since you’re here for vacation, I’d love to be your tour guide,” Calista said, her voice lively and as vibrant as her personality.

I regretted my earlier irritation. There was no need to hold a grudge against someone who knew nothing of my situation. Putting everything aside, Calista was a wonderful girl- well-informed and always keeping the conversation lively. She was someone I couldn’t match up to at the moment.

Stella, sensing the sensitive topic, deliberately avoided mentioning Damian while talking to Calista.

As we passed a bridal shop, Calista suddenly asked, “Anna, I see you’re wearing a wedding ring. Are you married?”

I looked at the diamond ring on my left hand and smiled. “He proposed to me.”

Calista’s curiosity was piqued. “So, why isn’t your fiancé with you?”

Stella frowned, clearly annoyed at the unintended question.

I smiled and chose not to say more.

Calista, sensing the awkwardness, quickly apologized. “Sorry, I meant to ask for your wedding experience. I’m a bit nervous about marrying someone I love.”

Even though I tried to stay rational, the thought of missing out on him still made me sad. I vividly remember the proposal-

everyone at the event applauded, and as he carefully slipped the ring onto my finger, he kissed the back of my hand almost reverently. Standing up, he embraced me and said, “I love you, Mrs. Reid.”

As I snapped back to reality, I noticed it had started to rain. We ended up back at the bar, close to the hotel, so we wouldn’t get too wet, but Calista had to brave the rain to catch a cab.

She was heading to the convenience store across the street to buy an umbrella when she heard someone call her name.

Recognizing the familiar voice, I turned instinctively. It was Damian, holding a large umbrella and there to pick up Calista.

Calista excitedly rushed to him. “Kiaan! I’m so glad you’re here! We’ll head out now. See you later!”

Damian nodded at us and, with Calista in tow, turned and walked away.

I stood still, watching them disappear into the distance. Calista climbed onto Damian’s back, and he expertly h**ed her legs with his, the two of them gradually fading around the corner.

If it hadn’t been for that accident, I should have been the one by his side. What was once meant to be mine alone was now shared with someone else.

Stella, unable to watch any longer, took my hand and said, “Let’s go.’

Back in the room, I shakily took out my medication and swallowed a pill, hoping to ease the gnawing pain in my stomach.

Sitting by the window and watching the rain, I thought: Why does this city have to be so unkind? Why can’t I stay with the person I love?