Chapter 4

Skye's Perspective

Seven years had filled this place to capacity.

Everything here felt like it should accompany me, yet nothing truly seemed to belong to me.

However, upon reading Derick's diary, the harsh reality became evident.

The pair of cups on the table? A gift he had intended for Alanna. The sofa pillows? Alanna's preferred design. The gardenias in the corner? Alanna's beloved flower. Even my personal care items were the same brands Alanna had always used.

I once believed Derick's love for me was so profound that he attended to my every need. Now I understood that all along, he had been loving me as if I were Alanna.

I quietly shook my head.

If everything belongs to someone else, I might as well depart without any of it.

As I was collecting my documents to leave the country, Derick arrived home. He looked worn out, with shadows under his eyes and his entire body burdened by exhaustion.

Without thinking, he embraced me, resting his head on my shoulder.

"Skye, what are you searching for?" he inquired gently.

"My passport," I answered absentmindedly.

Before I could devise an explanation, he stood up straight, went to a drawer, and handed it to me.

"Silly girl, I always keep your things in order. Here you go."

In Derick's mind, I was meant to remain by his side forever, so it never crossed his mind that I might leave.

I placed the passport into a folder, lightly patting his hand.

"You're already so occupied. I feel guilty asking for more of your help."

He closed his eyes and nestled his face in the crook of my neck, whispering, "It's alright. I enjoy doing things for you."

I smiled faintly, observing the reflection of this devoted man in the mirror.

Seven years of emotions deserved a proper farewell. Every beginning should have an end.

"Derick, could you attend my graduation ceremony tomorrow?"

His hands loosened from around my waist, and then, suddenly, he pressed me against the dresser.

"Of course. I'll drive you there tomorrow morning," he replied, his voice full of affection.

Before I could respond, he leaned in to kiss me.

But I deftly slipped out of his arms, laughing playfully. "Hold on, let me shower first."

Knowing Derick didn't truly love me, there was no point in indulging his tenderness any longer.

When I emerged from the bathroom, he was already in a deep sleep, snoring loudly. It seemed planning for Alanna's return had completely drained his energy.

The following morning, Derick was up early.

When I was ready, I found the breakfast table laden with all my favorite dishes.

As I watched him busying himself in the kitchen, I noticed a hint of nervousness in his actions.

Naturally, he was anxious—today was the day Alanna, the person he'd been waiting for, finally came back. Who wouldn't be?

Seeing me standing still, he approached and gently tapped my forehead.

"Silly girl, hurry up and eat, or you'll be late."

I nodded, sitting down to quietly share what I knew would be our final breakfast together.

As we stepped outside, Derick took hold of my hand.

Before I could react, a diamond ring slid onto my finger.

"Skye, congratulations on your graduation," he said with a smile.

The diamond gleamed brightly in the light, but I felt nothing. I simply said, "Thank you," with polite detachment.

I wasn't going to continue playing the role of the devoted partner with him anymore.

Because once again, he wasn't proposing to me—he was rehearsing for Alanna.

The previous night, I'd seen the messages in his "proposal planning" group chat.

[Derick, if you're nervous, practice with your girl at home a few more times.]

[Yeah. After all, those two seemed to have identical tastes in everything.]

[Derick, do a trial run with Skye tomorrow morning. You can't mess this up—especially after buying a diamond worth a fortune. But if Alanna rejects you, don't worry, it won't be a total loss as your girl would surely love it.]