Faded Love

I was madly in love with James Gates for 10 years. So mad that everyone in the Imperium said that I was addicted to him. How far did it go? I wouldn't allow any woman to get close to him. I wanted to eliminate every woman around him.

In the end, James sent me to rehab. While others quit smoking, drinking, or gaming, I was quitting James. But later, I truly moved on from him. Yet, he regretted it and, in the pouring rain, begged me to love him again.

Everyone in Imperium knew that I was James's devoted admirer.

I was his devoted admirer for 10 years.

But I didn’t care. Was it wrong to love someone wholeheartedly? No. He knew my obsession with him.

To make me give up, he brought back a girlfriend.

When James was away, I paid that woman to leave him. However, she told me that with James, there was endless money. My little offer meant nothing to her.

In the end, it turned into a scene of her tumbling down the stairs. James happened to witness it. He sent me to rehab, claiming I had a split personality.

I left rehab three years later.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw an Audi parked there, looking out of place.

I glanced at it and was about to leave when someone called me.

It was James.

He looked more mature than three years ago.

But I only took a quick look.

My teacher said that staring at someone was impolite, especially if it was someone you like.

Yes, it had been three years. I had been thoroughly brainwashed.

He asked me to get in the car, and I obediently did.

I sat quietly in the back, staring at my pants without moving.

James sat next to me. I could feel his intense gaze.

The atmosphere in the car was ambiguous.

I didn't dare to breathe.

Yet, I couldn't help but cough.

It was an old habit.

The car stopped at James's family home.

His grandmother lives here.

If I'm not mistaken, today is Madam Gates' 80th birthday.

I felt like I knew why he came to pick me up.

"Ja... James, I didn't bring a gift."

I hesitated for a moment before calling out to him.

When he turned around, my heart raced, and I quickly looked down.

I knew my racing heart wasn't because of feelings. It was fear.

I didn’t know when it started, but my courage seemed shattered.

Just a glance from someone, and I would feel scared.

During the night, I would even have nightmares filled with countless eyes.

"Keep up."

James ignored my words and just asked me to follow him.

He was as indifferent as ever, or rather, he was only indifferent towards me.

I had to jog a little to keep up.

"Darling, you're back! Come inside."

Madam Gates was waiting at the door.

She was like a playful old child and treated me very well.

She supported my pursuit of James and would discreetly tell me his whereabouts.

I walked over to her and called her "Grandma."

"Darling, why are you so distant with me? Are you mad at me?"

Madam Gates patted my head affectionately.

I shook my head to show I wasn't.

How could I be mad at her?

Three years ago, if it hadn't been for her pressure, I would have probably ended up in a worse situation.

The rehab center here was publicly presented as a "place for education and nurturing."