[Emotional Stories] Men and Women Edition (Forwarded)

Candlelight Dinner:

On either side of the table sat a man and a woman.

“ I like you,” the woman said lightly, fiddling with the wine glass in her hand.

“I have a wife,” the man said, touching the ring on his finger.

“I don't care. I just want to know, how you feel. Do you like me?”

The answer she expected. The man looked up and studied the woman across from him.

24 years old, young, energetic, quite a good age.

Fair skin, a lively body, a pair of bright, expressive eyes.

Truly a fine woman, but unfortunately.

“If you like me too, I don't mind being your mistress,” the woman added, unable to wait any longer.

“I love my wife,” the man answered firmly.

“You love her? What do you love about her? Now, she must be old and no longer attractive, probably not presentable.
Otherwise, why never see you bring her to the company banquet…”

The woman wanted to continue but stopped when she met the man's cold gaze.

Silence...

“What do you like about me?” the man finally asked.

“Maturity, steadiness, masculine manners, caring nature, and many more. Anyway, you're different from anyone I've met before. You are special.”

“Do you know what I was like three years ago?” the man said, lighting a cigarette.

“No, I don't care, even if you've been in jail.”

“Three years ago, I was just one of those ordinary men you see now,” the man continued, ignoring the woman.

“An ordinary college graduate, unhappy at work, drinking all the time, losing temper frequently. Indifferent to girls, using sex to release personal discontent. Once got arrested by the police for going to the night club to see women.”

“Then what?” The woman became interested, wanting to know what changed the man. “Was it because of her?”

“Yes.”

“She always seems able to easily see the essence of things. She taught me many things: not to fuss over gains and losses; not to care so much about immediate concerns; to treat people kindly. Back then, in front of her, I was like a careless child.
Maybe that feeling is similar to how you feel about me now. It was strange back then; my stubborn nature only listened to her words.”As she said, I accepted reality, knew I was useless, and worked hard. At the end of that year, my work improved a bit, and we got married. "
The man flicked the ash from his cigarette and continued.
"Those days were really tough. Two people, one bed, and the furniture at home was pitifully scarce. Did you know? After a year of marriage, I finally bought her her first diamond ring and saved money for more than half a year. Of course, I saved it behind her back. If she found out, she definitely wouldn't let it go. "
"During that period, smoking and drinking took a toll on my health. In the dead of winter, she would make soup for me every night before bed. Only she could create that flavor. "The man was lost in those memories, forgetting the time, just endlessly recounting the past. And the woman didn't bother at all, just listened quietly. By the time the man noticed the time, it was already 10 p.m. "Ah, sorry, I didn't notice the time. It's already so late." The man smiled apologetically. "Now, can you understand? I can't, and won't, do anything to betray her." "Ah, I know. Losing to someone like that, I have to admit defeat." The woman shook her head helplessly. "But when I'm her age, I'll be even better." "Mm. Then we can find a better man. Isn't that right? It's late, the soup at home is about to get cold, I'll take you home." The man stood up, wanting to see the woman off. "No, I can go back by myself." The woman waved her hand. "Go back, don't make her wait too long." The man smiled knowingly and turned to leave. "Is she pretty?"
“....... Hmm, beautiful. The man's figure disappeared into the night, leaving the woman behind, staring at the candle. Staring blankly. The man returned home, pushed open the door, walked straight to the bedroom, and turned on the desk lamp. He sat down by the bedside. "Honey, it's already the fourth time. Why did you make me so good? So many people like me. Maybe I'll change my heart. Why did you make me so good, but I left first? I... I'm alone, so lonely." The man choked up as he spoke, finally sobbing uncontrollably.
Tears streamed down the man's cheeks, hitting the photo frame in his palm. In the dim light, the old photos were filled with the faint tenderness of a deceased woman.