Chapter 5

At 11 PM, Meadow surprisingly returned home.

As she entered and took off her coat, she was about to hang it behind the door when she suddenly froze, noticing the bare spot where our photo used to be.

"What happened to our photo behind the door?"

She didn't even put down her coat, walking to the bedroom with a hint of panic to ask me.

"It fell and broke."

Hearing this, she glanced at the broken glass in the trash can by the door, her expression relaxing. She then put her coat aside and took out a bag containing a Gucci belt.

"I didn't have time to give you the gift I promised yesterday. Today happens to be our third wedding anniversary, so here's this belt for you. Happy anniversary."

She placed the belt on the bed, and for a moment, I wondered if I had heard her correctly.

Three years of marriage, and she actually remembered our wedding anniversary?

But seeing the receipt showing a purchase just half an hour ago, I suddenly understood. It must have been Eames' third-anniversary campaign that reminded her, prompting her to come home and buy this on her way.

What she didn't know was that I already had two of this exact belt model in my closet.

I didn't say anything, just stared at her silently.

"So, with the end of the year coming up, I was wondering... would you mind sitting out the airline's awards this time? You know Eames has been in the industry for three years now, and his biggest dream is to win a top airline award like you. You've won several years in a row already. Do you think maybe you could let him have this one?"

As she spoke, her expression grew more uncertain.

Inwardly, I couldn't help but laugh bitterly. So even this seemingly effortless gift came with a price tag, carefully calculated behind the scenes.

"Sure," I replied calmly with a nod.

Not just this year, but next year and the year after that - I wouldn't be competing with him for any airline awards in the future. Because after tonight, I'd be gone tomorrow.

"You... you agreed?" Meadow's eyes widened in surprise at my quick response. She glanced at me several times out of the corner of her eye, clearly caught off guard.

Then, unable to contain herself, she spoke up again.

"Eames is my apprentice, so of course I should look out for him. And you're kind of like his mentor too, so this is how it should be."

"Oh, and I'm not flying tomorrow. Why don't we swing by the registry office in the morning and get our marriage license?"

I remained silent.

She seemed to suddenly remember that I'd been packing earlier today. After a brief pause, she asked in a gentler tone, "I almost forgot - aren't you supposed to start flying again tomorrow? What time's your flight?"

"Three in the afternoon. "I looked at her, preparing to use this last opportunity tonight to tell her about my plans to leave. But before I could continue speaking, her phone rang again.

It was Eames calling. A weak voice came through from the other end - Eames had sprained his ankle and was having trouble moving around on his own. He was calling Meadow for help.

After hanging up, Meadow looked at me a bit guiltily. "Um... Eames is in a bit of trouble. He can't manage on his own, so I might need to go over there."

As she said this, her tone was unusually seeking approval.

I swallowed the words that were on the tip of my tongue and forced a smile, nodding, "It's fine, you should go."

My words seemed to lift a weight off her shoulders.

She got up immediately, but before leaving she said again, "If you come by 3 PM, that'll work. Tomorrow at 10 AM, we'll go get our marriage license. Don't worry, no matter what happens this time, I'll make it there."

I couldn't help but smile bitterly. She still hadn't given me the chance to break up with her face to face.

The next morning.

I packed my bags and instead of going to the registry office, I headed straight to the airport.

By noon, I still hadn't received a call from Meadow asking why I hadn't shown up at the registry office. As the afternoon arrived and I was about to board my flight, I finally received a message from Meadow: "I'm so sorry, Eames isn't feeling well today. I just got back from taking him to the hospital. We missed getting our marriage license today. As soon as you're back from this trip, I'll go with you to the registry office immediately."

Looking at this message, I felt nothing. My heart didn't even stir.

Sure enough, for the 18th time, she didn't show up to get our marriage license.

"Don't bother, Meadow. I've quit my job and I'm about to fly to Paris. After today, we won't see each other again."

I sent her one last message, ready to turn off my phone.

But in the next second, the chat window that had been silent for so long suddenly exploded with activity.