Chapter 5 The emotional pain became unbearable late at night , manifesting physically . I clutched my cramping stomach , biting my hand until I nearly lost consciousness . Vaguely , I felt strong hands lift me up , his usually calm voice now panicked . In my haze , memories flooded back like a tide . My relationship with Alex wasnt always smooth sailing wed once completely fallen apart . It was in our second year together , without warning , when he suggested we separate . I was planning our first vacation with my rare time off when he said it . It felt absurd . He looked at me with distant eyes , as if detached : I cant give you what you want . Just moments before , hed spent ages fretting over my burned hand . I thought long and hard , but besides money , I couldnt imagine what could stand between us . Its okay , we can work it out together . Were so young if we just keep trying , we can have everything we want . Besides , I dont need you to be rich … He cut me off , gently patting my head as if wed never meet again . Emma , Im sorry . I hope you find someone better . We were young then , proud and stubborn , believing no one was irreplaceable . So I didnt beg , didnt cry , just feigned calm dignity : Alex , the truth is youre a coward . You just dont love me enough . If thats how it is , lets end this cleanly . If love was truly overwhelming , how could he give up without even trying ? I thought I was being decisive , rational . Id always been practical , quick to discard anything that didnt serve me . 06:34 Seven Years of Love , Seven Minutes frath 21.1 % Chapter S But with Alex , none of that worked . After we split , he vanished until fate pushed us together again . It was at an event I should never have been at , where I saw him in a tailored sit I stared at him blankly as he fumbled for words , his wine glass turning in his hands , Im … the driver … what a coincidence … I nodded without speaking , walking past him . But I had this inexplicable feeling that if I missed this chance , wed never love again . For the first time in my life , emotion won over reason , and I took a leap of faith . 1 stopped suddenly , pushed through the crowd , running back to him . Alex still leaned against the shadowed pillar . When I reached him , I realized hed been watching me the whole time . He watched as I fought through the crowd , using all my strength to reach him . I held my head high , voice firm : Alex , Ill only ask this once do you want to get back together ? If you say no , this is it for us , forever . Just this once , Id humble myself for love . Never again . Alex stayed silent for a long time , then lifted his wine glass to touch my raised forehead : Youre such a fool Yes , a fool who couldnt hear the meaning behind I cant give you , who couldnt see through his flawed disguise . Chapter 6 Chapter 6 I woke up in the hospital as dawns birds began their chorus at 4 AM . Alexs fair complexion , already pale , appeared even more stark against the white walls and his dark hair , though tonight he looked unusually weary . Hadnt it healed ? Why such severe pain suddenly ? Seeing me awake , he gently massaged my stomac On the bedside table sat an unfamiliar thermos . Come to think of it , unfamiliar items often appeared in our home . Following my gaze , he explained : I ordered some porridge . Feel up to trying some if youre better ? I looked away , flexing my fingers : Did you know the stomach is an emotional organ ? Maybe my emotions are sick . He laughed softly : Who upset you ? Tell me , Ill deal with them . His typical response hed often made similar unconscious promises before . Id always dismissed them . What could he do , a common man with nothing but his strength ? After witnessing him violently kick down someone whod verbally harassed me , I tried to minimize telling him about troubles I faced outside . We couldnt afford compensation or medical bills from impulsive actions , so I learned to let things go when possible . Except that one time , facing workplace harassment , I risked termination to gather evidence , publish it , and sue only to be silenced by false rumors . I was so broken that when he casually asked , I poured out all my grief in tears . Then mysteriously , things turned around . The company launched an unprecedented internal investigation , the police got involved , and the manager who had long harassed female employees was arrested . I submitted my resignation . I pulled back the covers , getting up to put on my shoes . He caught my wrist : Where are you going ? Work . I steadied myself on the bed , looking up at him with a smile . Im better now . If I hurry home to 04.34 0 Seven Years of Love Seven Minutes . 21.7 % Chapter 6 get ready , I wont be late . A sick day costs $ 85 . Too expensive . Emma , dont be ridiculous … You go to work too , I pushed him gently . No taking time off . Alex went to consult with the doctor , who followed him respectfully . So many details Id overlooked before now seemed crystal clear . Like this fragrant gourmet porridge , the homemade wine from colleagues stored at home , and those artisanal pastries never seen in regular shops . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!