Seven Days Seven Nights

Nancy felt a subtle pain in her chest. She gripped her fists tightly and spoke softly, “It doesn’t matter. He has a crush, and he’s about to get married again.” “Again? He has been married before?” Nicholas didn’t expect this answer. Being her husband and lived with her for two years, how could he still be unable to compete with a man who had already been married? Nancy nodded gently and answered, “Yes, he was pressured by his family into marrying someone he didn’t love before. Now, the girl he loves has returned, and they are about to tie the knot.” Nicholas felt quite indignant at this response. “He’s a real jerk! He is messing things up for two girls at once. A guy like him isn’t worth your feelings. If you have the chance, find someone else to love, and you’ll be happier,” said Nicholas. Nancy nodded. “I think so, too.” But what can she do? As of today, she has liked him for ten years. A decade seemed so distant and lengthy, nearly as long as her entire youth. She would have done it long ago if she could have chosen someone else, but she couldn’t. Nobody can pull out a love that has taken root in one’s heart. ‘Nicholas, I’ve loved you for a decade, do you know that? The person I love isn’t someone else. It’s you, only you.’ Nancy clenched her fists, repeating it to herself silently, over and over again. Nicholas frowned deeply. He gazed at Nancy, appearing to be deep in thought. “Nancy.” He suddenly called out to her. “Yes?” “Nothing.” Nicholas shook his head. He must have gone crazy! For a moment, he felt that the person Nancy was talking about sounded like him. But soon, he denied it. He remembered that when they married, Nancy said she had liked that person for eight years. But at that time, they had only known each other for four years. Hence, it definitely couldn’t have been him. It must be someone else. After Nicholas left, Nancy quickly went to the trash bin to get back the pregnancy test report. She then smoothed it out on the table and carefully put it away. Her body became increasingly uncomfortable, and it felt like every breath was painful. She lay on the bed and fell asleep for a long time. Suddenly, the phone rang. “Hello?” Because she hadn’t fully awakened, Nancy’s voice, tinged with a hint of congestion, sounded gentle and endearing. “Still sleeping?” Nicholas’ voice came through, as gentle as ever. “Yeah, I just woke up.” “It’s almost noon. Remember to get up and have lunch. I’ve handed the gift to Lynn, and he’ll bring it to you later,” Nicholas said. “Gift? What gift?” After her nap, Nancy had forgotten many things. “It’s the gift for our second wedding anniversary. Even though I mentioned divorce this morning, since it hasn’t been finalized yet, I’ll still remember my responsibilities and fulfill my duties,” Nicholas clarified. This is Nicholas. He is always so gentle and considerate, seemingly flawless and perfect. He is such a nice guy! Incredibly nice. His only flaw is that he doesn’t love her. As she drifted into thought, Nicholas continued, “I need to apologize. There was a little trouble with the gift, so I gave you another one.” “Okay!” Nancy nodded, unable to describe the feelings in her heart. They were about to divorce, and this so-called anniversary gift felt somewhat ironic. After hanging up the call, when Lynn arrived, Nancy had just gotten up and changed her clothes. He respectfully handed the gift to Nancy and said, “Mrs. Sallow, here is the gift from Mr. Sallow.” “Thanks.” The gift box was exquisitely and uniquely packaged, indicating it was a high-end brand. Although she knew it was no longer the gift she had initially expected, Nancy opened it herself. She smiled when she saw the ruby necklace and earrings that caught her eye. Nicholas must be trying to make it up to her. Because he couldn’t give her the gift she had in mind, he bought a valuable set of jewelry to make up for it. Last month, they went to a jewelry auction together. There was a pair of jade earrings, which perfectly matched the jade bracelet his grandfather had given to her. They were emerald green and beautifully elegant. She fell in love with them at first sight. Nicholas noticed the amazement in her eyes and took the initiative to say, “If you like them, I’ll bid for them.” “No, it’s too expensive.” After all, they were in a contractual marriage, and she felt embarrassed to spend so much of Nicholas’ money. “It’s our second anniversary soon, so take it as an anniversary present. If you feel uneasy about it, give me a gift in return,” Nicholas suggested. That’s why she had expectations. Unexpectedly, when he mentioned the divorce, even the pre-prepared gifts were wasted. There seems to be no fate between them, and it is time to separate. A gift? She had prepared a thoughtful gift for him, but he didn’t want it. Nancy immediately stopped Lynn. “I baked this cake, please give it to him!” Lynn was stunned, and Nicholas’ words went through his mind. “I don’t like sweet things. If she asked you to bring me a cake, reject it.” Staring at Nancy, Lynn couldn’t help but feel compassionate. After hesitating, Lynn decided to tell the truth, “Mr. Sallow said he doesn’t like sweet things. He knows you like them, so he suggested you have more.” Nancy clenched her palms tightly, almost unable to stand still. After Lynn left, she carried the cake and returned to her room. Her weak body slid down the door, gradually sinking to the floor. Her heart is in deep pain. She had always known that Nicholas didn’t like cream or overly sweet cakes. So, she had made this low-fat and low-sugar cake with just a hint of milk flavor. It is not sweet at all. And there is no cream, just a cake base. But he didn’t even want to try it. Nancy opened the cake and smiled while looking at the carefully drawn family of three. The next minute, she suddenly reached out to the cake. Nancy grabbed the cake and started to inhale it like she was out of her mind. She lowered her head, completely disregarding her appearance, and ate desperately. The cake was so big that she vomited halfway through it. Tears streamed down her face as she continued. She couldn’t distinguish the taste from the salty tears mixed with the cake. All she knew was that she had to finish it. She was satisfied when she ate the whole cake. However, shortly afterward, she rushed to the bathroom, vomiting and experiencing diarrhea. Her stomach was in excruciating pain, and she felt extremely uncomfortable. No one was aware of her egg allergy other than her mother. That’s why she usually only ate the cream and never touched the cake base on her birthday. But this time, she finished the whole cake base. She told herself this was the last time she would be so crazy and reckless for Nicholas. After vomiting, she burst into tears. ‘Dear, I’m sorry. I couldn’t keep your dad.’ ‘Your dad doesn’t love me. He loves another lady. Even though I wanted him to stay, I can’t be so selfish’ ‘Dear, you must be strong. I can raise you well by myself.’ Suddenly, the phone rang. It was Nicholas. Nancy wiped her tears, regained her composure, and answered the call, “Hello.” “Have you received the gift? Do you like it?” “Yeah, I do. Thank you!” “You look good in red. It suits you.” Nicholas continued, “Anyway, I won’t be coming back tonight.” Suddenly, Madelline gently said, “Nicholas, have you told her? Come here, I’ve prepared the dinner … “