Chapter 4 I didnt go to the hospital . Instead , I took a cab home . The apartment Alex and I rented was a small one bedroom . By the entrance stood a bookshelf with several textbooks . They were remnants from when Id pushed him to complete his bachelors degree through online cour at a state university . My mother was right his education was limited . When we met , he said he only had a community college degree . We were both young then . I just thought he was smart , with his whole life ahead of him . He shouldnt stay stuck at that level . Even entry level positions required bachelors degrees these days , with higher starting salaries . I would work during the day , then stay up late helping him study . While brushing our teeth side by side in the morning , Id play French lessons on my phone , helping him review yesterdays vocabulary . He said learning French would help his career prospects . For months of practice GRE tests , I reviewed every question he worked through . With time against us , we managed to complete his online degree in just eighteen months . To celebrate , we scoured every platform for restaurant coupons just to afford a nice steakhouse dinner . But now , reading Victoria Bennetts messages , it all seemed absurd . His real name isnt even Alex . I cant tell you what it is . Education ? Graduated from Stanford , then Oxford . Hes incredibly young for his achievements . I pressed my palm against my forehead , leaning on the sofa , my stomach churning . The door opened . I looked up to see Alex , disheveled from frantically searching hospitals . My phone showed countless missed calls from him . He leaned against the doorframe , slightly out of breath . I watched silently as he approached , took my face in his hands , examining it . His tense expression finally softened . 06:34 Seven Years of Love . Seven Minutes 20.5 % Chapter 4 Where did you fall ? Despite knowing Id tricked him, he didnt mind , just played with my fingers and smiled . Let me put some medicine on it , before the wound heals . Perhaps I was too brave , too quiet in that moment , for him to understand the pain I was enduring . I studied him carefully . Hed always been this composed , never losing his cool over any challenge . Id thought it was his impoverished youth that had forged this unflappable character , this ability to remain unmoved even as mountains crumbled . But I never considered that such composure might instead come from extreme privilege . I pulled my hand away , looking ahead : Alex , my moms pressing me to go home for arranged dates . His movements froze , the smile not quite faded from his stern face . But- I turned , smiling through tears , with my usual loving gaze , I told her Id only marry Alex . Im waiting for him to marry me . I kept looking at him . I hadnt meant to cry , but my tears wouldnt obey . I said we bought a small house , that wed move in after marriage . Then wed have a child your parents would love them . Boy or girl , doesnt matter . A girl with your big eyes , or a boy with my fair skin . I pulled out the contract from my bag , head down . Look , I put your name on the deed . Look , Alex , how could you ever repay these five passionate , foolish years of my youth ? You , born at the peak , where every step down is beneath you . Are you laughing inside ? Everything I could offer amounts to less than what youd carelessly spend in your world of luxury . Alexs fingers twitched as he examined the contract . After a long while , he looked up : Emma , I … What is it ? I feigned lightness . Surprised ? Now my mom cant criticize you anymore . His earlier alarm at my tears vanished , replaced by his usual casual manner : Yes , my Emma is so capable , saying shell support me and actually doing it . His voice was so soft , his tone so light , I almost missed : Dont cry … why cry ? I never said I wouldnt marry you … But Alex , in what capacity would you marry me ? I leaned against the table , dialing a number . 06:34 Seven Years of Love . Seven Minutes . 20.7 % Chapter 4 While waiting . I watched him busy in the kitchen . He was always the better cook . When the call connected . I spoke softly : Tve decided . Ill go to America . When ? I was in a daze , but seeing Alexs glance , I suddenly became clear : January 28th . Yes , that day . The day of Alexs engagement . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!