My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 73

But none of it compared to the pain in her chest.

No wonder he always kept a pillow between them in bed. Even when they finally had sex, it had to be prolonged with foreplay. He never acted so intensely with her like he did with Ella.

She thought he was just like that by nature.

It turned out it was because he wasn't satisfied with her!

After she left, he wouldn't have to make excuses to indulge.

Ella wouldn't have to ask her for a title either.

By the time the boy's mother returned, Zoe had already lost consciousness.

It wasn't until the next afternoon that she tiredly opened her eyes.

Just in time to hear the doctor telling James, “Ms. Davis has suffered severe psychological trauma. If this continues, she is likely to develop depression and somatization, and may even struggle to adapt to society.”

James took out a small notebook and wrote down everything the doctor said. After the doctor left, he held her hand tightly and spoke with difficulty.

“Zoe, it won't be long. In about ten days, we can be together forever.”

“I've been preparing all the surprises you want. You'll be the happiest bride.”

“And remember, you've always wanted to see the snow in the north, right? I've already arranged a private jet for us...”

Each of his words was filled with dreams of their future.

This was the version of him she had once loved most.

But now, she felt nothing but cold.

When she needed him, what was he doing?

Zoe cooperated with her treatment. She needed to recover quickly so she could earn money.

James was happy too, staying by her side every day, bringing her candied hawthorn or abalone and ginseng.

She never asked where these things came from.

James, however, seemed a little uncomfortable. He explained, “Work has been going smoothly for me lately. I got promoted. When you're out of the hospital, we'll move to the city center!”

Zoe just nodded lightly.

Seeing her indifferent, James frowned slightly. This wasn't like her.

She used to talk about how much she had spent at the hospital.

But now...

Zoe didn't pay attention to his expression. She had received a message from a colleague.

“Have you completed your visa and paperwork? You'll need to come in person to register.”

“Okay, I'll come tomorrow morning.”

She was almost fully recovered by now.

That evening, James wasn't around. He didn't come back until the next day, just as she was about to be discharged.

Zoe couldn't be bothered to think about it. She gathered her documents and went to register.

It was an international exchange center.

There were many foreigners, and it was easy to spot the Chinese among them.

As she was registering, she suddenly caught sight of a very familiar figure out of the corner of her eye.

Instinctively, she rushed over but lost sight of him at the stairwell.

“Joshua...”

She whispered his name under her breath.

The next moment, the sound of a door slamming from the security passage above startled her.

She was about to turn and leave.

They lived in the suburbs, in a small house that she had decorated to be very cozy.

Opening the door, she was greeted by flowers and sunlight from the balcony.

That was her favorite spot, the birthday gift she had begged James for three years.

The shoe rack by the door was filled with couple's shoes, and the walls were covered with their photos and couple's trinkets.

On the sofa was the blanket James had knitted for her by hand.

The heater was something he bought after working an extra shift.

There was also a heated mat on the table, which he had bought at great expense so she could always have a hot meal.

The room was filled with dolls, pillows, towels, gloves, scarves...

Each and every item was infused with their memories.

Zoe's throat tightened.

She didn't want to cry.

But every time she picked up something, her tears fell uncontrollably.

Packing up everything that had to do with her into boxes, the rental apartment became cold.

Tears left circular marks on the cardboard.

She wiped her tears away. “I am sorry, the 20-year-old Zoe,I am still not living your dream life."

She moved three large boxes downstairs and loaded them onto the delivery truck.

She donated everything to a slum.

As the delivery truck pulled away, James walked over with a furrowed brow.

“Did I just see our couple's bracelets?”