Love Like Dust

Claire Lu had always been aware of what people whispered behind her back鈥攚ords like schemer, green tea (a metaphor for a manipulative woman), and wretched person. Many wished for her demise, but what did it matter to her? Over the years, she remained devoted to the one man she loved.

Ethan Shen.

He stood tall and unreachable, like a cloud in the sky, yet she could not help but gaze up at him, unable to tear her eyes away for even a moment. She worshipped him as the only deity in her heart, devoutly and fervently wanting to offer everything she had.

But only she knew she was on the brink of collapse, feeling as if she might fall apart at any moment. To give up, to let go, to be liberated鈥攊t all sounded so wonderful.

What if the moment she gave up... the next moment, the next, he would finally notice her, so small yet like a moth to a flame?

Claire dared not think about the future.

...

Five years ago, on a rainy day when Zoe Lu left, Ethan went mad. He dragged her by her hair into the company elevator.

"Zoe is gone, are you happy now? Do you think with Zoe gone, Ill be all yours? That Ill fall in love with you over time? Or are you trying to play the close water tower gets the moon trick? Ha, your schemes are really heavy," Ethan Shen flung her to the ground with force. Even in his fury, he didnt forget to wipe his hand with a handkerchief after touching her collar, then discarded it on the floor as if touching her was repulsive.

Claire sat on the ground, speechless. If she hadnt told Zoe those words, Zoe wouldnt have left the country in sorrow, would she?

"Im sorry..." Claire Lu said with a bitter smile.

"Bang!" Ethan kicked the side of the elevator, making the entire car shake. He gritted his teeth and said, "Would an apology help? Who do you think you are!" Ethan felt a fire in his heart that had been smoldering for too long and was about to explode. He picked up the pale-faced woman who was playing the victim and sneered in anger. Even now, she didnt forget to continue pretending, driving Zoe away with this very act.

"I heard from Zoe that you love me very much? So disgusting that you even put my photo under your pillow?"

Claires face turned pale, not expecting Zoe to have told Ethan about it...

"I... I... I did love you... but I told Zoe..." That I wont pester you, Ill bless you two, and then grow old alone with this secret. If it werent for her diary being read by her mother and causing a scene, no one would have noticed what she was thinking.

"So you and your family forced Zoe away?" Ethan sneered, his anger unabated. "If it werent for the deliberate exposure of your disgusting diary, would Zoe have left? You grew up with Zoe, wouldnt you know her character? What would the kind-hearted cousin who fell in love with her own man do?"

"Claire Lu, I really underestimated your schemes! Let me make it clear to you now! A woman like you, who clings disgustingly, I would never like you, let alone fall in love with you, even if you stayed by my side for a lifetime!"

Claire looked at his resolute expression, her heart aching. Even though she had prepared herself and expected the outcome, she was still hurt by his final words.