Too Late to Love Me

Chapter 1

My boyfriend had racked up a considerable debt to pay for his mother's medical treatment.To pay it off,we worked regular jobs during the day and took on side hustles at night and on weekends.That night,I was dressed up like a ghost,hiding in the corner of a haunted house attraction,waiting to jump out and scare the next group of customers,just like we rehearsed.

Soon,a disheveled couple stumbled in,locked in a passionate kiss.The woman called out her boyfriend's name with a coy tone,"Howard,be gentle!You just bought me this limited-edition lingerie;are you going to tear it up again so soon?You've already ripped seven today and messed up my makeup.I still need to go to the hotel tonight for your mother's birthday."

At first,I thought it was just a crazy coincidence.After all,Howard's mother was in a coma and still lying in the hospital.However,the man soon looked up and spotted me.Without a word,he threw a warm,pair of panties and a wad of cash right at my face."Shut your damn eyes and get out!"

I felt something warm trickle down my forehead,but I was frozen in place.It was because that voice belonged to none other than my boyfriend of three years.

——

"Freya,what are you still doing there?Don't disturb Mr.Garcia and his girlfriend's romance.Hurry up and get out!"The manager's urgent voice came through my earpiece,urging me to leave.Only then did I snap out of my daze.I quickly gathered the props on the ground.I awkwardly fled the dimly lit secret room,the sound of amorous whispers trailing behind me.

When I reached the front desk,I instinctively looked down at what I was carrying.Among the plastic props and fake blood were that pair of panties and the thick wad of cash.It looked like at least$3000,all brand-new bills.No wonder it cut my forehead.

Suppose only that money wasn't thrown at me while my boyfriend was dating another woman.In that case,I might've actually been happy.I might've even taken a photo and sent it to Howard.[Howard,look!We've got enough for your mom's medicine this month.You don't have to work so hard anymore.]

But now...Mr.Garcia?This unfamiliar title,was this really the same person who used to split every penny in half to pay for his mother's treatment,who huddled with me in our rented room eating instant noodles and who promised me happiness?If the woman inside was his girlfriend,then what was I?The things in my arms slipped and fell to the ground with a thud.

"Mr.Garcia is really something!His first love just got back to the country and he's already going wild,throwing money and panties like it's nothing.Those panties alone go for over a thousand dollars a pair and he tears through them like paper.He must have gone through dozens in the past few days,right?Isn't he afraid his Cinderella will find out and get angry?"

"What's there to be afraid of?Mr.Garcia has plenty of money.Besides,what if that poor girl finds out?Megan dumped him and went abroad three years ago.Mr.Garcia acted out of spite when he got together with her for a bit of fun.Now that Megan is back,what does she matter?It's been tough for that man to play the poor guy for three years."

"Who asked our Howard to be such a romantic since he was little?He vowed he would only marry Megan.He swore his money would only be spent on Megan;no other woman could ever dream of it.That idiot Freya actually believed his lies,foolishly working everywhere to help him pay off his debts and save his mother.Haha."

These words crashed into my ears like thunder,making my internal organs ache.They stared at the monitor with knowing and excited expressions.Following their gaze,my breath hitched.Under the night-vision camera,Howard pressed himself tightly against that woman.He kissed her like he couldn't breathe,like he was desperate to devour her whole,letting out all the longing he had held in for so long.

Chapter 2

Even though the lighting was dim and I could only see the side of his face,I recognized him instantly.

This passionate,almost frantic side of Howard was something I had never witnessed in three years.

As if sensing something,he suddenly looked towards the camera,quickly covering Megan with his jacket.He grabbed a nearby skull prop and hurled it over."Get lost!How dare you even look at Megan?I'll gouge your eyes out if I see you looking again!"

The screen immediately went static.One of those people awkwardly rubbed its nose and muttered,"It was so dark and he covered Megan so tightly.What were we even supposed to see?Can't believe Mr.Garcia flipped out like that."

"Just a few days ago,I joked with him about letting the bros check out Freya's figure sometime and he actually smiled and nodded.Sure enough,Megan is his precious darling.The way he treats her is on another level."

I clenched my fists but eventually let them fall,weak and powerless.It turns out that your initial response to something you truly didn't want to believe was denial rather than rage.

Even though the manager had reminded me three times that I could take off my makeup and go home,I stubbornly stood rooted to the spot.I didn't believe it.I didn't think the person they talked about,who played with other people's feelings,was the man I had loved for three years.

It wasn't until an hour later that the man emerged from the private room with Megan in his arms.

The bright light outlined Howard's face so clearly and handsomely,completely shattering my self-deception.

Megan's neck was covered in love bites.When she noticed the cut on my forehead,she said with a hint of embarrassment."Miss,my boyfriend has a bit of a temper.He didn't mean to hurt you just now.Don't take it personally,okay?He just gets really possessive of me.Howard,aren't you going to make it up to her?"

Howard's eyes met mine.

I thought he had recognized me.I hoped he would explain,even if he just denied the'boyfriend'label,anything to make me feel like I wasn't a joke.Alas,he just pulled out a check,scribbled a few numbers and tossed it at my feet."Keep your mouth shut.If I hear you talking nonsense and ruining Megan's reputation,I won't let you off,"he said coldly.

We had been together for three years.I could easily recognize Howard's figure in the dark,but now I was standing right in front of him,just with NPC makeup on and he was only concerned with warning me not to damage his'girlfriend's reputation.Was it that he didn't recognize me,or had he never cared about me?

Howard put his arm around Megan and walked towards the Bentley outside.That man considerately opened the door for her,fastened her seatbelt and drove away.From beginning to end,he didn't look at me once.

Watching that limited edition Rolls-Royce with the special license plate drive away,a bitter feeling welled up inside me.

Because we had debts to repay and were saving money for his mother's medical treatment,we couldn't afford a car,only a second-hand motorcycle.Howard would often gesture grandly and speak to me behind him as those fancy cars carrying pretty women drove by."Freya,just wait.Sooner or later,I'll ensure you ride in a car like that.The passenger seat is only for you."

I used to believe I would be the happiest woman alive if I rode that tiny electric scooter as long as I had his words.Now,he did have a luxury car,but the woman in the passenger seat wasn't me.

After taking off my makeup and returning home,I pulled the photo of Howard's mother from my phone while looking at the check.The amount was enough to pay for a year's medical expenses in one go.Howard,what other secrets are you hiding from me?

There was a sound at the door and I quickly hid the check.

Chapter 3

"Freya,I got paid part-time and bought your favorite strawberries.Come try some!"However,the smile on Howard's face froze when he saw the cut on my forehead.

He rushed over,eyes full of concern."What happened?Does it hurt?"

I forced a small smile."I accidentally scraped it.It's nothing.Strawberries are expensive,though.Why waste money?"

"How is that a waste?"he said."Freya,I'd give you the whole world if I could.You've already sacrificed so much being with me.I'm working hard to earn money so my baby can live a good life."

I didn't say anything.That man's sweet words were as smooth as ever,but they suddenly felt ridiculous when paired with the scent of Megan's perfume on him.

Howard didn't notice my change in expression.He casually glanced at my phone and chuckled."Other girls love looking at handsome guys.Why are you staring at some old,sick lady?She's wrinkled and ugly."

I froze."You don't know her,really?"

He looked confused."No?Is she your relative?If she is,we should get her a gift and visit sometime."

"Oh right,Freya,I've got another part-time job tonight,so I must head out now.Can't stay for dinner.Be good and wait for me at home."He ruffled my hair,got dressed and left.

I was stunned by his words.He was the one who brought me to the hospital and pointed at the unconscious older woman in the photo,telling me with a pained look that she was his mother.How could he now say that he didn't know her?

I secretly followed Howard in a taxi.I watched him walk into a luxury mall,change into a suit worth tens of thousands and then head into a hotel.As soon as he entered the lobby,I saw Megan in a custom designer gown,clinging sweetly to a wealthy,elegant-looking woman whose features resembled Howard's.

Howard walked up to her and handed her a gift.He said with a smile,"Happy birthday,Mom."

An overwhelming sense of absurdity washed over me.I couldn't tell if I should be angry or sad.Back then,Howard looked haggard,burdened by high medical bills and debts.He always had a look of sadness in his eyes because he was worried about his seriously ill mother.

I felt sorry for his hardship and decided to share his burden.Besides eating and sleeping for three years,I desperately worked to earn money.As soon as my salary came in,I would immediately transfer it to him.Because I had no money for food,I often went hungry and could only fill my stomach with water.I fainted at work several times but didn't even dare to go to the hospital.

Now I realized that even the so-called'seriously ill mother'was a lie he made up.He was only sad and haggard because Megan had gone abroad.Then what about the hunger I endured and the sweat I shed?It was truly laughable.

As the party reached its halfway point,Anastasia suddenly announced."Thank you all for coming to this old woman's birthday party today.I also have some good news to announce.My son,Howard and Megan have been childhood sweethearts and are deeply in love.Now that Megan is back from abroad,we'll host their engagement party in three days.I hope you will all come to celebrate with us."

The guests offered their congratulations one after another.Confused,someone asked,"But didn't I hear that Howard already has a girlfriend?"

Anastasia's face darkened.She let out a cold snort."How come some gold-digger from who-knows-where thinks she can latch onto our Garcia Family?My son was just toying with her.Did she really think a pheasant could become a queen?She should take a good look at herself."

Chapter 4

"What do you think,Howard?"

Howard was silent for a moment,then smiled faintly."You're right,Mom.It's just a pheasant,after all.We'll do as you say."

Looking up in shock,I saw Megan throwing herself into his arms with a delighted laugh.Then,Howard took out a massive diamond ring he'd prepared in advance from his pocket.He slipped it onto her ring finger and tenderly kissed her fingertips as everyone cheered.

I'd seen that ring on TV a few days ago.It was worth two hundred million.I glanced down at the plain ring on my finger,now yellowed and tarnished.Howard had given it to me on our first anniversary.It wasn't expensive,just a few hundred bucks,but I was as happy as a fool back then.Even though it wasn't even real silver and the color had faded badly,I couldn't bear to take it off.

I hid in a corner like some shameful voyeur,watching as the two of them held hands and smiled while drinking toast offered by the guests.The drinks were meant for both of them,yet Howard took them all on her behalf and gently handed her a glass of juice instead."You're allergic to alcohol,"he said softly."Drink this instead."

Megan leaned on his shoulder like a pampered little princess,blushing and happy."Howard,you're the best."

Howard had a weak stomach.Back when we were together,I was the one who always drank for him at parties.I'd instead drink until I had a stomach hemorrhage than let him have a single drop.I had taken such meticulous care of him for three years.Now,to protect someone else,he didn't even care about his own body.

That man must have been thrilled today.I had never seen him drink so much.Soon,he was drunk and Megan helped him upstairs to a guest room.I knew leaving at this moment was sensible,but I was standing outside their bedroom door before I knew it.The door wasn't closed tightly and the sounds from inside were faintly audible,making my face burn.My hands were shaking as I dialed Howard's number.It rang for over ten seconds before he picked up.His voice was hoarse and breathless."Freya,what's wrong?"

"Howard,"I cried,"let's get married.I don't want a dowry or a house.Just come back now and we'll register our marriage immediately,okay?"

I knew how pathetic I sounded,how low I'd fallen.But sometimes,love makes you let go of your pride.If Howard stopped now,walked out of that room and returned to me right this second,I'll pretend none of this ever happened.

Howard paused for a moment,then gave a helpless little laugh."Silly girl,why are you crying?I never said I wouldn't marry you,but my mom's still in the hospital.I don't have the heart to think about marriage right now and I don't want to rush you into something less than you deserve.Once she gets better and I've made more money and bought a house and a car,I'll give you the wedding you deserve.Okay?Just wait for me a little longer.My part-time job will run late tonight,so I won't be home.Lock the door and get some rest.I'll bring back something tasty for you."

He suddenly let out a muffled groan and quickly hung up the phone.At the same time,the sounds from inside the room grew more intense and unbearable.I numbly lowered my phone as tears poured down my face.On the way home,the sky opened,pouring rain that soaked me to the bone.The cold rain washed over my face,only to be repeatedly replaced by my own tears.

Suddenly,I felt so tired and my head grew heavier and heavier.Before I lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground,one final thought echoed in my mind:Howard,I'm never going to wait for you again.

When I opened my eyes again,it was already dusk on the third day.I was lying in a hospital bed.The nurse told me that a kind passerby had brought me in.I turned on my phone,but Howard hadn't sent me a single message.No matter how busy he was,he used to always message me goodnight and remind me to eat breakfast.

Chapter 5

Now,the nurses were whispering to each other,full of envy,as they looked at their phones."Did you hear that?The only son of the Garcias is getting engaged.The bride-to-be is the Lin family's daughter.Mr.Garcia liked Miss Larkin since they were kids.Last night,he bought out the entire city's fireworks to propose to her."

"That's not even the craziest part.There was a whole drone light show,too;there must've been over a thousand of them!Word is,Mr.Garcia planned the whole thing himself just for her.I'm so jealous."

I stood there in a daze and my phone started ringing.It was the manager from one of my part-time jobs."Freya,we've got a client throwing a bachelorette party tonight.They want someone in a costume to perform.The pay's really good.I know you need the money,so I personally recommend you.Don't make me regret it,alright?"

I wanted to refuse,but this manager had always been good to me,always thinking of me first when there was work.I didn't want to make things difficult for him,so I agreed.Besides,I wasn't planning to use Howard's check.I'd given him all my savings and now I had to rely on myself to survive.I used the wages from that secret room part-time job to pay off some expenses.It was the first time I spent money on myself in three years.Anyway,Howard didn't need my meager savings anymore.

I forced a bitter smile.Maybe it was for the best.His little"Prince turned pauper"game was finally over.It was time for him to go back to the woman he truly loved.They were the perfect match,both from wealthy families,good looks,everything in common.He and I were never from the same world.The past three years could just be a bitter yet sweet dream.Now that the dream was ending,we should each return to our rightful places.

I didn't expect the client throwing the bachelorette party to be Megan.In the private room,it wasn't just her.A group of wealthy young men and women was there,staring at me with obvious contempt.Megan tossed a costume at my feet with a smug look."Your manager said Miss Youngson is great at entertaining guests.Then put this on and show my friends a good time."

It was a clown costume,but the style was strange and the neckline was very low,exposing my entire back.I replied politely,"Miss Larkin,this doesn't comply with our work regulations.I've already prepared a Doraemon costume and can perform magic tricks for you and your friends."

The next second,a sharp slap landed on my face,burning with pain.Megan was nothing like the kind and considerate person I saw that day.She sneered coldly,"What a joke.In your line of work,the customer is the rule.If you don't wear it,I'll assume your manager lied to me and his business can kiss goodbye."

For these rich people,crushing a small business was as easy as flipping their hands.I couldn't drag my manager down with me.Clenching my teeth,I picked up the clown costume and put it on.Megan said lazily,"Wait.Where's your professionalism?Take off your own clothes first,right in front of us.I don't want you sneaking off."

The men on the couch suddenly looked at me with disgusting,leering eyes.If I still couldn't see that Megan had set this up to humiliate me,I'd be an idiot."I'm sorry,but I can't do what you ask.I don't want the payment either.Please find someone else,Miss Larkin."

I turned to leave,but two men grabbed me firmly.One of them kicked my knee hard and I fell to the ground in pain.Megan walked up to me and slapped me across the face more than ten times,then sneered,"That's more like it.You poor trash only deserve to kneel before me."

Chapter 6

Megan yanked my hair,forcing me to look up at her."He told you his mom was seriously ill and he was drowning in debt,didn't he?That was just a lie to trick you,you idiot.I can't believe you fell for it and were eager to throw yourself at him.You're nothing but some cheap fling he picked up to make me jealous.How dare you even call him and ask him to marry you?Who do you think you are?"

"How about those hundreds of thousands you transferred to him over the past three years?He used all of it to make me happy.If I replied to one of his messages,he'd send me a hundred or even a thousand dollars.Too bad it wasn't much;it disappeared after a few messages,so Howard had to dig into his pockets.Even when you practically begged to give him money,you were still useless!"

They started tearing at my clothes.I struggled as hard as I could,but Megan was annoyed by the noise.She casually picked up a bottle and smashed it against my head.Warm blood trickled down my forehead,blurring my vision.My head spun with dizziness.Just as the fabric of my clothes ripped,the door slammed open with a loud kick."What the hell are you doing?"

Howard kicked the men away and tried to pull me up,but I shoved him away.I looked at his expensive suit and gave a bitter smile."Howard,do you find playing me for a fool fun?"

"I didn't…"

"At this hour,shouldn't you be working at KFC?What kind of KFC has a waiter wearing a suit worth hundreds of thousands?I'm afraid your daily wage of a hundred and twenty yuan wouldn't even buy a single thread on that suit,would it?"

He had nothing to say,but Megan sneered and said,"Wow,you're not as dumb as you look.What,now that you know he's rich,you're in a rush to cash in?I knew it.No one's stupid enough to give so much for free.You probably discovered who he really is long ago.Now you're shamelessly clinging to him,hoping to turn from trash to treasure.Pathetic."

Anger and despair welled up inside me.I had fallen in love with someone and wanted to help him through his hardships.I never played with anyone's feelings.Why did I deserve such humiliation?Beyond endurance,I slapped Megan across the face.

Howard immediately tensed up,forcefully pushing me away and holding the crying Megan protectively in his arms."Freya,are you crazy?How can you just hit someone?"

I laughed out of anger,pointing to my forehead."That woman cracked my head open with a wine bottle and all I did was give her a slap in return.Now,you're this worried,huh?Howard,have you had enough of your prince-turns-beggar game?Let's break up."

I turned to walk away,but Howard instinctively chased after me and grabbed my wrist."Freya,don't go,I…"

Before he could finish,Megan suddenly cried out,"Howard,I'm pregnant.My stomach hurts…"

Howard froze.He hesitated for a few seconds,then let go of my hand."Freya now's not the time to argue.Just go home and wait for me,okay?I'll explain everything tomorrow."Then he carried Megan out.

I watched his back as he walked away and laughed helplessly.Tomorrow?Tomorrow is your engagement party.Oh,wait!Megan is pregnant now.Maybe you'll skip the engagement and go straight to getting married.

My manager messaged me.[Freya,the client,was pleased with your performance.Here's your payment.]

The transfer amount was generous.Megan really was generous when it came to spending his money.Later,messages from Howard came flooding in.[Freya,it's not what you think.Once I get everything settled,I'll explain everything.Please,just wait a little longer,okay?]

I had already waited for three years.I didn't want to wait anymore.

The clock struck midnight,marking our fourth anniversary.Yet,Howard was marrying another woman.I sent him one last text.[Happy engagement,Howard Garcia.]

The next second,my phone lit up with his call.