16 Hed loved me for far longer than he realized . The realization dawned on him gradually : when I declared my lack of love for him ; when he found out I was leaving without a goodbye ; when he searched my room and couldnt find the love letters and drawings I had made for him ; when he came to England and saw me dating someone else , ultimately getting engaged . Hed loved the girl whod followed him , without consciously acknowledging it . But he buried those feelings deep down , treating them like a taboo . Each time he tried to suppress them , they would resurface , again and again . Until this moment , when everything finally erupted . Julians heart felt like it was being squeezed by a giant hand , making it hard for him to breathe . For a fleeting second , he wanted to rush in , sprint up the stairs , grab my hand , and confess his feelings . He wanted to apologize for his past actions , beg for a second chance . But reality had him rooted to the spot , as if his feet were nailed down , unable to move . The snow covered him , but the chill of the snow was nothing compared to the coldness in his heart . He watched helplessly as the girl who once adored him stood beside another man , whispering sweet nothings to him . In eyes , he saw the long lost affection and joy he hadnt witnessed in ages . my In a daze , he recalled a rainy night from long ago . The rain that night was as heavy as todays snow . That night , separated by a building and a window , he and Olivia were lost in each others warmth . Meanwhile , I knelt in the downpour , watching their intimacy unfold for an entire night . That night , he witnessed 14:23 2.3 % < 16 Menu the despair in the girls eyes deepen until she finally closed them and collapsed . Now , he was experiencing the very situation I had faced back then . The snowman standing before the castle drew the attention of the guests . People by the window sipped hot cocoa , whispering about the mysterious figure . Eventually , even the two hosts of the party were drawn to the window . The moment I recognized the snowmans face , I was taken aback . After the surprise , I found it somewhat amusing . Id heard about the situation back home . The woman Julian believed to be pure and innocent had turned out to be vicious . And the little girl he had deemed malicious was , in fact , the most innocent victim in this mess . The reversal of the two womens images made Julian finally realize what he had done in the past . That was why hed come to England . That was why he would do something he thought was deeply romantic in the heavy snow . I tightened my grip on my cup , then casually shifted my gaze . My tone was laced with sarcasm . If Olivia hadnt gotten caught , I might have waited forever for his apology . People only regret their actions after facing the consequences and losing what they had . But I didnt need his belated remorse . I didnt want to keep entangling myself with Julian over those matters . It would only add to my troubles without serving any other purpose . Cutting ties completely was the best outcome for us . William remained silent , pulling me into a comforting embrace . One by one , the lights in the castle went out . Cars departed into 14:23 2.3 % < 16 Menu the snowy night . By the time the gates closed , Julian was still standing alone in the snow , waiting for me to show up . In "She Returned, I Left" by CrushReel, a captivating romance unfolds against the backdrop of China. The novel follows the emotional journey of two lovers as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and second chances. Exploring themes of redemption, fate, and the power of forgiveness, "She Returned, I Left" delves deep into the intricacies of human relationships. The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own vulnerabilities and strengths that add layers of depth to the narrative. Set in the rich tapestry of China, the novel weaves together cultural nuances and traditions that enhance the storytelling experience. What sets "She Returned, I Left" apart is its ability to evoke raw emotions and resonate with readers on a profound level. With its richly drawn characters and compelling storyline, this ongoing romance novel is a must-read for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling. Available to read at CrushNovels, immerse yourself in this poignant tale that will linger in your heart long after you've turned the final page.