PROLOGUE

Anticipation fluttered like delicate petals in my chest, each beat of my heart echoing the promise of our rendezvous. The hill, graced by a solitary cherry blossom tree, held the key to my longings. Today, beneath its blooming canopy, I would confess my feelings — a declaration held back for too long.

The mere thought of entwining our hands as I poured my heart out painted a smile on my face, but as I ascended the familiar slope, an inexplicable unease began to claw at my fervent excitement.

There she stood, beneath the graceful branches of the cherry blossom tree, her eyes distant and troubled. It was as if a shadow had fallen over her, and I couldn't fathom what could be troubling her on a day that was supposed to be special.

"Hey," I greeted her with a smile, trying to suppress my unease.

She forced a smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes, and nodded. This cold attitude is unsettling. I never saw her like this before.

But something was off, and my instincts told me not to let it go unnoticed. "Are you okay?" I asked, my concern slipping through the cracks in my facade.

Her gaze shifted away from me, and a lump formed in my throat as I anticipated her response. "Let's not meet each other again," she said, her voice trembling with emotions.

The words hit me like a sucker punch, leaving me reeling in disbelief. Did I hear that right? My mind raced, trying to grasp the reasons behind her sudden declaration.

I stood there, stunned by her sudden words, feeling as if my heart had been ripped apart. "Don't come to me anymore," she said, her voice sharp and filled with a determination that left no room for negotiation.

My mind raced, searching for answers that would explain why she wanted to end our relationship, but her words had already cut deep, and I could barely find my voice to respond. The cherry blossom tree, once a symbol of our connection, now seemed like a cruel witness to our heartache.

"But... why?" I managed to choke out, my voice trembling with a mix of sadness and confusion.

She looked away, avoiding my gaze, as if unable to bear the weight of her own decision. She heaved a sigh, her tone dripping with a venomous bitterness I had never heard before.

"To be honest, I never really liked you from the start", she spat out, her words cutting deeper than any blade. "You were always hovering around me, suffocating me with your presence. It got annoying. I only wanted to be friends with you because our parents know each other, but I can't fake it anymore. "

Her confession was a blow that sent me reeling, each word a dagger piercing through the fragile remnants of my emotions. "You are annoying, every time you were with me, I am irritated. Just because I help you back then doesn't mean I like you. What reasons are— ", her words started to muffle.

The pain, once manageable, had now become an overwhelming tide threatening to drown me. I could bear it no more. With a breath that betrayed my trembling composure, I found the strength to interject, my voice a mere rasp of its usual self.

"Stop. Please, just stop," I implored, my words a plea to cease the assault on my heart. Deep within, I knew her words were a façade, a mask obscuring the truth. The girl I cherished, the one etched in my memories, wouldn't cast such cruel declarations upon me.

Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, as I struggled to comprehend the sudden unraveling of her words. It felt like a dream—a nightmare I desperately wished to wake up from. I understand what she said but I don't know why.

"Where did we go wrong? Did I do something to hurt you? Please tell me", I pleaded, reaching out to her. "We had something special, didn't we? Can't we try to work through whatever it is that's bothering you?", I pleaded once more, desperately trying to find a single piece that can mend our connection back together.

But she pulled away, the distance between us growing both physically and emotionally. "It's over", she reiterated, her voice unyielding. "You didn't do anything. I just don't want to see you anymore, so please."

Her words felt like a crushing blow to my heart, and the love I once had for her turned to bitterness, mixed with the pain of rejection. "So, I was delusional for thinking we had something special," my voice trembling, disappointed in myself for thinking our mutual connection was something else.

"You don't really want to see me anymore?" I asked my voice barely a whisper, hoping for some sliver of hope that we could salvage something from the wreckage of our relationship.

She looked at me, her eyes filled with sorrow, and shook her head. "No," she said without holding off, her voice breaking. "I want to be alone from now on, and I think it's best if we cut all ties".

With a heavy heart and a swell of tears threatening to spill, I fought to gather the strength for a response."Fine", I managed to say, unintentionally letting my voice trembling with a mix of hurt and bitterness.

I pressed on, though it went against the true yearnings of my heart, "If that's what you want, then I'll do what you ask". I never truly wanted to say it, my heart is screaming in pain.

I am trying to suppress what I am about to say next but my emotions were controlling my mind. "You won't see me anymore" I paused, taking a deep breath, and forced out what would become the harshest lie to ever escape my lips, "Ever." The weight of that lie settled upon her ears, an irreversible fracture in the fabric of our connection, and I could never take it back.

Her face remained stoic as she clutched her lips, and I turned away, not wanting to witness the aftermath of what felt like the end of an era. My love for her shattered completely. The pain of her rejection stung deeply, and I found myself unable to bear the sight of her any longer.

With that, I turned away, the tears I had been holding back now flowing freely down my cheeks. I didn't want her to see my pain; I didn't want to give her the satisfaction of witnessing how much she had wounded me.

As I walked away from the cherry blossom tree, leaving behind the place that had once held our special connection, I felt a surge of strength within me. I couldn't allow myself to be consumed by her hurtful words any longer. If she didn't want me, if she hated me so profoundly, then it made sense and valid to completely erase her from my memories.

With each step, the bitterness in my heart grew, overshadowing the tender memories we had shared. The pain of her rejection fueled my determination to sever all ties and cut her out of my life completely.

And so, beneath the cherry blossom tree where our love had once bloomed, I let go of the bitterness and set myself free. Soon, the memory of the girl who once I loved and broke my heart would fade into the past.

End of Prologue

❀•°❀°•❀

As I made my way through the hospital corridors, I couldn't help but notice the hushed whispers and stolen glances from a group of nurses huddled near the nurse's station. Their giggles filled the air, and I could sense their admiration even from a distance.

"Dr. Xian is such a catch," one of them whispered, her cheeks flushed with admiration. "He's not just handsome; he's also an excellent doctor."

"He's a genius for sure, he became one of the best doctors in this hospital at such a young age" another nurse chimed in, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "I heard he saved Mrs. Chang's life yesterday during surgery. He's so talented!"

"And did you see how calmly he handled that emergency in the ER last week?" added a third nurse. "He's truly remarkable!"

Their words warmed my heart, but I couldn't help but feel a bit bashful about their praise. I passed by, I offered them a polite nod and a warm smile, but inwardly, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious about all the attention. I had never sought admiration or accolades; I simply wanted to be a good doctor.

Nonetheless, the attention persisted as I continued my rounds. Doctors and hospital staff would nod in acknowledgment, and some would approach me to exchange pleasantries or seek advice. It was both humbling and overwhelming to realize how my presence seemed to impact those around me.

As I stepped into the elevator, a young intern couldn't resist introducing himself. "Dr. Xian, I've heard so much about you. It's an honor to work in the same hospital as you," he stammered nervously.

"Thank you," I replied warmly, trying to ease his nervousness. "Just keep working hard, and you'll do great things here."

The elevator doors closed, and I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the expectations that came with being regarded as a successful doctor. I had worked tirelessly to get to where I was, and I was proud of my accomplishments. However, amid all the admiration, I couldn't help but feel a pang of emptiness—a reminder of the void that still lingered in my heart from the past.

The elevator reached my floor, and I stepped out, ready to face the challenges of the day. The admiration of my colleagues and the respect I garnered from others were heartening, but I knew they couldn't fill the void of something I lost long ago.

In the quiet moments between saving lives and offering comfort, I often found myself contemplating the past and wondering if I would ever see the closure I so desperately sought. But, one thing that I always force to drive in my mind, constantly remind myself that I hate her to the core.

❀•°❀°•❀

As the long day at the hospital wore on, I found myself engrossed in the flurry of medical duties and patient care. The relentless pace and the weight of responsibility seemed to blur the hours together. But even amidst the chaos, there was a determination within me.

The evening sun began to dip below the horizon, I finally managed to steal a moment for myself. I hurriedly made my way to a nearby café and decided to let out some steam for a while.

I entered the café, and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me, momentarily easing the weight of the day's responsibilities. I ordered my favorite cappuccino and found a cozy corner to sit in, hoping to enjoy a few moments of peace before diving back into the hospital's chaos. The soft chatter of other café patrons and the gentle hum of coffee machines created a soothing ambiance, lulling me into a sense of relaxation.

I took a sip of the steaming cappuccino; its warm embrace seemed to melt away the stress of the day. I closed my eyes briefly, allowing myself to savor the moment of respite. It was during these quiet moments that I could reflect on my journey, both as a doctor and as a person who had weathered the storms of a painful past. The bitter taste of the coffee mingled with the bittersweet memories that lingered in my heart.

I opened my eyes, and my gaze fell upon a group of high school students sitting at a nearby table, laughing and enjoying each other's company. It was a stark reminder of the friendships I had left behind in my hometown after high school. The decision to cut ties had been difficult, but I believed it was necessary to escape the memories I force to hate.

Lost in thought, I was suddenly jolted from my reverie when someone called out my name. "Xian Yu, is that you?" he exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and delight evident in his voice. I turned around and looked to find a face that seemed oddly familiar.

Realizing who it was for a moment, a smile tugged at my lips as I recognized an old classmate from high school. It was Chu Zhou, our class monitor back in high school.

"Chu Zhou? Is that you?" I exclaimed, genuine warmth infusing my voice as I rose to my feet, extending my hand for a hearty handshake.

A flicker of nostalgia danced in his eyes, "I'm genuinely amazed you still recognize me."

"Come on, how could I ever forget the unforgettable face of our boisterous monitor?" We shared a knowing chuckle, the years apart fading away in an instant.

"How have things been?" I inquired, curiosity lacing my words.

He straightens his back, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Life's been a rollercoaster, trying to extract the most out of every twist and turn. And you, Xian? Can you believe it's been a whole ten years?"

A soft smile played on my lips, emotions of the past rushing back. "Ten years indeed. Time flies."

Chu Zhou's gaze swept over me, a mixture of admiration and surprise in his eyes. "You look incredible, by the way."

I felt a bashful grin tug at my cheeks as I shrugged off the compliment. "Thank you, Chu Zhou. You're not looking too shabby yourself." Gesturing toward the seats, I added, "Please, take a load off."

Seated across from each other, a sense of ease settled in as if the years of separation had never occurred.

"You've been here all this time? What's been keeping you occupied?" he inquired, his interest palpable.

"Yes, I've been working as a doctor in the hospital right over there," I responded, indicating the visible structure through the clear glass window.

He leaned forward, excitement lighting up his features. "No way! What a twist of fate—I'm here for my annual check-up!"

We took in a chat at our table for a while. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, comforting us like an old friend. The chatter around us seemed distant as we delved into the depths of our lives, sharing stories and experiences that spanned the years since we last saw each other.

Chu Zhou's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he recounted his adventures, one captivating tale after another.

"And what about you, Xian?" Chu Zhou asked with genuine interest. "I remember you always having a passion for medicine. How did you end up as a doctor?"

A nostalgic smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "It's been a challenging journey, but becoming a doctor was always my parent's dream and I ended up taking it anyway, but I had a special reason", I tried hiding an emotion as I said that but I continued, "After high school, I worked hard to get into medical school and then faced countless sleepless nights during my residency. But it was all worth it."

Chu Zhou nodded appreciatively. "You've always had a strong sense of purpose, Xian. I admire that about you."

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a swell of pride mixed with humility. "But enough about me. Tell me more about your ventures. You seem to have achieved so much."

Listening to Chu Zhou's stories, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. We may have taken different paths, but we both found our ways to make our mark in the world.

As we sipped our coffee, Chu Zhou suddenly paused and looked at me intently. "Hey, have you heard about the upcoming high school reunion?"

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "Reunion? What reunion?" I asked, genuinely unaware.

Chu Zhou's eyes widened in surprise. "No one was able to contact you? You still don't know?", I shook my head, feeling a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

"Everyone has been talking about it for weeks. It's going to be held in a hotel here in the city."

"No, I had no idea. I've been so caught up with work, and I haven't been in touch with anyone from back home."

Chu Zhou's expression turned earnest. "You see, Xian, it's been tough for everyone to contact you. After you left our hometown, no one knew where you went or what happened to you. You disappeared without a trace. We've been trying to find a way to reach out to you for years. I'm really glad I bumped into you today."

His words struck a chord within me, and I suddenly felt a mix of emotions. "I didn't realize it had been so difficult for everyone to contact me. I'm sorry if I've been hard to reach."

"No need to apologize, Xian. Life takes us on different paths, and we all understand that. I'm just happy to see you," Chu Zhou reassures me, then sips his coffee in a relaxed manner. Feeling a sense of relief, I nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Chu."

"Everyone from our old class already decided to go, except for you, he said after sipping his coffee. "Maybe fate brings us here to meet today so all of us in our alumni can come", he added.

Slightly surprised by his statement. "Yeah, maybe", I giggled.

"But? Everyone's going?", I asked, raising an eyebrow "Yeah, everyone will be there", he paused for a second and avoided a gaze, then looked down. "Well, except for one person", He seemed off when he said it, but I didn't ask any further about who it was.

Chu Zhou tucked his lips and breathed deeply; he was able to raise his mood again. He chuckled and leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know, Xian, all the girls in our school used to swoon over you back then. You were the heartthrob, the academic genius, and the star athlete all rolled into one. Seeing you now, I'm sure the girls in our class will be even more amazed by how handsome and amazing you've become."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful teasing. "Come on, Chu. You're exaggerating."

He waved his hand dismissively. "I'm not, I promise! You were always the center of attention, and now, after all these years of hard work and success, you've become even more incredible. I can already imagine their jaws dropping when they see you."

Despite his words, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy at the thought of being the focus of attention once again. "I don't know about that. It's been a long time, and things have changed."

Chu Zhou's smile softened, and he gave me a reassuring pat on the back. "Trust me, Xian, you'll be a hit at the reunion. Besides, it's not just about impressing others. It's about reconnecting with old friends and reminiscing about the good times we shared."

Reminding me of the genuine friendships we had forged in the past. Perhaps attending the reunion wasn't about proving anything to anyone but about finding closure and cherishing the memories we had together.

"You're right, Chu," I admitted with a smile. "I shouldn't be so worried about what others think. It'll be great to see everyone again after so long."

Chu Zhou grinned, clearly pleased with my response. "That's the spirit! I promise you won't regret it".

As our conversation drew to a close, Chu Zhou took out his phone and asked for my number. "Let's exchange contacts so we can easily get in touch again. I don't want to lose contact with you after all this time."

I nodded and quickly shared my number with him. "Chu. It's been too long, and I'd like to keep in touch."

With our contact information safely stored on each other's phones, we both stood up from the table. "I better get going now," Chu Zhou said with a smile. "I have a few more errands to run before heading back home."

"I should head back to the hospital as well; my break is almost over," I replied.

We exited the café together and bid each other farewell. "Take care, Xian, and don't forget to think about it", Chu Zhou reminded me.

"I will, Chu. Thanks again for letting me know about it", I said gratefully.

As we went our separate ways, my mind was filled with thoughts of the upcoming reunion and the possibility of reconnecting with my old classmates. A sense of excitement swelled within me, accompanied by a hint of nervousness.

Returning home that evening, I found myself unable to shake off the nagging thoughts about the reunion. A mix of emotions engulfed me: longing to reconnect with old friends, fear of facing her, and uncertainty about how I would react.

I had spent so many years trying to erase my bitter past and distance myself from the painful memories of that day. Would it be a chance to find closure and heal the wounds of the past? Or would it only stir up more emotions and memories that I had tried so hard to forget?

Whatever the outcome, I knew one thing for sure: Attending the reunion would be a step into the unknown, and it will be full of conflicting feelings.

❀•°❀°•❀

End of Chapter