A Brand New Life

This was the 521st time Hailey Reed had given me the silent treatment, and the first time shed ever backed down.

She sent me a restaurant pin, telling me to dress nicely and meet her.

I remembered the ring I found in her coat pocket, and the ridiculously expensive event planner shed booked recently.

Finally, it clicked. Our eight-year relationship was coming to an end.

Shed been busy preparing for a proposal party, thats why shed been neglecting me.

I dressed immaculately and went to the agreed-upon location. Pushing open the door, I saw her ex-boyfriend, Adam Grayson, in a designer tuxedo, seated at the center table.

A giant screen read: Thank you, Hailey, for hosting this luxurious birthday party for the one she loves most.

She had said her ex had given her his first time, and she needed to compensate him.

Someone like me, a ""second-hand"" man, had no right to make demands.

But when I turned to leave, she regretted it.

1.

Hailey Reed was bending down, putting a ring on Adam Graysons finger.

Wearing my white tuxedo, I instantly became the awkward clown.

Standing at the doorway, I was caught between coming and going.

When they saw me, one frowned, the other dropped a glass.

Ethan Davies, are you deliberately trying to steal my thunder?

What kind of clothes could be more striking than designer couture?

I told you to dress nicely never mind, I cant be bothered talking to you. Adam, ignore him, see if you like this gift?

Hailey half-crouched, continuing to meticulously place the ring on Adam Graysons left ring finger.

Everything before my eyes was identical to the proposal scene I had dreamed of.

I had waited eight years, hinted to Hailey countless times.

Just when I thought my wish was coming true, I witnessed Hailey placing the ring on another man's hand.

So, a woman wasn't incapable of taking initiative.

She just didn't love me enough.

Haileys friends came over to tease, and she pouted.

You need to keep your eyes open when choosing a partner. Getting tangled up with a man like this will ruin your life.

Under the mocking gazes of the crowd, I made a clumsy retreat.

Tears blurred my vision, and I accidentally missed a step, tumbling down the stairs.

I thought Hailey would hear the commotion, chase after me, and explain everything.

But she didn't.

She only sent me a text message.

Ethan Davies, dont make a fool of yourself. Im just helping Adam fulfill a small wish. Hes different from you; he gave me his first time, and I couldnt be responsible for him, so I owe him more compensation.

Before meeting her, I had a previous relationship, which she had criticized for a long time.

Even if I poured my heart into her, taking meticulous care of her, it still couldnt compare to Adam Graysons first time given to her.

Above this text, there was a message from my grandmother.

Finally, my dear grandson is getting married. Dont worry, Ill hold on with my old bones to attend your wedding.

My grandmother and I had relied on each other for years. She was gravely ill, with not much time left.

My marriage was the only thing she worried about in this world.

So when I realized Hailey was going to propose to me, I eagerly told her the good news, hoping to put her mind at ease.

I never expected

I clutched my swollen ankle, my heart aching beyond words.

I had wanted to ask Hailey if she had forgotten that today was our eight-year anniversary.

But there was no need now.

That ring I had waited eight years for, I no longer wanted it.

2.

Hailey Reed came home late into the night.

She brought me a piece of cake.

Not asleep yet? Adam asked me to bring this for you. See how generous he is? When will you be as sensible as him?

I glanced at ita mango-filled cake.

The reason for this cold war was mangoes.

Im allergic to mangoes, and Id reminded her repeatedly, yet she still brought back a fruit salad with mango in it.

I was angry that she didn't care about me; she was angry that I was being unreasonable.

I took a deep breath, suppressing my grievances.

Grandmas health is getting worse. She wants to see you one last time. She asked if youre free tomorrow at noon.

I hadnt dared to tell Grandma the truth, afraid she wouldnt be able to bear it.

Likewise, for the sake of our eight years together and for Grandma, I wanted to give Hailey one last chance.

Hailey instinctively blurted out, Im not free, I need to accompany

Mid-sentence, her gaze fell on the calendar beside her. She seemed to remember something, a hint of guilt in her expression.

Ive been too busy recently, but Ill make some time tomorrow. Ethan, you dont need to be so suspicious. I dont mind that you werent a virgin; theres no need for you to be so hostile towards Adam.

I didnt want to talk, so I limped back to the bedroom to rest.

On my bedside table was a small, transparent jar. Every time Hailey gave me the silent treatment after an argument, I would use her card to buy myself a tiny gold bead.

Eight years, and I had accumulated 521 of them.

The jar was full, unable to hold any more.

As I was drifting off to sleep, Hailey received a call and rushed out.

I didn't press the issue. I just sent her a text when it was light, reminding her not to forget to visit Grandma.

Grandma was experiencing a fleeting moment of clarity, trembling as she took out an embroidered marriage certificate.

Grandma respects you young people; living with the wifes family is fine. Hailey is a good girl, just a bit headstrong. Ive prepared the marriage certificate for you, my dear. When you live together, you must be more accommodating to her

I found it hard to imagine how Grandma, who could barely hold a needle, had managed to embroider this entire marriage certificate.

Grandma held my hand, reluctant to let go, giving me many instructions.

She took out her life savings, wanting to adorn our wedding.

But she waited until dark, until she finally closed her eyes, and still, Hailey never came.

I handled Grandmas funeral alone and finally received a call from Hailey.

Something urgent came up at work. Ill cook for you myself tomorrow as an apology.

Before I could even speak, I heard that familiar voice.

Hailey, hurry, help me grab the biggest doll.

The call was abruptly cut off.

I thought for a moment and then proactively messaged my boss.

I want to be in charge of the overseas project.

3.

Hailey Reed was a strong, successful woman. I respected her ambitions and was willing to be a live-in husband for love, putting my focus on the family. I had been stuck in a deputy manager position for many years.

My boss, frustrated with my lack of progress, suggested I gain experience overseas.

Three years, and Id surely make a big breakthrough upon my return.

Before, I hesitated because I couldnt bear to leave Grandma and Hailey.

Now I had nothing to hold me back.

When Hailey came home, I was packing.

She didnt notice anything amiss, casually tossing a teddy bear to me.

Your eight-year anniversary gift.

I remembered Adam Graysons social media posthe was holding a giant teddy bear, smiling brightly.

The caption read, Whatever I want, she always gives it to me with both hands.

In eight years together, Hailey had never once accompanied me to play those claw machines.

And she would certainly never hand me something I wanted with both hands.

Dont like it? Hailey sneered. Adam is simply innocent and not materialistic. A man your age, whos seen the world, naturally values profit more.

Hailey emphasized the words seen the world.

It was a subtle jab, insinuating that I had a previous relationship before her and hadnt remained pure for her.

You cant find fault with this gift, can you?

With that, Hailey took out a shoebox.

It was from my favorite brand. Not long ago, I casually complained to Hailey that there was a new product I really liked, but unfortunately, it was a limited edition of only one pair nationwide and very hard to get.

My heart sank.

To say I wasn't anticipating something was a lie.

I carefully opened the shoebox, before I could even clearly see what was inside.

A small snake directly coiled around my arm, biting hard into the web of my thumb and forefinger.

Ah!

I was terrified, desperately shaking my hand to try and fling the snake off.

The cold, slimy feel of the snake sent shivers down my spine, coupled with the pain in my hand, I felt dizzy and almost blacked out.

4.

Hailey was also surprised to see the snake.

She started to call for help, but after a moments hesitation, she dialed Adam Graysons number instead.

Hailey, thank you for the shoes you sent me. Theyre really beautiful.

Whats with the snake?

Adams clear laugh came through the phone. Its a gift in return, of course! He deliberately ruined my birthday party. Dont worry, Snowflake isnt venomous.

Hearing this, Hailey visibly relaxed.

She glanced at me, then took the phone out to the balcony.

Ive been afraid of snakes since I was a child. After calling Haileys name several times with no response, I forced my eyes open, trembling as I grabbed the snake by its neck.

With a forceful fling, I flung the snake away.

After all that, I was drenched in sweat, curled up on the sofa and crying from fright.

The snake on the floor flicked its tongue, seemingly glaring at me, making me too scared to even get off the floor and walk back to my room. Hailey finished her phone call an hour later.

My face was pale, my forehead beaded with sweat, and I was shaking uncontrollably.

Ethan? Are you okay? Adam was just joking, hes young, dont hold it against him.

Seeing that I wasnt responding, Hailey, fearing something serious had happened, drove me to the hospital.

That cold, slimy sensation, the sharp scales, kept replaying in my mind.

I felt as if that snake was coiling up my arm to my neck.

Sitting in the passenger seat, I shivered uncontrollably, as if I would suffocate at any moment.

Hailey, Im scared

A flicker of concern crossed Haileys eyes, and her tone softened.

Its okay, Ethan, Im here. Dont be afraid. Just hold on a little longer, well be at the hospital soon.

Haileys soft voice, tinged with a hint of tenderness, gradually eased me from my immense terror.

Just as I was about to calm down, Hailey suddenly slammed on the brakes.

5.

My forehead hit the Adam Graysons Exclusive Seat ornament.

Hailey looked at the message on her phone, her brow furrowed, and her gaze at me became more conflicted.

You take a taxi to the hospital yourself. Im going to drop Snowflake off with Adam first.

At the mention of that dark, slimy snake, my face turned ashen again.

Hailey, however, pushed me out of the car without further discussion. Youre a grown man, youll be fine. Ill come to the hospital to see you. Adam would be upset if anything happened to Snowflake.

The car sped away, leaving me standing on a deserted street, feeling somewhat bewildered.

The tall, dense grass at my feet seemed to hide another snake, ready to dart out and bite my ankle.

I shivered with fright, not daring to wait for a cab there.

Dragging my sprained foot, I ran frantically until I saw other people, and then finally relaxed.

In that moment, the tightly wound string inside me snapped.

I stood on the bustling street, biting my lip, tears streaming down my face.

I was angry that Hailey had abandoned me midway, angry that she indulged Adam in scaring me, angry that she wouldnt buy the spacious apartment I favored but instead converted our wedding home into a suburban villa to fulfill Adams wish, angry that she chose Adam again and again between him and me

I am a man, but I too feel wronged.

Eight years, I had accumulated far too many grievances.

After crying, I took a taxi to the hospital for a full body check-up.

The snake wasnt venomous, but I had suffered a severe fright, and the injury to my ankle had worsened.

The doctor put my foot in a cast. I took a photo and sent it to my boss to extend my leave.

I also assured him that I would handle everything before my injury healed, and wouldn't delay work.

My boss replied quickly, Dont put too many burdens on yourself. You are excellent. Rest well and take care of yourself.

This was the only care and recognition I had received in a long time.

I sent Hailey a breakup text.

I took a taxi back to pack my bags, preparing to move into the company dormitory.

To my surprise, Hailey was home and had cooked a table full of dishes.

She smiled at me, her gaze briefly resting on my plaster-casted foot before quickly moving away.

Ethan, I promised to cook for you myself as an apology. Dont be angry anymore. Lets go pick up Grandma for dinner.

I walked straight to the bedroom, pulling out my suitcase.

Grandma is dead.