More Than an Assistant

My name is William Lynn, and I'm supposed to marry Sarah Scott next month. But I told this news to my childhood friend Henry Jones first. "I'm not going through with it. I'm leaving the country next week." I stared at the coffee cup on the table, my voice so calm it surprised even me. Henry suddenly choked, put down his cup, and glared at me. "Are you crazy? Five years, William—you've chased Sarah for five years, and the wedding invitations have already been sent out!" I tugged at the corner of my mouth, saying nothing. Scenes from those five years flashed through my mind like an old movie. The first time I met Sarah was at our university graduation defense. She wore a white shirt, standing on stage speaking confidently, her eyes shining. From that day on, I was certain about her. Henry Jones sighed, "You gave up the chance to start a business with me for her, even tore up a job offer from a multinational company, all just to stay by her side as an assistant. And now you're leaving just like that?" "You can start a business again; jobs can always be found again." My fingers turned white, "But I can't keep holding on to this relationship anymore." Henry fell silent; he knew I wasn't acting on impulse. For five years, I gave all my time and energy to Sarah Scott. She worked overtime, and I stayed with her until late at night, bringing her hot coffee and a midnight snack. When she was sick, I stayed by her bedside, never leaving her side. She casually mentioned wanting a certain piece of jewelry, and I scrimped and saved for months just to surprise her. Henry Jones patted my shoulder. "Are you sure you've thought this through? Don't you want to explain things to Sarah Scott?" "Explain what?" I looked up at him. "Explain that I'm exhausted, explain that I'm tired of putting in all the effort for someone who doesn't care back?" When Sarah Scott agreed to the proposal, she didn't smile—she just quietly said, "Let's just leave it at that." At the time, I told myself she was just cold by nature. But it wasn't until a few days ago that I finally came to my senses. "I've already booked the ticket. It's for next Wednesday." I picked up my coat. "About canceling the wedding—could you please let my family know first?" Henry grabbed my arm. "Wait a bit longer. What if Sarah Scott changes her mind?" "There's no 'what if.'" I pulled my hand away from him. "Five years is long enough." Stepping out of the cafe, the wind felt a bit chilly. I took out my phone and stared at the photos of Sarah Scott and me. In the pictures, I'm smiling brightly, but she has no expression at all. I deleted the photos, took a deep breath, and walked in the opposite direction from the marital home. There, my obsessions no longer bind me—only a new life is about to begin.