Chapter 2

Back in the office, Rona retrieved a picture from deep in the drawer.

It was a photo from a company event last year. Darren was holding her by the waist and whispering sweet words to her that only she could hear them. She was laughing brightly in the picture.

Kaiden Saunders, Rona's assistant, knocked and entered, "Ms. Lewis, here's the new proposal from the marketing department."

"Just leave it on the desk," Rona replied without looking up. Her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the frame.

Kaiden hesitated, "That Khloe is here again. The receptionist said she saw her going upstairs to find Mr. Williams."

When Rona looked up at her, Kaiden immediately fell silent. The office was enveloped in quietness.

"Book me a ticket to Rontras," Rona said, "for ten days later."

Kaiden's eyes widened, "Are you going on a business trip?"

Rona put the picture face down on the desk, "No, I'm leaving."

Sunlight continued to stream in through the window and fell on the plant that Darren had given her. It had started to wilt as it had been untended for three months.

Rona touched the dry leaves, remembering what Darren had said when he placed it on her desk, "It's just like you. You look strong on the outside but in fact you need to be taken good care of and protected."

But now, he was busy taking good care of another girl.

Her phone lit up with a message from Darren. "Khloe was in a mood. I'm taking her home. Don't wait for me for dinner."

Rona stared at the message for a long time until the screen dimmed. She recalled that rainy night three months ago. Darren had rushed into the emergency room holding Khloe, covered in blood, while she stood aside, clutching a rain-soaked anniversary gift.

She should have realized then that some mistakes, once made, are beyond repair.

...

As night deepened, Rona sat by the bay window in the living room with a book open in her hands.

The sound of someone opening the door with a key caught her attention. And she closed the book, and put a well-practiced smile on her face.

"Rona?" Darren entered, carrying an exquisite paper box, "You're still up?"

"Waiting for you." Her voice was gentle, as if there was nothing had changed.

Darren approached, placing the box on the coffee table, and crouched down to meet her gaze, "I got you the last chestnut cake from that dessert shop in the south of the city. It's your favorite."

The box bore the logo of the popular shop known for its long lines. She had often talked about it and wanted to try it, but always gave up because of the long lines.

"Thank you." She took the cake. When her fingertips brushing against his warm hand, she quickly pulled her hand back.

Darren noticed her distance keenly and sighed, "Today, Khloe felt dizzy at the office..."

"I know," Rona interrupted with a perfectly practiced smile playing at her lips, "She's still recovering, you should take care of her."

He frowned slightly and tried to touch her face, "You're angry."

"I'm not." She turned her head to back off and headed to the kitchen, "Would you like something to drink?"

Darren followed. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, "Come on. If I had been in the passenger seat that day, I'd be the one with amnesia and need to be taken care now. Khloe was just doing her job."

Rona stood with her back to him. Her fingers clutched the edge of the counter unconsciously.

She had heard the same words for countless times over the past three months.

"I know." She turned around to him with a familiar gentle smile on her face, "I'm not one who would hold grudges."

Darren visibly relaxed. He kissed her on her head, "I know you are the most considerate."

Considerate. A word that had put a thorn in her heart.

Rona recalled the image of Khloe leaning against him earlier that day. That girl had never needed to be "considerate."

"Shall we eat the cake now?" She changed the subject.

"Sure." Darren led her to the sofa, enthusiastically opened the box, "I stood in line for nearly two hours just for it."

The chestnut cake exuded a sweet fragrance. The gold leaf decorated on it was glinting under the light.

Rona scooped a piece with a small spoon and tasted it. Though the sweetness melting on her tongue, she could taste no expected joy from it.

"Is it good?" He asked expectantly.

"Yeah." She nodded, offering a spoonful to him. "Try this."

Darren ate the cake she offered with satisfaction in his eyes, "Glad you like it."

He wiped the nonexistent cream from her lips, "Shall we see a movie this weekend? We haven't had a date for a long time."

"Sure." She agreed quickly, though she was thinking about the flight ticket Rontras to ten days later.

Darren seemed pleased with her compliance, and began chatting about work draping an arm around her shoulder.

Rona listened quietly and occasionally responded him.

The moonlight spilled through the window, casting the shadow of their entwined figures on the floor. They were seemingly inseparable.

"Tired?" Darren asked softly, noticing her absent mind.

Rona leaned against his shoulder, "A little."

"Then go to bed early." He kissed her forehead.

In the bedroom, Darren quickly fell asleep.

Rona lay on her side, watching his sleeping face and thinking how, three years ago, when they were just together, he would always make her smile. But now, those sweet tricks could no longer touch her heart.

She rose quietly and stepped onto the balcony. The night breeze was cool. The city's lights were twinkling like stars.

Her phone screen lit up with a ticket confirmation message.

Rona glanced back towards the bedroom, where Darren murmured her name in his dreams.

She locked the screen of her phone and smiled silently.