My name is Nathan, thirty-five years old, a sales employee of a large company in Dallas, Texas. After many years of struggle, I was finally promoted to the position of team leader. My direct boss is Hunter Adams – a successful man with a calm demeanor, respected by many people.

One afternoon, my boss called me up and said with a smile:

– If you are free this weekend, come to my house to play, it will be convenient for us to meet each other so we can get to know each other better.

Hearing the invitation, I was delighted. Going to my boss’s house was a rare opportunity to make an impression. I prepared a gift basket with Napa wine and arrived on time.

But as soon as I entered the villa in Highland Park, I was stunned. The person who opened the door for me was none other than Lily – my ex-wife.

At that moment, my blood boiled, and old memories flooded back. Lily and I used to be passionately in love, but when I was struggling with my career, she longed for a fulfilling life. After many conflicts, Lily decided to divorce and leave me. I was in pain, I was resentful. And now, seeing her in an apron, holding a towel in the open kitchen, I laughed sarcastically:

Oh, I didn’t expect that! To the point of having to be a maid?

I thought she would blush, be confused or angry. But Lily just smiled slightly, her eyes calm:

– Come in, the boss is waiting in the living room.

I was still stunned when Hunter Adams walked out from inside, his arm around Lily’s shoulder intimately.

– Oh, let me introduce you. This is my wife – Lily.

My whole body felt like someone had poured cold water on me. It turned out that the woman I had just mocked was the boss’s wife – the one who was living the “stable, fulfilling” life she had dreamed of.

That whole evening, I sat there with my heart in turmoil. Lily did not show any contempt for me; on the contrary, she was still polite and moderate, even picking up food for me. As for me, all the harsh words I had prepared suddenly got stuck in my throat.

When the party ended, I left, Lily saw me off to the gate. She said softly:

– Don’t think too much. We are in the past. I wish you happiness in the present.

I was silent. Those gentle words made my heart ache.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. I used to be happy when I thought Lily had to live a miserable life, but unexpectedly she was the landlady – my boss’s wife – living in luxury, with a proper status. I thought I had let go, but it turned out the wound had not healed yet.

In the following days, working under Hunter, I occasionally met Lily at company parties. She was still moderate, not mentioning the past. I was embarrassed, trying to avoid her eyes. Once, while drinking, I accidentally asked:

– Are you happy?

Lily smiled, and answered briefly:

– Yes.

Just one word made my heart ache. I realized that what made me uncomfortable was not that Lily was rich, but that I had not forgiven myself – for not being able to keep the woman who loved me.

From then on, I threw myself into work, putting all my effort into proving myself. I understood that it was useless to dwell on the past. Everyone has a choice, and Lily chose her path.

A year later, thanks to my efforts, I was promoted to department head. The day the company held a celebration party, Lily came with Hunter. When raising her glass, she softly said:
– I’m happy for you. You finally found your way.

This time, I was no longer bitter. I smiled and replied:
– Thank you. I wish you happiness forever.

That story taught me one thing: the bitter ending often does not lie in others, but in our own pettiness. Only when we know how to let go, can we truly mature.