Chapter 4

Through the window, I see Crysta dressed in traditional ethnic clothing, beautiful bells jingling melodiously as they hang from her body.

Across from her stands Levi, also clad in traditional ethnic attire.

Under the sunlight, the two of them ride a single horse, galloping across the prairie.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman, drawing more and more onlookers around them.

The crowd begins to dance, smiling joyfully.

It seems everyone believes they are a match made in heaven.

"Levi, I love horseback riding so much!"

"Crysta, if you enjoy it, shall we keep riding forever?"

As they exchange these intimate words, the sunlight pierces my eyes, forcing me to squint.

Crysta and Levi slowly lean in close, their lips meeting in a kiss.

My heart suddenly skips a beat as I stare blankly at them kissing.

After the kiss, Crysta smiles shyly and hurriedly dismounts, running over to me.

Levi, meanwhile, still savors the lingering sensation of that kiss.

I lower my head and laugh self-mockingly. Indeed, when first love arrives, nothing can stand in its way.

When Crysta enters my room, her face flushed, I stare at her intently.

Seemingly unnerved by my gaze, her eyes dart about uncomfortably.

She quickly rushes over to me and asks, "Fintan, you're awake! I want to apologize. It's my fault you ended up like this. Please don't be angry."Crysta tugged at my hand playfully, just like she used to.

But things weren't the same between us anymore.

I pulled my hand away, fixing her with an icy stare.

Crysta was taken aback by my reaction, then pouted, looking hurt.

"Fintan, why are you acting like this?"

As if remembering something, Crysta's eyes held a cautious inquiry.

"Fintan, have you checked social media?"

I gave her another long, hard look before muttering, "No."

She sighed in relief. "That's good. Don't look, there's nothing worth seeing. Just focus on getting better. I'll go get you some lamb - that's still your favorite, right?"

How thoughtful of her to remember I liked lamb.

Except with my torn muscles, I couldn't eat such fatty meat.

She hadn't forgotten. She just didn't want to remember.

After all, Crysta had angrily snatched away Levi's lamb, replacing it with a healthy meal.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and opened Crysta's social media page.

There it was - a grid of videos showing horseback riding, dancing, and lamb feasts.

Levi had his arm around Crysta's waist as they shared lamb, flatbread, and bubble tea.The image above is captioned: "After many twists and turns, I finally got to you. I'm so happy!"

Below are nothing but well-wishes.

Friends are all congratulating: "Our Miss Song finally got her wish!"

"Seeing you so close with Fintan, I thought you two were dating!"

"9999!"

In four years together and two years of marriage, Crysta never posted my photos on social media.

She said she didn't like showing off our relationship.

So I followed her wishes.

She said she didn't like having too many people at the wedding.

So we didn't have a ceremony, just got the marriage license.

Her parents still sigh and nag about the wedding to this day.

I've endured it all.

But now, Crysta and Levi's photo seems to mock my previous presumptions.

It ridicules my sincerity.

I gave her my whole heart, and she shattered it to pieces.

Apparently, in the face of pure love, sincerity is worthless.

As the pain in my heart gradually numbs, I type four words with shaking hands.

"Congratulations, wishing you happiness."

Then I exit social media.

I limp out of the hostel.

Suddenly, Crysta rushes out in a hurry.

"Fintan! Where are you going?"

I don't answer her, just keep walking forward.

Crysta comes up and grabs my arm that was bitten by the wolf.She had no awareness, but I was in so much pain.

Yet I was too numb to feel it anymore.

I stiffly turned my head, watching blood seep out from under the bandage.

I spoke up: "You touched my wound."

Crysta snapped out of it as if suddenly awakening, quickly letting go of me.

She apologized profusely: "I'm so sorry, Fintan. I was afraid you'd run off and hurt yourself."

I gave her a pale smile: "I was just going to check on the horse training facility."

Hearing my response, Crysta smiled with relief.

"That's good. Go on then, you dummy. Even when you're this injured, you can't forget about work."

This time, I couldn't muster a smile. I just walked away without a word.