Chapter 1

The fire consumed half the city. Vivienne messaged me to pick her up from the airport and bring her home.

Risking my life, I made it halfway through the blaze when she called:

"Never mind, I'll be staying at Xavion's place for a while."

I gripped my phone tightly, but ultimately replied "Okay."

Less than two minutes after hanging up, Vivienne's junior posted a video on social media.

In it, Vivienne's cheeks were flushed red, her eyes crinkled with laughter as she leaned into his embrace.

Outside the window, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky.

The caption read: "After the world ends, will it still be you? @Vivienne"

I casually liked the post, but Vivienne suddenly called to demand what I meant by liking it.

I coolly replied: "It means goodbye."

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1

"Zoran, you've been Vivienne's co-pilot for seven years. With your skills, you should've been promoted long ago. Are you going to continue being her shadow this year too?"

My old instructor called, offering his well-intentioned advice as he always did.

For seven years, he'd repeated these words many times. Each time, I'd unhesitatingly refuse his kindness for Vivienne's sake.

He continued his rambling:

"I'm about to retire soon. All of us old-timers hope you'll become United Airlines' chief pilot. Now that half the city's been reduced to rubble and the airlines have grounded their flights, take some time to think it over."

"Will you keep playing second fiddle, or soar like an eagle above the mountain peaks?"

Hearing this, I fell silent for a moment before agreeing.

No sooner had I spoken than Vivienne burst through the door, furiously hurling her luggage at my feet.

"Zoran, I told you to pick me up! Why didn't you come?"

"You actually made me take a cab! You've completely humiliated me in front of my girlfriends!"

I knew why Vivienne was so angry.

After spending two weeks with Xavion, she'd finally remembered my existence this morning and asked me to pick her up. Because for all these years, I've diligently served as Vivienne's driver. At her mere word, I'd drive to pick her up even if I had a raging fever of 104 degrees.

But this time, I refused her.

I hung up the phone and said coolly:

"Didn't I tell you? The car was burnt and damaged."

Vivienne impatiently kicked off her shoes, "Can't you borrow someone else's car?"

"Forget it, go make dinner first. This morning, Xavion's gas stove at home broke down. I've been starving all day."

Having said that, Vivienne was about to head to the shower.

I sat on the couch and said casually, "If you want to eat, make it yourself. I'm busy."

Vivienne stopped in her tracks, furrowed her brow, turned back and demanded:

"Zoran, what are you still sulking about? It was such a big fire, and you were so slow to arrive. That's why I went to stay at Xavion's place."

"I didn't even blame you for putting me in danger, so who are you putting on this jealous act for?"

I didn't want to argue with her. I turned on the TV and cranked up the volume to maximum.

Vivienne immediately unplugged the TV, "Say something! Cat got your tongue?"

Her chest heaved continuously as she glared at me, her eyes full of anger. Vivienne chuckled a moment later, as if recalling something:

"Oh, I get it now. This is about that video Xavion posted online, right? Didn't I already explain that to you? I was just playing along to help him get some buzz."

"He wanted to boost his followers, so he suggested we stir up some dating rumors. When he saw you liked the post, he worried you might get the wrong idea and deleted the video right away."

"As my boyfriend, don't you have more confidence in us than that? Why are you getting all jealous over nothing?"

I inwardly scoffed. Vivienne had no idea I knew the truth - that video was never deleted. In fact, it was trending.

They had simply blocked and hidden it from me.

I stood up and calmly told her:

"I'm about to head out. You can either cook for yourself or order takeout."

Vivienne furrowed her brow. Usually in situations like this, I'd angrily argue with her for quite a while.

But this time, my reaction was unnervingly calm.

Confused, she grabbed my arm and demanded:

"Zoran, what's that supposed to mean? I just apologized to you so humbly, and you're still being dramatic!"

"Where are you going?"

"To the airline office," I replied without turning back, pressing the elevator button.

Vivienne let out a sigh of relief and said coldly:

"I'll come with you. I could use a bite to eat at the office building anyway." Without giving me a chance to refuse, Vivienne threw on her coat and followed me into the elevator.