My name is Lily. I live in a small town called Willow Creek. I’m 29 years old, and I work as a receptionist at a small hotel near the beach. Life was simple and safe. I wasn’t looking for love, but sometimes life brings someone into your world when you least expect it. That person was James.
James came to the hotel for a business trip. He had soft eyes and a gentle smile. We started talking every evening. We walked along the beach and talked about our dreams. I felt comfortable with him; I felt seen. One night, he turned to me and said, “Being with you feels like peace.” Those words stayed in my heart.
But one evening, everything changed. We were sitting on the couch, and he looked serious. He said, “Lily, I need to tell you something… I’m married. I have two children.” My body froze. He said his marriage was not good, but he stayed for the children. I wanted to be angry, but I missed him.
I became “the other woman.” We met in secret for months. I waited for his messages, and my world became smaller. I was always second. I started to feel tired in my heart. I asked myself, “Is this love, or am I just lost?” I deserved to be first. I wanted someone who was proud to love me in the daylight, not just in the dark.
One evening, I told him, “I can’t keep doing this. I’m living in your shadow. I want to be with someone who can give me all of their heart.” He said he couldn’t leave his family. I understood, but I knew this was the end. “I hope you find peace,” I said. He left, and for the first time in a long time, I was not waiting for a message.
Months passed. I started spending time with friends and reading books again. Then, I met David in a writing class. He was kind and patient. I told him about my past. He listened and said, “You deserve better.” I realized that love doesn’t have to hurt. Real love should feel safe, like coming home.
Exercise
Part I: Multiple Choice (选择题)
Choose the best answer based on the story.
1. What was Lily’s job in Willow Creek?
A. She was a teacher in a writing class.
B. She was a receptionist at a beach hotel.
C. She was a waitress at a seafood restaurant.
D. She was a professional writer.
2. How did Lily feel when she talked to James at first?
A. She felt bored and tired.
B. She felt safe and seen.
C. She felt angry and confused.
D. She felt nervous and loud.
3. Why was James’s secret a problem for Lily?
A. Because he didn’t like her friends.
B. Because he lived in a big city.
C. Because she was always “second” in his life.
D. Because he didn’t like the sea.
4. What did Lily’s friend Nenah tell her?
A. “You should move to a new city.”
B. “You should wait for James to leave his wife.”
3. “You deserve to be first, not a secret.”
D. “You should find a new job at the bookstore.”
5. How was David different from James?
A. David was richer than James.
B. David was older than James.
C. David was patient and loved her openly.
D. David was a better cook than James.
Part II: Fill in the Blanks (填空题)
Use the words in the box to complete the sentences. (expect / secret / shadow / deserve / peace)
- Sometimes life brings you love when you least ________ it.
- James was married, so their love was a ________.
- Lily was tired of living in James’s ________; she wanted a real life.
- Lily realized that she did ________ a man who gives her all of his heart.
- After saying goodbye to James, Lily finally found ________ in her heart.
Part III: Understanding Phrases (词组理解)
Match the phrase with its meaning in the story.
1. “Live in the shadow” ( ) 2. “Walk in the daylight” ( ) 3. “Feel seen” ( ) > A. To be loved openly and proudly.
B. To feel that someone truly understands you.
C. To be hidden and not part of someone’s real life.
Part IV: True or False (判断正误)
Write T (True) or F (False).
- ( ) James told Lily he was married on the first day they met.
- ( ) Lily and James never held hands in public.
- ( ) Lily met David in a writing class at the community center.
- ( ) At the end of the story, Lily regrets meeting James.