His Parrot Never Says It Loves Me

Raymond Weiss owned a parrot that could say I love you.

But I'd moved into his house six months agobought it toys, sat in the sun with it, even studied bird care.

It still refused to say those words to me.

Raymond always laughed at me for being childish.

What does a bird know? You're really going to bicker with it?

I thought it was just the bird's nature.

Until a week before the wedding, when my best friend Simone came with me to try on wedding gowns.

The moment she stepped into the living room, the parrot flapped its wings in a burst of excitement.

"Simone, I love you! Mommy, Mommy!"

Simone paused for a second, then fed it nuts like an old hand.

"Oh, this little guystill such a sweet talker."

An unnatural look flickered in Raymond's eyes, and he cleared his throat to explain.

"That bird stayed over at Simone's place for a few days once."

"It's just squawking nonsensedon't take it to heart."

But I clearly remembered him bragging that he'd trained this parrot himself.

On the way to the bridal shop, Simone sat in the passenger seat.

The first thing Raymond did after getting in was crank the seat heater to its highest setting.

"Simone's on her period these days and can't take the cold, so bear with her a little."

"We grew up together. If it really bothers you, you'll have to get used to it after we're married anyway."

In that moment, I suddenly let it all go.

I took out my phone, quietly unsent the wedding invitations, and booked a flight to Seattle.

Raymond, your love is too crowded. I'll make room for myself.

...

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the bridal shop.

Raymond went straight around to the passenger side.

He opened the door for Simone.

He even carefully shielded the top of the doorframe so she wouldn't bump her head.

Only once Simone was safely out

did he circle back to my side and reach out his hand to me.

"Mercedes, be careful."

I looked at that hand.

I turned slightly, dodging his touch.

Raymond's hand froze in midair, a trace of helplessness crossing his eyes.

"Mercedes, are you jealous?"

There was a note of reproach in his tone.

As if I were just a child making a fuss over nothing.

"Simone is your best friend, and she's my old neighbor. We grew up together."

"Isn't it only right that I look out for her a little more?"

The moment he finished, Simone lowered her head in guilt.

She looked nervous and uneasy.

"Mercedes, please don't be angry, okay?"

"Raymond and I really are innocent."

"We've known each other for over a decade. If we'd wanted to be together, there'd have been no room for you at all."

Raymond rubbed my head and chimed in with a smile.

"Exactly! If the two of us wanted to be together, no one else would even factor in!"

"Mercedes, don't be so petty."

Anyone else?

I repeated those words in my head.

And found it utterly absurd.

In this relationship, there was only one outsider.

From beginning to end, it was me.

They were childhood sweethearts, old friends with over a decade of memories.

And I was nothing but a stranger who'd wandered in halfway.

I reined in my emotions and spoke, my face calm.

"You're overthinking it. I'm not angry."

When you no longer care, of course you don't get angry.

When you stop loving someone, there's no ripple left.

Raymond visibly let out a big breath of relief.

He stepped forward and draped an arm around my shoulder as if it were the most natural thing.

"I knew ityou wouldn't be that petty."

I didn't fight it, just let him hold me.

The three of us walked into the bridal shop side by side.

The staff at the entrance had been waiting a long while.

Seeing us, one of them hurried over to greet us.

"Mr. Weiss, Miss Carter, you're here!"

Her gaze swept past me and went straight to Simone.

"Miss Carter, the gown you had custom-made is finished."

"You have such wonderful taste, designing such a beautiful gown yourself."

"Once you put it on, you'll absolutely be the most beautiful bride..."

The staff member noticed nothing wrong.

She just kept chattering away.

For a moment, the scene turned awkward.

Simone coughed lightly, cutting her off.

"You've got the wrong personI'm not the bride."

"This is Miss Swanson. She's the bride."

The smile froze on the assistant's face.

Her eyes filled with embarrassment.

The air went still in an instant.

Raymond glanced at me and quickly spoke up to explain.

"On the day we ordered the gown, you couldn't get away."

"I figured Simone's build is about the same as yours, so I asked her to try on the sizes for you."

It was a watertight explanation.

But on the day we ordered the gown, I'd cleared my schedule three days in advance.

It was Raymond who messaged me at the last minute, saying an urgent project meant he couldn't leave.

That was how he'd forced me out of the way.

So it turned out the "couldn't leave" was a lie.

The truth was that he'd taken Simone to secretly pick out the gown.

The staff member was a sharp one.

She instantly sensed the undercurrent surging between us.

"Miss Swanson, I'm so sorry, I made a mistake!"

"Your custom wedding gown is finished. Come take a look!"

As she spoke, she drew back the curtain.

What came into view was a satin wedding gown.

No elaborate piles of rhinestones.

Just a simple off-the-shoulder cut.

Understated, not glaring, and yet stunning enough.

I spent three months designing this gown.

Every detail fit my figure perfectly.

From the first sketch to the final draft, I stayed up night after night.

Bit by bit, I polished it into the most beautiful version of the wedding I'd imagined.

I had pictured it countless timesmyself wearing it.

Pictured us standing side by side in the hall, bringing seven years of love to a perfect close.

Even now, when I had made up my mind not to marry him.

This gown still carried the most sincere love of my past seven years.

The staff member spoke gently.

"Miss Swanson, let me help you into it."

I nodded softly and reached out to take the gown.

Just as I was about to turn and walk into the fitting room.

A sobbing sound suddenly came from beside me.

It was Simone.

She was covering her face, her shoulders trembling faintly.

The picture of hurt and loneliness.

Raymond instinctively looked over at her.

His expression tightened almost instantly.

"What's wrong, Simone? Are you feeling unwell?"

Simone shook her head lightly.

Her voice carried a trace of envy.

"It's nothing. I just saw the two of you finally getting your happy ending..."

"I'm so happy for you both, I couldn't help it."

As she spoke, she lowered her head slightly, the loneliness in her eyes deepening.

"I'm not as lucky as Mercedes, to find a husband as wonderful as you, Raymond."

"I don't even know... when I'll ever get to wear the gown I love..."

At those words, Raymond's heart softened instantly.

"What's so hard about that?"

He casually made the decision for me.

Like it was some trivial little matter.

"Mercedes, Simone has always loved wedding gowns."

"Be generouslet her try yours on first, okay?"

I instinctively gripped the gown tighter in my hands.

"Raymond, not this one."

"I designed it myself. It means something different to me."

The staff member could see my difficulty too.

She stepped forward to smooth things over.

"Miss Carter, we have plenty of other couture gowns in the store, all exquisite."

"Let me pick a few for you to tryI'm sure they'll look wonderful too."

Simone shook her head, a slight catch in her voice.

"No need, I already looked at them all last time I came..."

"Those styles are all so ordinary. None as lovely as this one."

She quietly lowered her eyes, twisting the hem of her dress anxiously.

"Never mind. I was being greedy."

"If Mercedes doesn't agree, then forget it. I just won't try it on."

A retreat meant to advance.

Played to perfection.

Sure enough, Raymond's brows knit tightly.

His eyes were full of displeasure.

"It's just a dress. Do you really have to be this petty?"

The next second, he reached out and forcibly snatched the gown away.

"Simone, don't be upset. Go try it on first."

Simone nodded obediently.

The delight in her eyes impossible to hide.

"Thank you, Raymond."

She took the gown.

And cheerfully went into the fitting room.

In the huge bridal shop, only Raymond and I were left.

It was terrifyingly quiet.

Raymond still seemed to be angry.

Frowning as he scolded me.

"Mercedes, you were really being difficult today."

"It's just a wedding gown. What's wrong with letting her try it on?"

I looked at this man I had loved for seven years.

And my heart grew colder, little by little.

"Being difficult?"

"Raymond, this gown took three months of my blood and sweat."

"To me, it's not just an ordinary dressit's seven whole years of my hopes."

Raymond's brows twisted even tighter.

"It's just a fitting. Do you have to blow it so far out of proportion?"

"It's not like she won't give it back. Why throw a tantrum?"

A few light, careless words.

And they crushed my last shred of hope.

Just then, the fitting room door opened.

Simone stood there in that satin gown.

Standing quietly in the light and shadow.

Raymond looked over at the sound, a flash of amazement in his eyes.

He praised her with genuine admiration:

"Simone, you look so beautiful in this gown."

"It's practically tailor-made for you."

The words came out naturally, sincerely.

It was the favoring I had never once been given.

Hearing it, Simone smiled shyly.

And slowly walked toward us.

"Oh, it's nothingit's all thanks to Mercedes's design."

But she had barely taken two steps when a ripping sound suddenly tore out behind her.

Riiip

The skirt of the wedding gown tore straight open at the small of the back.

The stitching snapped clean through.

The next second, Simone lost her balance and fell straight to the floor.

The staff on hand panicked in an instant.

She hurried over, her face full of alarm.

"Miss Carter! I warned you about this earlier!"

"This size was custom-made for Miss Swanson. It's far too tight on you..."

"And with the gown torn across such a large area, it has to be sent back to headquarters for repairsthat'll take at least two weeks!"

This gown that carried seven years of my love.

Ruined in an instant.

Simone's eyes flushed red at once, and she looked panicked and helpless.

"I'm sorry... Mercedes, I really didn't mean to..."

"I never thought it would turn out like this..."

She bit her lip and looked at me timidly.

"If there's really no other way, let me pay you back."

"Don't worry, I'll cover it, however much it costs."

But before I could even open my mouth, Raymond had already strode over.

He steadied Simone firmly.

"Pay her back for what? It's just a wedding gown, nothing to make a fuss about."

"Simone, are you hurt anywhere?"

Simone shrank back timidly and said softly:

"I think I twisted my ankle... it hurts a little."

Raymond panicked instantly.

Without another word, he scooped Simone up into his arms.

And rushed out of the shop.

He never once looked back at me the whole time.

In that huge, elegant bridal shop.

I was left standing there all alone.

Looking at the mess on the floor, I suddenly laughed.

Just as well.

This way there was nothing left to hold on to.

I took a cab home by myself.

When I pushed open the door, the parrot was still repeating the same thing over and over.

"Simone, I love you! Mommy, Mommy!"

I no longer had the strength to feel sad.

Instead I went straight back to the bedroom.

And began packing my clothes, piece by piece.

Seven years side by side, day and night.

And in the end it all fit into a single suitcase.

By the time I had everything in order.

Raymond was back too.

The moment he walked in, the parrot got agitated.

"Daddy, hungry, hungry!"

Raymond immediately glanced at the empty food dish.

His brows knitted tightly.

"Mercedes, didn't you feed Caicai?"

"How can you be so petty, taking it out on an innocent bird!"

Hearing that, I couldn't help but go cold.

"It's your parrot. Feeding it is your responsibility."

"You can't dump everything on me."

Raymond frowned and looked at me with disappointment.

"When did you turn into this?"

"Do you have any ideaSimone was so terrified by you that she came back and spiked a high fever."

I was so angry I laughed.

"Raymond, what did I do?"

"Simone was the one who insisted on wearing my wedding gown, and you're blaming me instead?"

Raymond wouldn't hear a word I said.

"It's just a wedding gown. If it's ruined, it's ruined."

"Worst case, I'll buy you another one."

At that, I froze.

Ruined and that's that?

Three months of my heart and effort meant nothing to him.

"Mercedes Swanson, we're getting married soon."

"If you keep making these unreasonable scenes, I really am going to consider replacing you."

Hearing that, I felt nothing at all inside.

"Of course you can. That's your right."

This wedding, anyway.

I hadn't been planning to go through with it in the first place.

Raymond stared at me blankly, as if he had never known me at all.

"Mercedes Swanson, are you determined to be stubborn with me to the very end?"

Then he drew a deep breath, forcing down the anger inside him.

"I don't want to waste time on all this pointless talk right now."

"Simone's fever won't break, and she keeps talking deliriously. She's in really bad shape."

"I remember you have a protective charm. Give it to Simone for now."

Hearing that, I looked at him in disbelief.

"Raymond, do you know this is the only thing my parents left me?"

This protective charm was one my parents specially prayed for before they passed away.

It's been my only keepsake all these years.

"I know."

Raymond spoke flatly, not caring in the least.

"Name your price. I'll buy it."

"Any amount is fine."

My face went completely cold.

"Not for sale."

"Give it up."

Raymond's patience was completely spent.

"You scared Simone into this state."

"You're the one who should save her!"

I was shaking all over with rage.

"What exactly frightened Simone?"

"Use your head and think it throughshe's obviously faking it!"

Raymond was truly furious now.

"Mercedes Swanson, when did you become so heartless?"

I glared at him hard, not giving an inch.

"Yes, I'm that heartless."

"Raymond, let me tell youyou'll get this charm over my dead body!"

Raymond was choked speechless by my attitude.

Furious to the point of laughing, he said "fine" three times.

"Fine, fine, fine!"

"Mercedes, you're really getting more and more full of yourself."

For the next few days, Raymond didn't come home.

I don't know whether he was busy with work or spending time with Simone.

I couldn't be bothered to ask.

All I knew was that one day, he simply hauled away the birdcage.

He sent me a message to let me know.

Afraid I'd take my anger out on the bird, he was temporarily boarding it at Simone's place.

Looking at that message, I found it both absurd and laughable.

But I was glad for the peace.

No more wearing myself down over a parrot.

Until the day before the wedding.

Raymond came back.

Simone trailing behind him.

His first words as he walked in were:

"Do you realize you were wrong?"

I just found it ridiculous.

"Wrong about what?"

"You mistreated the bird, and you gave me the silent treatment for days."

I repeated myself.

"It's your parrot, and it's your job to take care of it."

"And I never gave you the silent treatment."

Raymond choked, his face darkening.

"Simone's been sick these past few days, and you didn't offer her a single word of concern."

"Luckily she's big-hearted enough not to hold it against you."

The moment he finished, Simone stepped forward and spoke earnestly.

"Mercedes, I came here today specifically to thank you."

"Thank you for giving me your protective charm. I've been relying on its protection these past few days."

I was completely stunned.

The protective charm?

My head snapped toward Raymond.

The man who'd been so righteous just moments ago.

Now his eyes darted away, not daring to meet mine.

I didn't have time to think it throughI rushed into the bedroom like a madwoman.

I dug out the little wooden box where I kept the charm.

Sure enough, the box was empty.

The charm that had been with me for over a decade was long gone.

Clutching the empty box, I hurried back into the living room.

My voice was trembling beyond control.

"You stole my protective charm, didn't you?"

Guilt-ridden, Raymond defended himself:

"Simone was in a critical state at the time. A person's life matters more than some lifeless object, doesn't it..."

"I did it for your friend. You should be more gracious about it."

I couldn't hold back any longer, and I thrust out my hand toward them.

"Give it back."

"Now, this instant, right now!"

A flicker of panic flashed through Simone's eyes.

She bit her lower lip lightly, watching me carefully.

"I'm sorry, Mercedes, I'm so sorry..."

"When I was in the shower yesterday, I forgot to take it off, and it accidentally got soaked."

"By the time I noticed, the charm had already rotted away..."

There was a buzzing in my ears.

The blood in my whole body seemed to freeze.

"What did you say?"

I stared at her blankly.

I could hardly believe my ears.

Ruined.

That was the only keepsake my parents left me.

It was the last trace of family I had left in this world.

Seeing how pale I'd gone, Raymond immediately stepped forward.

He planted himself squarely in front of Simone.

Shielding her completely.

"If you want to blame someone, blame me."

"It's just a protective charmthere's no need to make such a big deal of it."

"I'll find time later to go to the temple and get you another one, exactly the same."

I stared hard at him, and tears finally rolled down beyond my control.

"It's not like you don't know what it means to me."

"You know perfectly well."

"That was the last thing my parents left me after they died in the car accident!"

Simone hid behind Raymond, sobbing softly.

As if I were the one who'd done something wrong.

As if she were the one being wronged.

"Mercedes, I can pay you back..."

Pay me back?

I suddenly laughed.

But the tears only fell harder.

So in their eyes, my feelings could be measured in money too.

Raymond's brow furrowed even deeper.

"Simone has already apologized. Are you trying to drive her to her death?"

"Mercedes, the wedding is tomorrowcan you please stop making a scene!"

I stopped laughing.

My eyes went cold, without a trace of warmth.

"Wedding?"

"It's off."

I finally understood.

From beginning to end, I was the one who didn't belong.

Raymond took it as me talking out of anger and left only a light, offhand remark.

"Calm down first. I'll come pick you up tomorrow."

With that, he didn't spare me another glance.

He left, shielding Simone.

I didn't cry.

I just sat quietly until dawn.

I glanced at the time, picked up my suitcase, and headed to the airport.

The moment the plane slowly lifted off.

I felt lighter than I ever had before.

This time, I only wanted to love myself.