The Snow Mountain Affair

Start Reading

After a massive fight with Wesley, I started to keep my distance from him.

He asked me, his voice cold, Didnt you know I loved her before you married me?

From that day on, I stopped being jealous.

I didnt ask about him and Sienna checking into hotels late at night.

When rumors spread in the alumni chat that he and Sienna had rekindled their old flame, I simply replied with a Congrats!

Now, he sat beside me, panic in his eyes.

His knuckles, gripping the steering wheel, were white. He slammed on the brakes.

1.

Half a month ago, Sienna returned to the country.

News spread that she was on a hiking trip, got trapped on a snowy mountain.

Wesley rushed to the snowy mountain overnight, spending a million dollars to hire a professional mountain rescue team.

I woke up to find a photo of him and Sienna trending online.

Gossip accounts gushed about his and Siennas romance.

Turns out, there really is a love story like those in novelsa reunion after a long separation, a broken mirror made whole again.

A certain CEO spent millions rescuing his first love, who was trapped on a snowy mountain. And the key is, he and his first love both look like they walked straight out of a novel.

The accompanying image was of Wesley carrying Sienna in his arms.

Under the moonlight, his chiseled face was bathed in a soft glow.

His expression was calm, his eyes deep.

The woman in his arms clung to his neck.

The picture was incredibly atmospheric, like the final scene of a movie.

In our school days, Wesley and Sienna were a match made in heaven.

Their grades and looks were equally impressive.

I sat cross-legged on my bed, staring blankly. So, Wesleys overnight absence was to find Sienna.

Id called him three times, but they all went to voicemail.

After getting ready, I drove to the TV station for work.

Sienna being trapped on the snowy mountain became a major news story.

My boss assigned our team to do a report on people getting trapped on snowy mountains while hiking.

I planned to focus on safety tips for hikers, while a colleague from another team wanted to dig into the gossip of Wesley and Siennas romance.

My colleagues were discussing it.

This is truly a novel brought to life, isnt it? Guess what I found out?

They dated in high school and only broke up in their senior year of college.

Ive already contacted their high school and college classmates.

Suddenly, a colleague mentioned me.

Lynn, I remember you also graduated from Capital High and Capital University, and I think you were in the same year as them.

Did you hear any stories about them from that year?

My body tensed, and I forced a smile.

No.

Of course, I had heard. I had a crush on Wesley from high school through college, and then we married.

I knew about his and Siennas relationship better than anyone.

My colleagues voices buzzed in my ears.

This story could really be turned into a novel.

Such a perfect match, handsome guy and beautiful girl.

It wasnt until a colleague next to me reminded me that I realized I hadnt even drafted a single line of copy all morning.

After work, I walked out of the TV station.

I received a call.

Lynn, Ms. Chen wants our department to contact Sienna.

I felt a bit resistant. Interviewing my husbands ex-girlfriend felt far too awkward.

I tried to decline, but couldnt.

Anna, how about I stay behind the scenes this time? Ill handle a different segment.

You guys go do the interview.

Anna readily agreed.

Okay, Ill go for the interview tomorrow.

But I cant drive, can you give me a ride?

I said, Sure.

I drove home. Wesley still wasn't back.

2.

The next day, Anna and I went to the hospital where Sienna was staying.

We also had to interview other injured members of the hiking group.

I waited in the car for Anna.

Anna called me, Lynn, I forgot my laptop.

Can you bring it up for me?

Its in your car.

I looked around and found it on the back seat.

I grabbed the laptop and hurried up in the elevator.

Anna messaged me.

Lynn, were on the sixth floor.

In room 605.

I got to the sixth floor.

As I walked towards room 605, I inexplicably stopped.

Through the clear glass, I saw Wesley and Sienna.

Wesley stood up, and Sienna hugged him.

She carefully stood on tiptoes.

Wesley, is there still a chance for us?

Wesley froze, his eyes swirling with emotion, his eyelashes fluttering slightly.

Sienna took advantage of his distraction, leaning in, about to kiss him.

His gaze was filled with a careful tenderness as he looked at the woman before him. Wesley closed his eyes.

Lynn, over here. My colleague called out to me.

Suddenly, Wesleys eyes snapped open, and he pushed Sienna away.

Both people in the hospital room looked towards me, standing outside the door.

Wesley and I exchanged a look. I clutched the laptop and trotted over.

Anna said to me, Sigh.

The big boss is too protective of his wife; he wont let us interview her.

After all, someone who can spend millions to rescue his first love wouldnt easily make a public appearance.

Well just have to interview others.

I was a bit distracted, vaguely replying, Oh, okay.

I helped Anna finish interviewing all the members of the hiking group.

The members were all complaining, We paid so much money, and because of the guides mistake, we almost lost our lives.

Youre reporters, can you help us sue this guide?

I reassured them, Were reporters, we can only help you get your voices heard.

As for the guide, youll need to find a lawyer for that.

Back at the TV station, I sat down at my desk.

In my mind, I replayed the scene of Wesley almost kissing Sienna.

I had imagined many scenarios of confrontation, but never this.

Wesley returned and appeared before me. I desperately tried to control my emotions.

My eyes were misting.

Wesley, dont you need to explain whats going on with you and Sienna?

He took off his wool coat, preparing to head to the bathroom.

He let out a low laugh, tinged with a hint of mockery.

Lynn, using your position to spread rumorsis that your purpose as a journalist?

I didnt know what he was talking about.

Wesley, what do you mean?

I just want you to explain yourself to me.

Wesley stared directly at me, his expression cold.

Spreading rumors that shes a homewrecker, this report was written by you, wasnt it?

Ive already had all the trending topics removed.

Lynn, dont let me see your TV station report anything related to her again.

If everyone in your department wants to be fired, then prepare to pack your bags and leave.

I hadnt written any report about her.

But Wesleys defense of Sienna and his accusations made me uncomfortable and hurt.

I retorted, Wesley.

Im your wife.

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes distant.

His tone was flat, casually aloof.

Lynn.

Youve had a crush on me for a long time. You already knew she was my ex-girlfriend; you should be very clear about our relationship.

Before you married me, didnt you know I loved her?

I froze, trying to speak several times but unable to form words.

My eyes slowly reddened, welling up with tears.

3.

I knew he loved Sienna.

Throughout high school, I was always a peripheral student.

Sienna was the beautiful, bright class president.

He excelled academically and came from a good family.

It was no surprise that Wesley and Sienna became a couple.

In our senior year of high school, our homeroom teacher and head of year even praised them as the most outstanding students.

Everyone expected the top scholar to be Wesley or Sienna.

To everyones surprise, that years top scholar was me.

When it was announced that I was the top scholar, the graduation class gathering buzzed with excitement.

I attended the reunion filled with anticipation, only to learn that Wesley and Sienna had gone on a trip.

Our homeroom teacher teased him, Wesley, Sienna.

Dont forget to invite me to your wedding when you graduate.

Wesley, barely sixteen or seventeen, could converse effortlessly with adults.

No problem, Mr. Davies.

Well give you a seat at the main table.

I was disheartened for a long time. He and Sienna were together.

I thought that by becoming the top scholar of our year, I could finally catch his attention.

In college, Wesley majored in Computer Science.

Sienna studied Law.

They went from high school to college, inseparable for all four years of university.

When Wesley didnt have classes, he would often walk Sienna to her law school lectures.

The Capital University campus bulletin board had a post.

It featured a photo of Wesley, dressed in a white shirt and black pants, radiating youthful ambition.

He was tall and lean, leaning against a tree outside the girls dormitory.

Seeking info on this guy. Ive been watching him for ages, hes so handsome. Does anyone know him or have his contact info?

Someone replied to the poster.

Dont bother asking, hes taken.

Hes waiting for his girlfriend downstairs at the dorm.

He and his girlfriend have been together since high school. Give up, theres no chance.

Wow, hes like a devoted statue waiting for his wife. Such a passionate guy.

In the first semester of senior year, Sienna chose to sacrifice their love to study abroad.

Young and headstrong, neither would back down, and they broke up.

I was surprised when I learned of their breakup.

For years, everyone thought they would end up together.

By the time we graduated college, Sienna had been abroad for quite a while.

That day, I was at a class reunion at a bar.

Wesley was there too.

He knew some students from our department; hed been brought by a friend.

I secretly glanced at him several times.

After the party, he walked towards me.

I thought my secret crush hadnt been so secret; he knew now.

During my four years of college, after learning about his relationship with Sienna, I rarely followed his news.

I thought I shouldnt like him anymore.

Until we met again, and I found my heart still fluttered for him.

He raised an eyebrow, saying without reservation, You like me?

Lets exchange contact info.

At that moment, I felt like a floating balloon, my heart soaring.

It wasnt until we got married that I learned he had added me because he lost a game of truth or dare.

When Wesley said those words, my mind went blank.

Didnt you know I loved her before you married me? His words echoed in my mind.

He looked at me, his expression calm.

My nose stung.

Okay, Wesley.

I will interfere in your and Siennas affairs.

Wesley knew I liked him, yet he didnt hesitate to use my crush to hurt me.

His shoulder stiffened imperceptibly, and he picked up his pajamas, heading to the bathroom.

This was the most serious argument Wesley and I had had in our two years of marriage.

Usually, he was aloof and indifferent, so we barely ever fought.

We would both concede to each other.

I had dreamed of marrying Wesley, the object of my secret crush, throughout my youth, and I actually did.

But married life was nothing like I had imagined.

He didnt love me; he married me only as a compromise with his family and on a momentary impulse.

After the fight, our relationship remained as usual, neither warm nor cold.

4.

I started to examine our relationship and came to a conclusion: we werent a good match.

After I decided to let go of him, I found our interactions became much easier.

I no longer bothered preparing dinner.

I left the cooking to Mrs. Chen, our housekeeper.

Nor did I leave a light on when he worked late or had business dinners.

That night, he came home late.

I didnt pay attention to his work hours; I was in my study, dealing with my own work.

Until he made a noise, pushing open the study door.

His tightly furrowed brow relaxed.

Is there any porridge?

When he had late business dinners, I used to cook him a bowl of preserved egg and lean pork porridge, or noodles.

I shook my head.

No.

Hearing that answer, he visibly paused, a little unaccustomed to it.

Is there anything else to eat at home?

I said, No.

He usually had lunch prepared by his assistant at the office, and I ate lunch near the TV station.

He often didnt come home for dinner.

So, there was hardly any food in the fridge.

He nodded and turned to head to the bathroom.

My relationship with Wesley slowly faded; to be precise, I had always been the one initiating contact.

Once I stopped, there was hardly any connection between us.

The last chat we had was a week before our argument, when I shared that my colleagues and I had found a great restaurant.

I told him we should go together next time, and he replied hed see if he had time.

On Friday night, my colleagues and I at the TV station worked until 1 AM, then went to a nearby street for a late-night meal.

One female bosss husband called to pick her up.

Anna proactively called her boyfriend, whose first words were, Baby, send me your location.

Im already dressed and ready to go.

My colleagues around us teased, and Annas face flushed.

No, wait a bit.

A few colleagues and Lynn and I are going for a gathering.

We ate hot pot.

Afterward, the female bosss husband picked her up with their child.

Annas boyfriend held two cups of bubble tea.

Theyre hot. You said this afternoon you wanted bubble tea. I bought them a while ago, didnt expect you to be working late tonight.

I greeted Annas boyfriend.

Anna handed me the other bubble tea.

Lynn, here, drink this.

I took the bubble tea, smiling, Thanks.

Next to the hot pot restaurant was a five-star hotel.

Looking up, I saw Wesley.

He stood out too much, and with Sienna, he looked even more striking.

Under the night sky, a man and a woman emerged from the hotel.

I stood frozen.