Chapter 2

I snatched the crimson wine glass beside me and swallowed its contents in one swift motion.

"Everything's alright," I stated.

Lucas replied in his usual detached manner, "Don't overindulge."

He'd always disliked the scent of liquor on his companion's breath.

I had consistently honored his preference, and for three years, I had seldom consumed alcohol. My tolerance had significantly decreased over time.

Yet now, I deliberately poured another glass for myself.

"I'm capable of managing my wine intake."

"You should know, I only view Isabella as a sibling," Lucas persisted. "Looking after her is simply fulfilling a promise to her mother. Don't let this situation distress you."

Isabella appeared remorseful. "Lucas and I have been acquainted since childhood. We're like family. Please don't be upset because of me, Harper."

I looked at them both, bewildered. "Why are you two so concerned about a single glass of wine?"

After draining the glass, I rose to my feet.

"I'll settle the check, you two continue your meal, don't let me dampen the mood."

I exited the restaurant unhurriedly.

The cool autumn evening air was slightly brisk.

Carrying my heels in one hand, I strolled barefoot along the riverside walkway.

The gentle lapping of waves against the shore created a calming rhythm.

Slightly inebriated, I gazed at the path stretching before me.

It struck me suddenly--wasn't this the same route I used to follow Lucas along during our college years?

I had been instantly smitten with Lucas when we first met at university.

Our youthful romance had been passionate and intense. I had pursued him for an entire year before we finally became a couple.

Others often envied me, claiming I was fortunate to have won over someone as elusive as Lucas.

But only I knew that he had never compromised his principles for me.

I found a bench and sat down, taking out my phone. I happened to notice a recent social media update from Isabella.

The photo, taken in the familiar front seat of Lucas's car, centered on a candy apple.

The caption read: [This store's candy apples are unbeatable.]

My fingers hovered motionless above the screen.

Lucas had a mild phobia of germs. He never allowed me to eat in the front seat of his car.

I smiled, but tears began to form in my eyes.

I had always believed love was about mutual compromise and understanding, with one person eventually having to yield.

I never minded accommodating his habits.

What hurt was seeing his principles and rules so easily set aside for someone else.

Lucas sent me a message asking if I had arrived home safely.

I didn't respond.

Seeing no reply, he messaged again: [Today's food wasn't great. Let's try somewhere different next time.]

Shortly after, another message arrived: [Are you asleep? Don't forget to light the relaxing incense before bed. Good night.]

I scrolled through our past conversations. They were filled with my lengthy, detailed updates, met with his occasional brief replies of "OK" or "Understood."

After returning home and showering, I noticed a familiar car parked beneath my balcony.

As if sensing my presence, the car window lowered. I quickly retreated from view.

The next morning, I went to work with visible dark circles under my eyes.

As I stepped outside, I saw the same familiar car.

I attempted to act as if I hadn't noticed it and continued walking.

But then my phone rang. It was the taxi driver. "Miss, your location is too difficult to find. Could you please cancel and book another ride?"

"Can't find it? What kind of taxi driver are you?" I grumbled, canceling the ride.

The black car pulled up beside me, and the window lowered to reveal Lucas's familiar, chiseled features. "I'll give you a lift," he offered.

Realizing I was running late, I silently got into the passenger seat.

On a typical day, I would have been talkative, filling the car with chatter.

But today, the only sound was the faint whisper of the wind outside.

Lucas seemed uneasy in the silence.

"You haven't eaten breakfast, have you?" he inquired.