The Substitute Bride

"No no, there is absolutely no need for that," Lisa responded. After being dismissed by Anthony several times over the course of dinner, she didn't expect that he would drive her. "I can honestly go home by myself," she added in an affirmative tone.

"Let's go please," Anthony said to Lisa bluntly, as he got up to leave. "I'm heading out now."

Lisa stared at Anthony in disbelief yet a little content. Upon seeing that Anthony agreed to drive Lisa home, Autumn with a satisfied laugh added,"Now that you guys have decided to go, I'll not keep you here any longer. Have a safe drive!"

Anthony strode towards the door, followed by Lisa. It was a twenty-minute drive from the Zhao family house to their neighborhood. On the way home, Anthony didn't utter a word. Lisa intended to say something but held her tongue at last. As a result, an eerie silence prevailed in the car.

After parking his car right across from Lisa's apartment, Anthony finally opened his mouth and uttered,"Here is your stop."

"Well thank you. I'll see you tomorrow!" Lisa responded with a hesitant look. She opened the door but before walking out, she turned around and said,"Today I finally clearly understood why you fell in love with Autumn."

Anthony hated her for saying that and snapped back sharply,"That's none of your business, Lisa. Stay out of it!"

"Yeah, I understand. I won't meddle in your personal matters, not anymore." Lisa responded calmly almost like she understood what had to be done. With a bitter smile, she went on,"When I ate at the table, I realized that you would never accept me. So I have decided to quit my job here and return to America."

"So you're leaving?" Anthony gazed at Lisa in disbelief. All this while he never actually thought she would return to the United States. After he got over the shock, he asked,"Why did you suddenly make this decision?"

"How does it matter? Weren't you expecting me to leave? Well now, your wish has finally come true," Lisa replied, without a shiver in her voice. She was certain about it now. Today she finally figured it all out sitting at that dinner table. She realized that she should stop wasting time on Anthony. Time and again, Anthony made her realize that he didn't want to mend their relationship. Over the past six months, she flew halfway around the world to get back with him, but he dismissed her every chance he got. There was no reason to go on with this torture, and it was not worth it.

"So soon? I mean you just got settled here," Anthony responded,

at the sight of you. I wish you happiness and all the luck for a bright future."

"I'm sorry," Anthony responded with guilt of having let her down. He couldn't think of anything else to say in that moment.

"You did't need to apologize Anthony," Lisa said. With a desperate smile, she continued,"This was all my own idea and doing. I came to you and tried to get back with you. I'm tired now of repeatedly trying so I give up."

'You'll never find a woman who loves you as much as I did, ' Lisa said to herself silently with disappointment.

"Goodbye!" Lisa said in a heartbroken tone. She turned around and got out of the car. Overcome with grief, she slowly walked into the apartment building, as tears trickled down her flushed cheek. It was finally over and there was nothing to do but move on.

Watching Lisa walk into her building, Anthony let out a sigh, and then drove straight to the hospital.

The next morning, the news about Lisa's resignation had spread like wild fire throughout the hospital. Many nosy nurses came to Anthony and inquired about Lisa's sudden resignation. "Did Lisa give up pursuing you because you refused her consistently?" Anthony did not respond but instead smiled at them.

During lunch, he caught sight of Lisa. With a wide smile, she was talking to someone else. Anthony felt like he was looking at the same Lisa whom he met in college for the first time.

Since Lisa came to Y City, Anthony hadn't seen her with such a bright smile. She looked wonderful and at peace.

He grabbed his meal, took a seat and began eating. After bidding farewell to her friend, Lisa sat down opposite to Anthony with her tray and asked,"May I sit here?"