03

3

Six years of affection seemed to evaporate alongside my sorrow. During my last journey to dispose of the garbage, I glimpsed Sabrina exiting Denver's vehicle. She was clad in a delicate rose-colored frock, and the moment she emerged, Denver removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders.

"The breeze is fierce—don't risk getting ill," he said softly.

"Oh, with you by my side, I'll always feel warm, regardless of the climate," Sabrina responded cheerfully, entwining her arms around Denver's neck.

Rather than being irritated, he grinned, drawing her nearer as if she were his entire universe.

It brought to mind the beginning of our relationship, when I'd playfully joked with Denver in a similar manner. Back then, he would push me away, claiming he valued his personal space.

I attributed it to his profession as a serious physician, someone naturally inclined to be somewhat inflexible. Now I understood the reality: I simply wasn't her.

I began to depart, but Denver called out.

"Brielle, what are you up to? Why are you dressed so scantily in this chill?"

I paused before turning around, just in time to hear him add, "Do you think it's appropriate to greet our visitors looking like that?"

The autumn gust pierced through my thin sleepwear, but the coldness in my heart was more intense.

Sabrina assessed me with a smirk.

"So, you're Denver's betrothed? My, my, you truly do resemble me," she remarked with feigned naivety.

Denver's expression hardened, and I assumed it was due to guilt.

I moved to leave but overheard him whisper to Sabrina, "We're not officially wed yet, so it doesn't matter..."

Indeed. It doesn't matter. Six years of devotion. His vows, his proposal. None of it was significant.

I remained silent and returned indoors. Denver and Sabrina followed. He stooped to assist her with her footwear, but his demeanor soured upon noticing the disorderly state of the room.

"Why is the house in such disarray? Didn't I instruct you to tidy up?"

Denver, who had never once helped with housework, suddenly began cleaning—for Sabrina.

He fussed over her comfort, oblivious to the fact that everything we'd constructed together had now crumbled. I disregarded them and continued packing.

Denver hesitated, then approached me.

"Why isn't there any food prepared? Brielle, what's going on?" He paused, then added, "Are you distressed because I brought her here? Don't fret, she's merely visiting. Sabrina and I are just companions. We've been friends since childhood, and she's always been delicate. It was merely an act of friendly concern."

Denver, typically so reserved, couldn't cease talking about Sabrina. His tone softened as he spoke of her. It was as if he had metamorphosed into someone I no longer recognized. I stared at him, my impatience mounting.

"So what? Am I supposed to be your housekeeper now?"

It was the first time I'd ever retorted to him, and his astonished expression revealed he wasn't accustomed to it. Realizing he'd crossed a line, he extracted a necklace from his pocket.

"Of course not. Look, I acquired this for you. I wanted to present it to you today as a token of appreciation for all you do."

I immediately recognized it as a cheap promotional item from the amusement park. I'd implored Denver to visit there with me countless times, but he'd always claimed he was too occupied. Now, with Sabrina's return, he was willing to rise early just to please her.

Observing my silence, Denver presumed I'd forgiven him. He leaned in to fasten the necklace around my neck.

"I know you're not the jealous, melodramatic type of partner," he said with a conceited smile.

Disgust surged through me. I swiftly recoiled from his touch.