"Charlie, if there's really no hope, we shouldn't hold on," Evelyn murmured.
Emotionally, she wanted to encourage Charlie to fight for her own happiness. A promise like that was worth the risk.
But logically, it was too hard. In love, the one who cares more always gets hurt. She didn't want Charlie to suffer.
"Why are we so alike? I said the same thing to Noah," Charlie said with a smile.
"Really?" Evelyn looked up, surprised.
"Yeah. The day I went to see your performance. I told Noah not to be stubborn. After all, you're married now." Charlie nodded.
"Honestly, there was never anything between Noah and me. Back in school, everyone gossiped about us. But we never had those feelings. Later, when he went abroad, I thought of him sometimes. If we hadn't been separated, maybe something could have sparked over time. But that's all just speculation. We never had a real chance to be together, let alone develop deep feelings. It's not about clinging to a relationship. It's about clinging to a certain time in our youth, a certain mood," Evelyn said thoughtfully.
"You're right. Only the people involved know if there were real feelings. Outsiders can only guess. Honestly, they can't help much anyway," Charlie agreed.
"Yeah," Evelyn replied softly.
They ate and chatted. They talked about their school days, about Noah, about the feelings of youth. And of course, about their future lives.
Charlie told Evelyn not to have a baby too soon. Wait at least two years. Let the relationship settle first. Make sure you're ready for a lifetime together. Only then should you think about kids.
Don't have children too early. Don't let them become an obstacle.
Evelyn smiled at Charlie. "Charlie, why do you think about this more than I do?"
"I've been through it. I've made mistakes. I've seen too many couples who loved each other at first, got married, but ended up divorced because they couldn't get along. Evelyn, maybe this sounds harsh. I should be saying nice things to you. But I just can't. Don't be mad. Don't take it the wrong way. It's best if all the bad things I said never happen. Because if you're happy, I can finally let go of this burden I've carried for years. Let Alexander carry it instead."
Evelyn smiled and shook her head. "I know you mean well. You're worried about me."
"Actually, since you're not with Noah, you can still keep a beautiful, pure memory."
"Why are you bringing up Noah again?" Evelyn laughed helplessly.
"I miss him," Charlie said, laughing.
Evelyn looked at her helplessly. Finally, she said, "If you really like him, go for it. Even if you fail, at least you'll have closure."
"Shut up. Can't you say something nice?" Charlie reached out and patted Evelyn in protest.
But she couldn't help laughing. "It's because I'm afraid of closure that I don't dare try. Forget it. Let's not talk about depressing stuff. Let's talk about something happy. Tell me about you and Alexander. Make me jealous." Charlie rested her chin on her hand and looked at Evelyn with a smile.
"Stop it. Why are you so curious about this? If you want a man, go find one yourself!" Evelyn blushed.
Charlie rolled her eyes.
"I'm asking you to talk about your feelings. Where did your mind go? Do I need to ask about the details of your sex life? Who's on top? What positions do you use?"
Evelyn's face turned bright red. She slapped Charlie again.
"You're the one thinking too much, and you blame me!" Charlie protested.
Evelyn looked at Charlie, torn between tears and laughter. She was speechless again.
All she could do was stare.
"See, a married woman's mind goes straight to the gutter. It was such a simple sentence, but you had to twist it. What can I do?" Charlie sighed.
"I'm wrong, okay?" Evelyn begged for mercy.
"It's your fault for thinking too much. This meal is on you."
"Fine, it's on me!" Evelyn said helplessly.
"I almost forgot. You're Mrs. Sterling now. You probably look down on treating me to such a small meal. Later, you have to treat me to a big one before I let this go."
"No more feast for you!" Evelyn threatened.
"I was wrong. I'd better laugh first."
After paying the bill, they went to the park for a walk.
"Do we look like retired old people?" Charlie asked, holding Evelyn's arm and leaning on her shoulder.
"Not like retired old people. More like a young couple in love. What old people are this close?" Evelyn replied with disgust.
"Haha, honey, you're right. If Alexander saw us like this, would he misunderstand?" Charlie continued.
"Misunderstand what?"
"Misunderstand that we're gay."
"Shut up. We're not men. How can we be gay?"
"Fine. Then we can be lesbians."
Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Just don't go abroad. Study hard. After graduation, I'll be happy if you find a man to marry."
"That sounds just like my mom."
"Shut up!"
The two of them joked and bickered. After visiting the park, they thought about where to have a big meal.
"How about you invite Noah? I'll invite Alexander. We can all have dinner together tonight," Evelyn suggested.
"Evelyn, do you have a hole in your head? Don't you know the saying? When rivals meet, they get especially jealous. Do you want Noah and Alexander to meet and fight?" Charlie said helplessly.
"There's nothing between Noah and me. I mean to create some opportunities for you and Noah. Wouldn't it be a little strange if it was just Noah? I'll call Alexander to join us," Evelyn rolled her eyes and said.
"Oh, that's a good idea! I'm just afraid I'll fail," Charlie immediately changed her tune.
"That's fine," Evelyn agreed.
"No, no. You'd better call Alexander. I'll call Noah. Otherwise, when I go back to school, I won't see him again," Charlie said hastily.