City of Longing

Kimberly raised her wine glass and swirled it, her smile faint. "Not really. George told me last night when he drove me home around midnight."

"You two still keep in touch often? That childhood bond really is something special. Good thing Cora is so understanding. She knows your relationship with George inside and out and doesn't mind one bit.

"If it were anyone else, knowing how George used to chase after Kimberly all the time back then, who knows how jealous they'd be!"

"Cora is Mrs. Lambert now. She has a happy home and a good marriage. Plus, Kimberly was the one who set her up with George in the first place. Why would she be jealous?

"Besides, if Kimberly had wanted to be with George, they would've gotten together ages ago. After all, everyone knows George only listens to Kimberly and is completely devoted to her!"

Hearing this, Kimberly looked even more pleased with herself.

"True. Come to think of it, it's pretty funny. Back then, when I told him to pursue Cora, he did. Even the proposal only happened because I pushed him into it. He finally thought he should give Cora some official status.

"Anyone who knows would say he was dating Cora. Anyone who doesn't might think I forced him into it."

Hearing that, Cora's heart lurched violently.

She had originally thought George proposed because he had been moved by her devotion. It turned out that even their marriage only came to fruition because Kimberly orchestrated it. In an instant, she felt something blocking her chest. She could not breathe.

They continued chattering about these things. Unable to stand it any longer, she got up and went to the restroom.

After composing herself, she returned to find everyone had started playing a game. Kimberly had just lost and drawn a truth card.

"Please name the most devoted pursuer in your life and give examples."

The moment the card was read aloud, Cora's lashes trembled slightly. She looked away.

Kimberly smiled as she reminisced, speaking leisurely.

"That boy started pursuing me when he was seven. It's been almost 20 years now. When he was around ten, he gave me his family's heirloom, something that's only supposed to go to the family's daughter-in-law. He said he'd only ever love me in this lifetime.

"Every time he found out I was dating someone, he'd drink himself into a stupor for days on end. He even developed stomach problems from it.

"Oh, and these past few years while I was studying abroad, he flew over every week to bring me my favorite pastries and snacks, keeping me company no matter the cost."

Listening to each detail, Cora felt her heart churning like stormy waves. She remembered when she married George. His mother told him to give her the family heirloom, but he said he had lost it.

Every so often, he would come home completely drunk. When she asked, he always said it was due to work gatherings. She would even foolishly make him coffee to help him sober up.

During every major holiday, he had to go on business trips. She would help him pack his suitcase and buy lots of pastries and snacks to put inside.

While she poured her whole heart into this relationship, he was still chasing after his first love, unwilling to let go.

She had known nothing about it.

Her heart ached so badly she could barely breathe. Meanwhile, everyone in the room sighed after hearing the story and kept pressing for more details.

"Kimberly, who is this person? Do we know him? He's so devoted to you. You must have been touched, right? If you really get together with him, you have to introduce us!"

Kimberly glanced at Cora with an ambiguous smile and agreed cheerfully.

"Sure. I'll bring him next month to introduce him to everyone."

Just as she finished speaking, George pushed open the door with a smile.

"Introduce what? Why wait until next month? Kimberly, are you done? Didn't we agree to go to the concert..."

His voice cut off abruptly the moment his gaze landed on Cora. Surprise and panic flashed in his eyes.

"Cora, what are you doing here?"

Cora remembered how George had told her this morning when he dropped her off at the mall that he would be working overtime until dawn and she should not wait up for him.

It turned out that by working overtime, he meant going to a concert with Kimberly.

She smiled silently and met his gaze. "As you can see, attending a college reunion."

He nodded several times quickly and immediately changed the subject. "Perfect timing, then. I'll drive you home."

Cora picked up her phone and called a car. Her tone was calm. "No need. I'll just get a cab. You two go to the concert."