4

I found out that Lily had returned about a month later.

That day, I had found a new place and was preparing to move out of Kai's house, wanting to treat him to a meal one last time.

But just as I entered the shopping mall, I received a call from my best friend Mia. She told me that she saw a post from an old classmate on social media saying that Jacob's first love had returned to the country.

Before I could react, I looked up and saw Jacob walking towards me with a girl.

The person who had only existed in photographs suddenly appeared before me in the flesh.

Lily looked even more delicate and lively than in her pictures, her pure white dress adding a touch of gentleness.

She was exactly like the unattainable love I had imagined in my mind.

I thought I had forgotten the pain of heartbreak, but at that moment, pain and resentment sprouted like vines.

Kai, noticing something was off, turned his head and asked me,

"Chloe, what's wrong?"

I just shook my head numbly, signaling him to keep walking.

Two steps, one step, we passed by each other.

Jacob didn't spare me a glance. My steps faltered, but Kai quickly steadied me.

"Thank..."

I hadn't finished my word of thanks when a sudden gust of wind hit us.

Instinctively, I stepped back, but lost my balance and hit my back hard against a pillar, feeling a burning pain.

Ignoring the pain, I hurriedly ran to separate the two men who were fighting nearby.

"Jacob, what are you doing?"

Jacob was too engrossed in the fight, and when I intervened, he couldn't stop in time.

Kai, trying to avoid hurting me, took a punch.

I was shaking with anger, and before I could even think, I slapped Jacob hard across the face.

The sound was sharp, and Jacob's head turned to one side from the impact.

There was an eerily silent pause.

When Jacob turned back, his eyes were red with anger,

"Chloe, no wonder you were so determined this time. Did you already find someone else? We just broke up; how could you..."

"Jacob, just because you're despicable doesn't mean everyone else is."

I coldly dropped these words and started to leave with Kai.

But Jacob grabbed my wrist,

"Chloe, it's not what you think with Lily and me. I came here on purpose to test you, to see if you'd still get jealous over me."

I paused, then shrugged indifferently,

"It doesn't matter anymore. Whatever you do has nothing to do with me."

After a moment of silence, Jacob said with a trembling voice,

"Chloe, I was planning to propose to you at the end of the month."

Marriage?

Tears inexplicably started flowing from my eyes, even though I didn't feel sad,

"Jacob, I once eagerly fantasized about marrying you. But now, when I think of a marriage with you filled with endless silence and arguments, I feel suffocated."

"Chloe, can I change for you? I'll change everything you don't like, okay?"

Before I could answer, Kai, standing beside us, suddenly covered his mouth and coughed twice,

"Chloe, we're too late, the restaurant gave our reservation away. Let's order takeout and eat at home."

I looked up at Kai, suddenly understanding his intention and nodded,

"Yes, it's too late."

My response was to Kai's suggestion, but I was looking at Jacob as I said it.

Jacob stared at us, his expression suddenly becoming frantic.

After leaving the shopping mall, Kai and I weren't in the mood to eat out.

We ended up going to the supermarket to buy some ingredients to make spaghetti, then headed back to Kai's place to cook.

In the steamy kitchen, we chatted intermittently, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Kai, usually so reserved, even had a smile on his face.

I twirled a forkful of spaghetti and casually mentioned that I was moving next week.

Kai's movements paused, and he just grunted in response, falling silent.

The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy.

I stole a glance at Kai, noticing his smile had faded.

Remembering Kai's expression that night, my heart sank as if gripped by something.

After a long silence, Kai got up and opened a few bottles of beer, offering one to me,

"Want some?"

I shook my head.

He then started drinking by himself, rather aggressively, downing five or six bottles in a row.

I wanted to say something to dissuade him but ended up saying nothing.

"Chloe."

Kai suddenly spoke,

"Can you get me a pack of paper from the bedside table in my bedroom?"

I nodded and headed into his bedroom without much thought. As soon as I opened the bedside drawer, I was stunned.

There was no paper there, but clearly...