Chapter 2

I awkwardly held the package aloft, unsure what to do.

Caitline swiftly moved past Robin, grabbing the box from me, and eagerly pulled him along.

"Rob, hurry up! I want to keep browsing the shops!"

As they disappeared into the throng of people, I felt a pang in my heart.

'Is this what it feels like to be deceived?'

He had claimed to be struggling financially, unable to afford anything but worn-out clothes. Feeling sympathy, I went out of my way to purchase some nice attire for him.

However, he never donned them.

When I inquired about it, he said he was anxious about soiling them and wanted to cherish everything I gave him.

My heart went out to him even more after that. I put in extra hours and stayed late peddling goods just to save up money for him.

But it seems my efforts were one-sided.

In hindsight, I suspect Robin found amusement in my gullibility—this foolish, earnest person. It appears my genuine care was merely entertainment for a privileged youth.

I closed my eyes, unable to continue manning the booth.

The biting cold made me wrap my oversized jacket tighter as I pulled my cart through the chilly streets. My energy was depleted, and I longed for home.

But just as I was leaving, Robin returned.

Third Person's POV

He stood there, perplexed, examining the now-vacant stall. It seemed the vaguely familiar voice from earlier might have been his imagination.

"Rob, I told you—you're imagining things. There's no way that was Calliope. And even if it was, what difference would it make? She'd probably just become more clingy if she knew."

Robin paused, his eyes sweeping the area one last time, searching for someone who wasn't there.

With a quiet sigh, he finally looked away, suppressing the unease he felt. He hoped it truly was just his mind playing tricks on him.

Calliope's POV

I lay on my bed, gazing vacantly at the ceiling, my thoughts in disarray.

The sound of a key turning in the lock jolted me back to reality.

Robin entered, carrying a recognizable, fancy box. Enthusiastically, he announced, "Callie, look! I bought you something special!"

But I remained silent.

Robin was, as usual, effortlessly attractive—striking features, flirty almond-shaped eyes, and that infuriatingly appealing small mole beneath his eye. When he looked at me, his gaze was filled with fondness.

Standing over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and long legs, even in cheap street clothes, he resembled a fashion model.

I'd once asked why he didn't pursue modeling to earn money. He'd evaded the question.

Now, I understand. He feared his true identity—a privileged rich kid—might be revealed. And I'd never let go of him.

He approached and embraced me, resting his head against my neck. His soft lips grazed my skin as he murmured, "Why aren't you speaking to me?"

I pulled back from his embrace, and wearily replied, "I'm just... a bit fatigued."

I lacked the energy to continue whatever charade we were playing. I wanted answers, but before I could ask, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

He glanced at the message, his expression shifting slightly, appearing somewhat off.

Noticing my stare, he quickly pocketed the phone and explained, "It's my employer. He's requesting I work overtime—short-staffed again."

I was unsure whether to believe him, but Robin proceeded to take out a scarf from the bag and carefully wrapped it around my neck.

He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his voice low and intimate as he said, "Callie, I hope to spend every holiday with you."

I looked up at him, noticing the mole beneath his eye catching the light.

I used to adore his eyes the most, how they made me feel like I was his priority, the only one who mattered to him.

But now, I couldn't decipher him anymore.

"Robin, you..."