Chapter 1

When flames engulfed our apartment complex, my partner Lucas's immediate response was to dash out and rescue his longtime friend and neighbor, Isabella Harris.

Attempting to alleviate my irritation, his companion clarified, "Lucas prioritized Isabella's safety because he felt a sense of duty towards her. Their friendship spans more than ten years. If romantic feelings existed, they would have surfaced by now."

I maintained my composure. "I may not comprehend it, but I acknowledge it. I wish them well. Please keep your explanations to yourself."

——

Three days post-fire, I entered my newly leased flat.

A bunch of green and white eustomas awaited me at the entrance.

This marked the first instance he had ever presented me with eustomas.

I retrieved the note attached to the blooms. The florist's scrawl was somewhat untidy: [My apologies.]

Floral gifts were his typical method of seeking forgiveness.

My temper often flared rapidly but cooled just as swiftly.

Following each dispute, he would send presents, I would accept them, and we would proceed as if nothing had transpired.

I gently moved the flowers aside as my mobile rang. Lucas Wilson was calling.

"Harper, Isabella wants to express her gratitude for my assistance. She's invited us to dine. I'm waiting downstairs."

We had actually been avoiding conversation for three days.

Yet he spoke as though everything was normal.

I consented. "Very well."

Upon entering Lucas's vehicle, he lightly frowned and said, "There's a thin jacket in the rear. You should wear it."

I declined. "I'm comfortable."

We drove past a series of charming, older townhouses lining the street.

Inquisitively, I asked, "How did you discover my new address?"

Lucas steered with one hand. "I inquired at the eatery where you frequently order takeaway."

Naturally. The staff there were also acquainted with him.

Upon reaching the restaurant, we found Isabella had been waiting inside for some time.

Observing us arrive together, she appeared slightly taken aback. "Hello Lucas, Harper."

I noticed the table was arranged for two. Lucas casually signaled the server to bring an additional place setting.

Soon, the table was laden with elegantly presented dishes.

Lucas rose to pull out my chair, a courtesy he often extended during our outings.

Isabella, noticing this gesture, smiled. "Lucas, could you also pass the salt?" Lucas complied without hesitation.

Isabella smiled and said, "I'd like to express my special thanks to both Lucas and you, Harper.

"Please don't misinterpret. Lucas came to my aid first because I had injured my ankle days before the fire." She glanced at me, her eye makeup subtly glistening in the light.

I continued consuming my meal calmly. "I understand."

"Incidentally, you must have been terrified during the fire, Harper."

My utensil paused momentarily.

In reality, the blaze was swiftly contained.

However, with alarms blaring and corridors filled with smoke, panic ensued.

I was so frightened that I instinctively reached for Lucas, only to realize I was alone.

He had already assisted another woman in vanishing into the smoky hallway.

After descending the stairs, I angrily declared our relationship over and stormed off without looking back.

I regained my composure.

Then I noticed Isabella giving Lucas a pointed look, "Lucas, you should apologize to Harper. You can't neglect her just because you were in a rush."

Lucas set down his fork, his eyes filled with remorse.

"I apologize."

We had been a couple for three years and had countless disagreements.

This was the first time he had apologized unprompted.

Previously, I might have felt victorious or used the opportunity to prolong the argument.

Now, I merely felt uncomfortable.

Did he truly require Isabella's prompting to apologize? Couldn't he express himself independently?