Chapter 5

How long had it been since he worried about me like this? Three years? Five? Or perhaps even longer. In my memories, we were always inseparable, understanding each other better than anyone else in the world. Sometimes, we didn’t need words; a single glance was enough for him to know my feelings.

Perhaps my deep reliance on him made him so certain that I would always choose him, that I could never leave him. That certainty gave him the freedom to hurt me and to openly court another woman, completely forgetting that I was human too, capable of sadness and pain.

I glanced at the countless missed calls on my screen and blocked his number. As I was about to delete him from my social media, I noticed he had changed his profile picture. The cartoon I had drawn for him eight years ago was gone, replaced by a photo that looked nothing like him, the one I knew of.

At that moment, I remembered a saying. When a guy who never changed his profile picture suddenly updated it, it usually meant he had a new woman in his life. My breath hitched as I shakily pressed the delete button, clearing a decade‘ s worth of memories and chat history in an instant.

After reassuring my aunt, who had messaged me to check on my safety, I turned off my phone and boarded the plane, leaving without a backward glance. The three–hour flight felt neither long nor short–just enough time to reflect on the past ten years.

As the plane landed, I wiped my face dry. After ensuring I looked presentable and didn’t show signs of having cried, I stepped out of the airport. From a distance, I saw my parents waiting, arms full of gifts. My dad took my suitcase while my mom placed a small crown on my head, tears glistening in her eyes.

“Our daughter has grown up so beautifully, even more stunning than in the photos! It’s so good to have you back home–don’t ever leave us again…” she croaked.

My dad watched me lovingly, his eyes filled with tenderness, every wrinkle on his face telling a story of care. “Don’t worry! I’ve picked out a perfect match for you this time!”

“It’s only a kilometer from home. If you feel unhappy, just come back–your mom and I will support you!” he added.

I forced a smile, nuzzling against my mom’s shoulder. During our ten years apart, my parents had often expressed their desire to bring me back home, but I had always declined with various excuses. I had thought about returning during Christmas, but Lucas insisted on taking me to celebrate the New Year with his family to help me get accustomed to their atmosphere.

I had foolishly believed it meant he was committed to me, that we would be together forever. So I agreed to his proposal without hesitation. All the family gatherings during those ten years had been spent at the Haskins household.

Now, facing my aging and weary parents, guilt washed over me. I nodded resolutely.

“Don’t worry; I’m not a child anymore. I won’t run home at the first sign of trouble. Besides, when I get married, it will be a joyful experience—I trust Dad‘ s judgment.”

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