When She Chose Another Man, I Chose to Leave

On my wedding day, after seeing my fiance cheat on me with an intern in a hotel room, I left quietly.

Everyone was guessing when I would give in and beg my fiance to redo the wedding.

After all, the same thing happened at our engagement party two months ago, but I could not stand to lose Azalea Holloway. After one night of crying, I chose to forgive her.

But this time, to everyones surprise, I moved away from the city the very next day, fully disappearing from Azaleas life.

At this time, I painted portraits in my own realistic studio.

I looked up calmly at my last client of the day.

Hello, please show me your digital booking record.

The womans eyes shook a little.

My name is on the booking...

You forgot me so fast?

Looking at the woman in front of me, I calmly said, Sorry, many people have the same name.

I need to confirm the details. Hearing this, Azalea bit her lip, but in the end, she showed me the appointment record.

Later, she sat down.

I painted like always.

Azalea looked at the pen in my hand and said slowly, I didnt know you could paint and paint this well.

Slightly, I smiled and stayed quiet.

She went on, How have you been during these last three years?

Quite fine, I answered with a professional smile, Each day follows the same pattern: living, the studio and

Before I could finish, she cut me off, Youre lying.

Her face showed anger as she stared at me, as if searching for something.

You used to be someone rising fast in business, admired by everyone. You also enjoyed traveling when you had free time. How could you really be happy staying in just one place?

I shook my head.

She was mistaken.

Back then, I gave all my time to helping her grow her company. I only talked about liking travel so I could take her out when I noticed she felt bored.

She never knew that my hard push at work was only to save enough money to live the life I truly wanted.

That life was painting, but she disliked calm days.

So, I let it go long ago.

Now, I was simply finding my interest again.

Just as I was getting ready to talk, the studio door got pushed open.

Two police officers with serious faces brought in a person who looked confused.

Mr. Zorrick, sorry to trouble you again. This victim had a wallet taken and there are no cameras nearby.

I nodded and looked at Azalea. Im sorry, you may need to wait for a short time.

The victim thanked her, then stood up and moved to the side, her eyes looking a bit blank.

Soon, I drew the thiefs face based on what the victim described.

When he saw the finished drawing, he jumped with excitement. Mr. Zorrick, thank you so much! This looks exactly like the person who took my bag! Youre amazing!

I smiled softly. Youre welcome.

Azalea sat down once more.

I finished the sketching in one go and put it away.

Inside the drawing, she wore a circle of white lilies and a bright stone ring on the ring finger of her right hand.

She raised her hand and then suddenly spoke, Zayden, do you remember this diamond ring came from that time

No.

I interrupted her, ended my drawing, took it away and passed it to her.

Your painting, please keep it carefully.

She softly took it, looking at the painting in silence.

Out of habit, I asked, Is there anything you dont like about it?

She forced a smile. No, its okay.

Then, take care.

She paused, but still had to leave under my look.

When I shut the shop door, rain suddenly began to fall.

After forgetting my umbrella and being unable to go home for a while, I went to the beef shop across the road and ordered a bowl of beef soup to warm my body.

Just as I sat down, a known figure stood across from me.

It was Azalea.

Do you mind if I sit here?

I shook my head.

The table belongs to the beef shop. Please make yourself at home.

She paused, then stayed silent.

Soon after, the shop owner brought over two bowls of hot beef soup.

Azalea did not pick up her utensils, but only watched me quietly.

After a long time, she slowly said, The car crash last time was an accident. Zekeiah Stormvale just posted it on his Instagram Story and he only happened to catch you in the photo.

Its fine, its all behind us.

Two weeks earlier, I went to give home service to a client with mobility problems.

On the way, I was hit by a fast Mercedes-Benz, broke through the guardrail, the car flipped over and I got injured.

After being saved, I learned that the driver who caused the crash was Azaleas husband.

That childhood sweetheart, whom Azalea cheated on me with twice at my engagement party and wedding.

Only a few days after that event, many people added me as contacts and their messages all sounded the same.

So the pathetic hasnt quit, hes back again?

It was clear that Zekeiah had spread the story, trying to drag my name through the dirt.

At that time, Azalea went on, Dont worry, I already warned the people who bothered you.

If you still care, I can give you more compensation, so you can rest longer.

I shook my head. No need. I will only take what belongs to me.

Also, the perpetrator already compensated me; its at least half a month of my pay.

I blew on the beef soup with my spoon, like I was talking about something small.

Seeing that I stayed calm, she raised her voice a little.

Zayden, werent you always so strong-minded? What happened to you?!

Just then, a customer suddenly walked up to Azalea and said, Arent you Azalea, the travel blogger everyones talking about lately? And I heard youre also the boss of a public company, a real big shot!

Im your fan, I never thought Id see you in real life!

You look even prettier than in the videos! Would you mind taking a photo together?

Azalea smiled a little awkwardly, but still agreed.

She took a photo as well and on purpose or by accident, she also caught me in it.

The customer looked at me. Arent you Azaleas old partner? I saw you at a business meeting with my boss before, but I havent seen you two together recently. I thought you had broken up, but it looks like youre still getting along.

I paused a bit, focused on eating my beef soup, then looked up with a smile. You got the wrong person. Were only sharing a seat.

Is that so? It does look that way.

The person scratched their head and walked off. But the anger in Azaleas eyes only grew stronger.

She pulled out a video they recorded together years earlier and showed it to me.

Look at this, who else could it be if not you!

But I tapped open her latest video. It showed her and Zekeiah in a close moment in Iceland. Right then, her expression changed a lot and she grabbed the phone and turned it off.

Seeing her scared look, I suddenly thought of the year when we first crossed paths.

At that time, I was already a rising star with the power to shake the business field.

At the success seminar, she kept asking me about the ways to succeed.

I slowly explained everything to her for quite a while. And in the respect she showed me, there was also another feeling hidden underneath. But I knew that at that moment, we were simply standing on different steps.

If one day she stood at the same level as me, her view of me might change.

So, I acted as if I did not notice her feelings at all.

But she was extremely stubborn. She brought me concern every morning and night and even quietly came to see me.

Later, she even burned her hand while making me a warm breakfast.

This was seen by people at the company, who all believed that this workaholic had finally gained success.

I explained this many times right in front of her.

But she did not give up; instead, she grew even more active. She delivered food even more carefully each day.

Seeing that my clothes were torn, she bought several suits using many months' pay. She even avoided speaking to any other men for my sake. And she told me she would work as hard as possible to reach my level.

Not long later, she opened her own company.

But she knew almost nothing about business, so she quickly went bankrupt and fell deeply into debt.

Seeing her crying face, I remembered all the care and kindness she had shown me day and night and everything she had done for me.

In the end, I could not hold out. So, I quit my former job and joined her company to support her.

During that period, she became my assistant.

When I worked late into the night, she brought me tea and water, her eyes dark under tired brows.

When I went to meet clients, she rushed around handling contracts.

When I caught a cold, she stayed beside me and did not leave.

I saw she felt bored, so I took her on a trip. During the trip, I was half a head taller than her, so I could block the wind for her. She also researched food and often cooked using whatever ingredients she could find.

Without noticing it, our feelings for one another slowly grew stronger.

Once, while entertaining clients, we both drank too much and I had sex with her.

She cried and said to me, "Zayden, I am yours. I will stay with you for my whole life. Please don't ignore my feelings anymore, okay?"

At that time, I finally understood how deeply I loved her.

All the feelings I had held inside finally came out. I hugged her and softly said, "Okay."

The company grew well.

Until the day of the public listing, we chose our wedding day.

At that time, a trainee, Zekeiah Stormvale, entered the company.

When Azalea talked about him to me, I thought it was only casual talk.

Without my knowing, Azaleas travel partner on her page had changed to Zekeiah.

Then, one month later, on the night before their engagement, I discovered the two of them tangled together in a hotel room.

Azalea simply got dressed, smelling strongly of alcohol and spoke calmly to me, "I once looked up to you, but that respect is gone now."

"You have no appeal outside of your job. I am worn out by you."

At that time, I felt scared.

I punished myself the whole night.

Until the next day, when she was clear-headed again, she lightly explained that it was only drunk talk and the engagement would still move forward.

At that time, I clearly knew that her feelings for me had weakened, but she could not bring herself to release all the years she had put in, while my love for her was at its strongest. I chose to forgive her.

During that period, I kept it hidden from my mother.

She was still wrapped in the happiness of my coming wedding and came to my company to meet her future daughter-in-law.

Before she even met Azalea, Zekeiah knocked my mother to the ground in the company hall and shamed her.

The shock caused my mother to suffer a heart attack.

I instantly dropped my clients and rushed to the hospital.

By that time, Azalea had already arrived together with Zekeiah.

I grabbed Zekeiah by the collar, but Azalea pushed me away, blocking Zekeiah behind her.

"Zekeiah has already said sorry. He did not know she was your mother. What more do you want?"

"If you keep making trouble, the wedding will be called off!"

At that moment, I paused.

My mother saw my awkward state and advised, "It is only a misunderstanding. Don't cause a scene."

Later on, someone spread the story and I became labeled as a bootlicker who sold his mothers dignity.

I knew it was Zekeiah who caused it.

I found him and ended up in a fight.

When Azalea showed up, Zekeiah cried and complained to her.

Azalea slapped me in public and, as a penalty, moved my shares into Zekeiahs name right in front of everyone.

During that moment, I was under heavy stress and was diagnosed with depression.

But what I never expected was that the same scene would happen again on the night before my wedding.

Azalea lay shamelessly in Zekeiahs arms.

Zekeiah smiled knowingly at me. Zayden, a woman as remarkable as Azalea should not belong to you alone.

But you are the one marrying her. We are only doing this in secret. You will not care, right?

In the end, the coldness in Azaleas eyes broke my final bit of hope.

Now you have angered every company. Accept it, or lose it all.

Yes, for Azalea, I cut ties with every business in the field and started a business fight.

Even with my skills, they would not accept me. Leaving here, no one would take me in.

At that time, I fully understood that the pure girl back then had turned dishonest and careful.

I was no longer her match.

I had considered revenge, but this woman, whom I had loved deeply for many years.

In the end, under everyones teasing looks, I quietly turned and left.

By then, the beefs were already eaten.

Azalea gently touched the portrait in her hand, seeming deep in thought.

I ignored her and went over to settle the bill.

Boss, this is for two people. Regular customers. Can you give me a price discount?

Alright, regular customers get twenty percent off!

I came back after paying.

Azalea suddenly turned her head to look at me and asked, I want to add something to the picture, is that okay?

The rain outside showed no sign of ending.

I thought briefly. Alright, but this counts as another painting, so it will cost a bit more.

I took out my payment QR code, but Azalea added several zeros after the one in the payment amount.

I shook my head. No thanks, fifty works, or I wont feel calm.

She stopped.

Fifty

But you once signed deals worth millions.

A simple life works too.

But She hesitated, looking hurt.

I turned my face, stared outside and walked straight into the studio.

Come on, I need to finish fast so I can head home.

She came after me.

After taking a seat, I asked, What do you want to put in?

I want to add someone.

I nodded, looking down at the first painting, Alright, describe them.

She looked lost.

After a short, quiet pause, she slowly said, The person I want to add likes egg beefs and always stays awake until one in the morning.

He also wants everything perfect; he would cut ties with any company for a promise.

Ive hurt him more than once, but he never fought back.

Suddenly, her voice broke.

It sounded like a drop hitting the floor.

Looking up, I gave her a professional smile.

Please tell me his physical characteristics, or I cant draw him right.

Her expression paused. She spoke again after a few seconds and her voice had settled.

Based on her description, I drew a man beside her in the drawing. He stood half a head taller than her, holding her hand and smiling at her.

By the fire near them, there sat a pot of rabbit meat cooked with whatever they had.

She seemed a little like me, but not fully.

Your painting is done.

Holding the painting, she looked at me with upset eyes, clenching her teeth and said, Zayden, you were once a fast-rising name in business. Are you really satisfied with living like this now?

I replied evenly, Yes.

Why wouldnt I be? This is the life I chose.

She looked upset for a moment.

Stop lying to yourself, alright? Zavian Company is growing now. If you agree, I can place you in a management position at one of the branches.

Zavian Company. That was the company I gave everything to help her build.

No thanks. I already told you, my life is fine now.

I used to work hard to make money so I could do what I liked.

Now its a bit harder, but at least Ive found happiness.

Hearing this, she frowned and said coldly, What kind of joy can you really have like this?

In this world, without money, no one will value you.

Thats not your problem, President Holloway.

Azalea wanted to keep talking. Just then, Zekeiah called her, his voice sounding impatient.

No, why do you keep taking such a long time on business trips lately?! Azalea comforted him gently.

Zekeiah, dont worry, I will come back soon.

Also, you should spend more time learning how to run the company; Im getting a bit worn out handling it alone.

Youre tired? Youre the one who told me to relax and just be your little puppy and now you say this? Are you joking with me?!

Come back fast! I made plans with some friends today; I told them Id bring you to show them what a powerful businesswoman looks like!

Azalea ended the call right after she finished talking.

I didnt care about any of it. I looked at the message I had just gotten.

The rain is over. Im heading back. Dont come again; my family really doesnt want to see you.

After that, I walked out of the studio.

The moment I stepped outside, Azalea quickly ran after me, grabbing my hand, thinking I was talking about my mom.

Zayden, I know what Zekeiah did to Auntie back then still bothers you and she must have some problems with me, too. After all, our wedding didnt go the way it was planned.

But actually, all these years, Ive been looking

At that time, a family sedan blocked her voice and stopped before me.

The car door opened and a woman stepped out, holding a child.

Honey, the weather is bad today, so we came to pick you up and go home.