I have to let go

After making the drinks, I excused myself and walked to the bathroom to clear my head. Jealousy made me impatient, and I didn't want to overreact. I knew I didn't want to upset Wang again. I took a deep breath and splashed some water on my face to calm myself down. As I looked in the mirror, I realized that my jealousy was unfounded and that I needed to trust Wang more. I decided to work on my insecurity and communicate better with him. With a clearer head, I returned to the lounge.

At past 3 a.m., I noticed that they ordered the same drink, and I saw an opportunity to impress Wang. Summoning all my courage, I approached their table. The tall guy saw me and gave me a smile. I gestured to him that I wanted to talk to Wang, and he nudged Wang's shoulder and nodded his head in my direction.

As I walked over to Wang, I tried to appear confident and charming. But instead of a warm welcome, he pulled me roughly and dragged me toward the door. His friend followed us, and as he opened the door, he pushed me outside, and his friend held him back. I stood outside in shock, wondering what I had done wrong.

He growled at me, scaring me. "I told you to stay away from me. You think you can come and talk to me when I'm with my friends? Don't come near me again." He spoke.

 I nodded my head in agreement, too afraid to argue.

A halfling... Wang's friend seemed surprised. "What are you doing in Uscana? He asked the same question Wang asked.

"Can I please talk to you?" I said timidly, feeling all the courage drain out of me.

"I don't care what you want to say, I have a boyfriend," and halflings have no business in Uscana. You should leave before you get yourself killed." he hissed.

"Please, listen to me," I pleaded, tears welling in my eyes. "I only want to talk. I'm not here to hurt anyone or cause trouble."

"You're in love with him, aren't you?" His friend said with amusement in his voice. "I can see it in your eyes. I know what it's like to be in love and the feeling of desperation to make them listen."

Wang looked surprised at his friend's assessment, while I blushed with embarrassment.

Wang said apologetically, "I'm sorry, but I can't give you what you want. I am in love with someone else. I hope you understand." With that, he walked away, leaving me standing there with his friend.

As I stood there with his friend, I could sense a curious look on his face.

"There's something about you I can't place," he said. "What is your name?"

"Zhan." I replied.

He nodded and reached into his pocket, pulling out a business card.

"Okay, Zhan. Here is my number," he said, handing me the card. "I would like to talk to you. Call me when you are free." With a smile, I thanked him and slipped the card into my pocket.

He stopped and looked into my eyes. "You have beautiful eyes," he said, a hint of a smile on his face. Then he turned and walked inside. I watched him leave, feeling hurt all over again.

I walked inside feeling defeated, my head down, and my steps heavy. The day had been long and tiring, and nothing seemed to be going right. I needed a change of pace, a break from the monotony of it all. So I went to the bar, hoping to find some solace in the dimly lit room.

Sadly, he left me, and I feel lost without him. As I entered the bar, I pulled out my work and continued where I left off. The lounge noise faded away as I delved into my tasks, the only sound being Wang's voice in my head, even in the midst of chaos. I try to keep myself busy and distract myself from the pain, but it never goes away. Every moment, every memory, reminds me of him and what we had together. I know I'll never find someone like him again. He was one of a kind, and I was lucky to have him in my life for as long as I did. But even though he's gone, I'll never forget him. He'll always hold a special place in my heart, and I'll always love him.

The night ended on a sad note for me, as I could not help but stare at Wang and his friend. I could not shake the feeling that Wang's friend was more than just a friend. Was he Wang's boyfriend? I didn't know. I tried to push the thought out of my mind, but everything about their interactions seemed to suggest that they were more than just friends. The way they looked at each other, the way they laughed together—it all gave me a headache.

As much as I wanted to ignore it and pretend everything was fine, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on between them. It was like a weight on my chest that refused to be lifted. I tried to focus, but my mind kept wandering back to Wang and his friend.

I guess I have to let go at this point. It's hard to accept that things didn't work out between us, and it still hurts to think that he doesn't feel the same way. I can't help but wish that he would change his mind and want me back just as much as I want him.

Eventually, the night ended, and everyone left. I awkwardly said goodbye to Cheng, trying to keep my feelings hidden. As I walked home, I could not help but wonder what would happen next. Is Wang and his friend going to become official? Would I ever be able to shake this feeling and move on? Only time will tell.

Upon entering the house, I quickly went to the wall and hid the card in the crack, alongside my mother's precious necklace. I was surprised that nothing had happened to it.

I lay in bed, tears blurring my vision, as I replayed Wang's rejection in my mind. I had never felt so hurt in my entire life, and I felt powerless against the pain. What my uncle and his family had done to me seemed insignificant compared to the hurt I felt from Wang's rejection.

I cradled my knees and prayed to all the gods to break whatever curse was placed on my head as I cried myself to sleep. I begged for an answer to why this was happening to me and why I was so undeserving of love and acceptance. I wished for some sort of sign that this would all be over soon, but none came. I stayed in that position, alone and broken, until I eventually drifted off into a fitful sleep.