The rose is lost in the deep sea

Cover art for the short story “The rose is lost in the deep sea” on the Real Novels website

I went to Olivia’s welcome home party.

My boyfriend, Jason, the city’s golden boy, wanted to make her happy.

He forced me to drink a whole glass of vodka.

My stomach cramped, and my white dress stained crimson.

He was busy feeding Olivia bird’s nest, mouth-to-mouth, while his friends cheered him on.

As I passed out, I heard a cold sneer.

“Don’t mind her, she’s just a pet canary I keep, can’t live without me.”

I woke up in the hospital, touched my flat stomach, and wanted to show him the miscarriage report.

But I found he’d changed his profile picture to Olivia’s side view and blocked me for the 99th time.

This time, I didn’t beg like before.

I booked a flight out of the country in three days.

I just got home when I heard a crash.

Sarah stood among the shards of porcelain, her eyes welling up as she saw me.

She cried and threw herself into Jason’s arms.

“I just accidentally broke it. Look at her face, she looks like an old witch…”

“…She scared me.”

She broke the first gift Jason ever gave me.

A ceramic doll, handcrafted by the golden boy himself.

Jason stroked Sarah’s hair tenderly, and I could see the same look he used to give me.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a doll. I’ll break it with you.”

He picked up the doll’s head and smashed it on the floor.

The pieces scattered.

Beyond repair.

Sarah cheered up and clapped her hands, laughing.

My hand holding my purse trembled slightly.

Years ago, Jason had gripped my face, his eyes full of mischief.

“This is the first time I’ve made something like this for a woman.”

“If you dare break this doll, I really won’t keep you around!”

But now, he broke it himself.

Of course, he didn’t even want our child for Sarah’s sake.

I chuckled self-deprecatingly and picked up a broom to sweep up the mess.

Suddenly, Sarah coughed.

Jason panicked. “Are you okay? Did you hurt your throat from crying?”

“Amelia, it’s all your fault Sarah was crying! Go make her a glass of her favorite mango juice.”

I froze, incredulous.

“Don’t you remember I’m allergic to mangoes?”

Jason’s face stiffened, he didn’t dare look at me.

He busied himself with the beauty in his arms.

I swept up the pieces and threw them in the trash, along with the last bit of lingering affection in my heart.

Then, I heard Sarah’s whiny voice again.

“Then I’ll go first. You’ll still meet me at the hotel tomorrow, same one as last night~”

Jason subconsciously glanced at me.

He explained unnaturally.

“Sarah and I have known each other for years. I’m just catching up with her, don’t overthink it.”

I didn’t bother to expose his lies.

I pretended not to see the love bite on his neck.

Sarah waved goodbye to Jason shyly.

I immediately saw the amulet on her wrist.

It was the amulet I’d gotten three years ago when Jason was in a car accident and in a coma.

I knelt and kowtowed every five steps in front of the temple, my forehead bruised, just to get that amulet.

When Jason woke up, his eyes were red with distress, and he held me tight.

“I’ll always wear this amulet. We’ll never be apart, for life after life!”

But now, he gave it to someone else.

I turned away from their sweet farewell and went back to the master bedroom to pack for my trip.

But as soon as I opened the door, I saw our couple photo was gone from the wall.

In its place was Sarah’s calligraphy.

The same font as Jason’s phone.

It turns out that while Sarah was abroad, Jason never forgot her.

But that has nothing to do with me anymore.

I opened my phone and set the countdown for my flight in three days.

Suddenly, my phone pushed a trending news alert.

“Golden Boy Jason Appears on Dating Show, Wedding Bells Ringing with Sarah”

In the video, Jason and Sarah kissed passionately.

No wonder he didn’t ask about me once during my entire day in the hospital after the miscarriage.

He was busy showing off his love with Sarah.

I remembered last year when paparazzi caught us on vacation.

To avoid suspicion, he blocked me and gave me the cold shoulder for a month.

I never thought someone so cautious and low-key would go on a dating show for his first love.

Just then, Jason walked in, interrupting my thoughts.

He started with a reprimand.

“Our Amelia is so sensitive.”

“A mango allergy won’t kill you. Why would you upset Sarah when she just got back?”

Jason didn’t even look up from his phone while talking to me.

His fingers tapped away, his eyes occasionally flashing with amusement.

Memories flashed in my mind.

Our first anniversary, Jason bought a mango cake.

I didn’t want to waste his effort, so I took a small bite.

But I still had an allergic reaction and fainted.

When I woke up, he cried like a baby, his hands trembling as he held mine.

“Amelia, I’ll never let you touch a mango again, and I’ll never let you suffer again!”

Back in reality, I opened my bag and found the medical report.

“I had a miscarriage.”

He finally spared me a glance.

His tone was displeased.

“It was just a glass of vodka! There’s a limit to jealousy. Don’t joke about the baby.”

Last night, I was in so much pain I wanted to die, helpless and desperate.

But in his eyes, I was just acting jealous.

I lowered my eyes and handed him the miscarriage report I had just found.

“The baby is really gone.”

“Our relationship is over too.”

I didn’t even dare to say the word “breakup”.

Five years ago, my parents’ company went bankrupt.

To pay off the debts, I accepted Jason’s bank card.

And became his kept woman.

Five years of living together, even a child, but no title.

Jason stared at the report, disbelief filling his eyes.

After a moment, his gaze swept over my flat stomach, and he pulled me into his arms.

His voice was filled with guilt.

“Don’t be sad. Take care of yourself, and I’ll give you another one.”

His eyes were full of tenderness as he patted my back.

We seemed to be back to our former intimacy.

But only if you ignored the scent of gardenias on him, Sarah’s signature scent.

My chest tightened, and I pushed him away, fighting back nausea.

“Jason, I’m serious.”

Jason’s face turned cold when he heard me use such a formal tone.

“Being unreasonable again! Do you still think you’re a spoiled little rich girl? Who else can take care of you besides me?”

Yes, I was no longer the pampered heiress I once was.

But I clearly remember…

In our intimate moments, he kissed my neck, his eyes overflowing with affection.

He promised me over and over again.

“Amelia, even if your family has fallen on hard times, you’re still the most precious princess in my heart.”

I clenched my fists, my lips trembling, but I couldn’t say a word.

Jason finally realized he had gone too far, and panic flashed across his face.

“Don’t misunderstand, Sarah and I are just playing around. I won’t abandon you.”

He quickly took out his phone.

“I was wrong about the party. I’ll remove you from my block list. I’ll never block you again.”

He pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift box from his suit pocket.

Inside was a sparkling diamond ring.

I was stunned.

Countless times while shopping, I’d lingered by the jewelry counters, gazing at the rings.

And he’d pull me away without hesitation.

His voice mocking.

“Amelia, I’m good enough to you. Be content with what you have.”

The implication was clear: I was just his plaything.

He could spoil me, but there would be no future for us.

But now…

Looking at the ring, my body stiffened.

I let him forcefully take my hand and put the ring on my middle finger.

Jason suddenly smiled, a victorious look on his face.

“See, Amelia? I told you, you can’t live without me.”

Before I could speak…

My phone rang.

It was Sarah.

“Amelia, Jason has such terrible taste!”

“He got me a custom-made fifty-million-dollar ring, but that huge rock is so tacky…”

“I still prefer your five-thousand-dollar freebie!”

So…it was a freebie.

Sarah’s intentions were crystal clear.

I hung up without replying.

Putting down the phone, I started looking for my documents.

Jason was standing behind me without me noticing.

“What do you need your passport for?”

My hand trembled instinctively, then I calmly lied.

“I’m going abroad with you next month for business. I’m just checking what I need to bring.”

Every time Jason went abroad, he took me with him.

But this time, he hesitated.

“Next month…Sarah will be with me.”

Seeing my indifferent expression, he quickly added.

“But I’ll arrange for you to go to Europe for a relaxing trip next month. We can both cool off.”

So that’s why he was suddenly sending me away.

He was afraid I’d interfere with his and Sarah’s alone time.

In the past, I would have cried and made a scene, demanding he confess his love for me.

But this time, I just nodded and put the documents back in my bag.

Jason finally realized something was wrong.

“You always keep our photo in your bag, why isn’t it there now?”

This relationship was about to end.

Of course, I didn’t need to carry our photo around anymore.

But I didn’t answer, just subtly changed the subject.

“I need to rest. Is there anything else?”

He finally remembered why he came looking for me.

“Where’s the honey water on the table?”

Jason had a stomach problem, and the doctor advised him to have more honey.

I made him warm honey water every hour, making sure he always had a warm glass ready.

It was a hassle, but I’d kept it up for five years.

I casually made an excuse.

“I just got out of the hospital. I’m not feeling well.”

It was actually true.

Perhaps because I had only rested in the hospital for a day after the miscarriage, and my emotions were low after returning home.

My lower abdomen was cramping.

My face was so pale that Jason panicked.

He carried me to bed.

“It’s also your fault for not taking care of our baby, and you still have the nerve to argue with me!”

“Forget it, I’ll take care of you tonight.”

Just then, a ringtone broke the silence.

I subconsciously looked at Jason’s phone screen.

The caller ID was “Sarah Baby”.

He answered the call, and Sarah’s sobs came through.

“Jason, I hurt my hand, can you come see me? sob…”

“I’m so clumsy, I don’t even know how to register at the hospital.”

Jason didn’t speak immediately but looked at me hesitantly.

I clutched my stomach, cold sweat dripping from my forehead.

I forced myself to say through gritted teeth.

“You should go.”

His expression was conflicted, but he still made his choice.

“Sorry, Amelia, Sarah just got back. I’m still worried about her.”

“I’ll call a doctor for you. I’ll be back soon.”

Seconds later, I heard the loud slam of the door.

I curled up in a ball, my heart numb.

It wasn’t the first time he had abandoned me for Sarah. I was used to it.

Soon, the family doctor arrived.

His eyes were full of disdain, but under Jason’s orders, he reluctantly examined me.

“Five years with Jason, and he still won’t acknowledge you publicly. You’re not stupid enough to believe a man’s sweet talk in bed, are you?”

“The Smiths are drowning in debt. You’re not even worthy of shining Jason’s shoes!”

“Miss Davis and Mr. Miller are a perfect match. You should pack your things and leave if you have any shame.”

The doctor didn’t want to stay a moment longer. He left after giving me the medicine.

The gap between Jason and me was too wide.

Everyone around him looked down on me.

But I was still his most favored pet canary.

Without Sarah’s hint and Jason’s tacit approval, how could a doctor be so bold?

I quietly took the medicine, and the pain gradually subsided.

Then I picked up my phone to thank the doctor.

But I saw Sarah’s updated status.

“Even a strawberry band-aid can’t compare to your sweet love.”

In the picture, Sarah’s fingertip had a cute band-aid.

Jason was kissing her finger, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.

I suddenly remembered Jason’s birthday the first year we were together.

I, who had never lifted a finger in the kitchen, cooked a whole table of dishes just to please him.

My hands were red and swollen from the hot oil.

But Jason just picked at the food with little interest and didn’t even stay the night.

I never understood why, until I overheard his conversation with his friends.

“I spoil Amelia because she’s pretty and obedient, like a playful kitten.”

“But today, her hands are covered in blisters. It’s disgusting!”

Suddenly, Jason called me.

His tone was demanding.

“Sarah’s going abroad with me for the first time next month. She doesn’t know anything. Help her prepare the documents.”

Then, Sarah’s cloying voice came from the phone.

“Even though I don’t know anything, I have Jason to spoil me~”

“Amelia, I’m impatient. Please have them ready tonight.”

Jason intervened.

“Amelia isn’t feeling well tonight. Don’t rush her…”

“Okay.”

I agreed directly.

Five years ago, out of necessity, I worked as a waitress at a high-end club.

If it weren’t for Jason’s extravagance, I doubt I could have escaped those greasy old men unscathed.

Once these documents were done, I wouldn’t owe him anything.

I slowly got out of bed, ignoring the discomfort, and turned on my computer to start working.

I stayed up all night to finish Jason’s task.

In the morning, I took the documents to Miller Enterprises.

The receptionist, who knew about my relationship with Jason, used to greet me warmly.

But this time, she looked flustered and blocked my way.

“Miss Smith, Mr. Miller isn’t here. I’ll take you to the lounge first.”

Along the way, I heard the employees whispering.

“Mr. Miller felt bad that Miss Davis had to wear high heels, so he carried her from the car to his office! So sweet!”

The receptionist looked embarrassed and wanted to explain.

But seeing my unchanged expression, she didn’t say anything.

A moment later, Jason called and asked me to bring the documents to his office.

As soon as I pushed the door open, I saw Sarah sitting on Jason’s lap, gazing at him lovingly.

Sarah took the documents with a smile and picked up the porridge on the table.

“You’ve worked hard, Amelia. Try some, Jason made this porridge for me himself.”

I looked at Jason in surprise.

Thanks to Sarah, after five years of living together, I finally learned he could cook.

I reached for the bowl.

Sarah loosened her grip, and the bowl fell to the floor.

The scalding hot porridge splashed on my leg, and I couldn’t help but gasp in pain.

“Jason, Amelia must hate me, that’s why she burned me on purpose. Please don’t be mad at her…”

She burst into tears.

Jason quickly pulled her into his arms and checked her carefully.

After confirming that only her shoes were dirty, his eyes turned cold.

“Amelia, apologize to Sarah immediately, and clean her shoes!”

I ignored him and grabbed some tissues from the desk to wipe the burns on my leg.

Jason became anxious and grabbed my arm.

“Is this how you treat your benefactor? You’re living off me, you have to listen to me!”

His grip was strong, and with my injuries, I couldn’t resist.

I stumbled as he dragged me out of the office.

He stopped at the top of the stairs and suddenly let go of me.

Caught off guard, I fell backward and tumbled down the stairs.

A sharp pain shot through my ankle, which quickly swelled up.

Jason looked down at me.

“Amelia, this is the price you pay for defying me.”

With that, he turned and left without a second glance.

I sat on the floor, unable to stand, enduring the strange looks from those around me.

After an unknown amount of time, the receptionist pushed a wheelchair over.

“Miss Smith, Miss Davis wasn’t in a good mood just now, so Mr. Miller took her to the countryside for a change of scenery. Please get up.”

I was helped into the wheelchair.

Just then, the countdown alarm for my flight went off.

I turned off the alarm and saw a text message from Jason.

“I’ve spoiled you too much all these years, which is why you’re so unruly.”

“I’ve blocked you again. I’ll unblock you when you realize your mistakes.”

Whatever, there’s no “later” anyway.

I removed my SIM card and replaced it with a new one.

Then I wheeled myself to a taxi and headed to the airport.

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