Chister Z
He selfishly wanted everything that he believed belonged to him.
He didn’t want the person he constantly yearned for to leave, nor the person he spent every day and night with to depart
He dialed my number, but only got a busy signal.
Ethan rushed to the winery, finding the wine shelves fully stocked.
He knew these wines were my favorites, I must not have left.
Relieved, he went home, not forgetting to bring the leftover invitations from his car.
He opened the door at top speed and slipped on the matching slippers I had bought for him.
‘Moon, come see if you like this invitation design.”
*Moon, I’ve picked out a few wedding dresses, tell me if you like the pictures.”
“Moon, I’ve booked a new photographer, are you free tomorrow?”
Ethan answered all my previous questions.
But he received none of my joyful, excited replies.
The wall clock continued to tick
And Ethan Carter never heard back from me.
The scattered invitations shifted in the breeze.
Next to Ethan Carter’s name, the bride’s name was still blank.
Looking at the unchanging house, Ethan’s expression returned to calm.
He naively believed I wouldn’t go far.
He naively believed I couldn’t bear to leave.
He actually started planning the wedding all over again, by himself.
Back in Evergreen Valley, the familiar earthy scent enveloped me.
This place was little known, but for winemakers, it was a true utopia.
The unique soil nurtured grape varieties that were almost extinct elsewhere.
They were as crystal clear and fragrant as the first time I saw them, each a gleaming gem.
The winery was impeccably managed by Alex.
Neat display cases, clearly marked dates.
Thanks to his enthusiasm, the small shop was always bustling with people.
And I had more time to spend in the winemaking room.
Without Ethan Carter, no longer felt insecure or constantly worried.
Every day, I focused on making wine, and seeing the radiant smiles on my customers‘ faces was my greatest reward.
I no longer needed to revolve my life around him.
But he, contrary to his usual self, began to entangle himself in my life relentlessly.
“Moon, I’ve ordered this wedding dress. Don’t my tuxedos look good?”
‘Moon, I’ve scheduled the photographer for today. It’s okay if you can’t come, I’ll Photoshop you in beautifully, okay?”
“Moon, I asked a famous calligrapher to write these invitations. See if you like them.”
On the vibrant red paper, the names of a happy couple jumped out at me.
20 27
Chapter 2
On the vibrant red paper, the names of a happy couple jumped out at me.
Groom: Ethan Carter, Bride: Jenna Miller.
What a beautiful blessing! This was the outcome I had always dreamed of.
But now, my heart felt no ripple.
I would be quickly forgotten, like a passing guest, and once his game of guilt was over, everything would return to normal.
I didn’t reply to him, but he continued as if nothing was wrong.
Ethan Carter prepared the matching rings, ordered the flowers, and arranged the venue.
He acted as if he was just taking a business trip, as if I would eventually return.
Until his messages started showing red delivery failures.
Until “The number you have dialed is switched off.”
Until a month passed without any news from me.
He started running towards me like a madman.
There were few tourists in Evergreen Valley, mostly fruit growers and winemakers.
We exchanged experiences, and everyone had lively conversations.
Against the setting sun, we debated over the sprawling grapevines.
“Old Man Peterson, your grapes aren’t as fragrant as mine.”
“Brenda, what are you talking about? The grapes from this plot are the most fragrant!”
“Stop it, both of you! The grapes from my vineyard, each one tastes different, aren’t they unique?”
*Jenna, what do you say?”
That was my name here. Though I was young, the locals were very fond of me.
Because I often taught them winemaking, they affectionately called me “Old Jenna.”
I loved that name. I smiled, playing mediator.
But the man who entered my sight instantly stole my happiness.
“Jenria Miller, why did you block me? Why aren’t you answering my calls?”
Seeing my silence, he lunged forward and held me in a tight embrace.
Ethan Carter had never hugged me in public before.
I thought he was afraid of being the center of attention, that he was too self–conscious.
But now I was the one, and I certainly didn’t want to become the village joke tomorrow.
I pulled him inside the house, my surprise tinged with more confusion than anything.
The man who had wanted me to leave, the man who had grown tired of me, why was he here?
I pushed him away forcefully, my voice cold.
“Ethan Carter, what are you doing here?”
The man froze, then clutched my hand tightly.
“Moon, have you forgotten? Tomorrow is our wedding day!”
“I came to take you home. Let’s go have our wedding, okay?”
‘Moon, I miss your wine so much, I miss you! I can’t even sleep without you around.”
20 27
