3#03

3

The day crept by as I consumed the prescribed herbal remedies and infusions. My head spun, and I struggled to maintain my balance, nearly toppling over after a few wobbly steps.

I checked my phone, intending to contact Damien, but felt disappointed to find no messages from him. Not a single inquiry about my well-being or his whereabouts.

Reluctantly, I decided to call him, hoping to clear up any confusion. Upon hearing that I was still at the healer's place, he seemed to pause.

"I apologize, Thalia. I intended to return for you after dropping Kaia off, but... her stomach started bothering her, so..."

Hold on, he took Kaia home?

Before he could elaborate, I overheard someone in the background, a waiter announcing, "Your meal is ready, sir. Enjoy!"

I could detect the surprise in Damien's voice as he hurriedly tried to muffle the sound, but it was too late—I had already caught on. He went quiet for a moment, seemingly aware that he'd been discovered.

With a sigh, I responded, "Don't worry about it. I can manage on my own."

I'm not sure why I said that. Perhaps I wanted to reassure him, or maybe I was trying to convince myself that everything was fine.

Just as I was about to hang up, he suddenly called out, "Thalia, just go home. I'll explain everything later."

Explain what? More deceptions to keep me hanging on?

I ended the call without another word and arranged for transportation home. As night fell, Damien still hadn't returned.

Sleep eluded me, disturbed by noises from outside. Through the window, I saw fireworks illuminating the sky, likely someone's romantic gesture.

A wry smile crossed my face.

Unable to sleep due to the fireworks, I picked up my tablet and resumed sketching custom bridal gowns for a client. As I worked, I accidentally opened the chat app, revealing a recent post from Kaia.

It was a breathtaking image of fireworks against the night sky, accompanied by poetic words:

"Returning to you after half a lifetime apart. Here, the fireworks blossom, a grand welcome!"

I gazed at the post for a while, my thoughts racing. It wasn't until I tried to log out that I realized I was still on Damien's account on my tablet.

Uninterested in their flirtatious exchanges, I quickly logged out and set the app aside.

The following morning, I arrived at work feeling somewhat rejuvenated.

The manager handed me my approved resignation letter, and upon learning that I was leaving due to an impending bond marriage and pack transfer, her expression was a mixture of joy and sadness.

"I'll miss having you here. You've been one of my top team members."

Unsure how to respond, I hugged her tightly and expressed my gratitude for her support over the years.

After completing the necessary formalities, my colleagues insisted on a farewell lunch to celebrate my upcoming bond marriage. I agreed and made a reservation at a restaurant Damien and I frequented. It was one of the few places I was familiar with, and the food was consistently good.

Midway through the meal, I excused myself to use the restroom, only to encounter Kaia.

She greeted me cheerfully, "What a surprise to see you here! This is where Damien first brought me after our coming of age ceremony. We've dined here countless times."

I offered a polite smile and began to walk away, feeling no need for small talk.

However, she stopped me just as I was about to leave.

"I noticed last time that Damien always rinses the shrimp in water before peeling it for you. Do you also avoid spicy food?"

The word "also" made me pause.

In truth, I enjoyed spicy food. But whenever Damien peeled shrimp for me, he insisted on rinsing them. He always claimed it was healthier and advised against eating too much spicy food. I had assumed he was being considerate. Now, I realized it wasn't out of concern for me.

The one who couldn't handle spicy food—the one he was worried about—was Kaia.