When Love Fades Like a Dream Chapter 2

At 7:00 am the next day, Freya's biological clock woke her up on time.

The moment she opened her eyes, she saw Kenneth standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt.

Kenneth, whose schedule was usually all over the place, rarely got up this early. In fact, Freya thought that this might be the first time.

Hearing movement, he turned around to look at her. He asked, "How do I look today?"

Kenneth was born a model; even a simple black shirt looked incredible on him. But today, he had put in extra effort. The result was stunning—his lazy, effortless charm could easily make any girl swoon.

Freya didn't know why he was suddenly paying so much attention to his appearance. In the past, she might have been so captivated that her heart would skip a beat. Now, she merely gave a calm nod. "You look great."

Kenneth didn't seem to notice her change in demeanor. He smilingly told her, "I've got a gathering today. Be good and stay home. I'll bring back some sweets for you."

With that, he turned and left.

After he left through the door, Freya got up to pour herself a glass of water. That was when she noticed his phone sitting on the table.

When she picked it up, her finger accidentally brushed the power button.

The screen lit up, revealing a new message.

It was from someone saved in his contacts as "Charlotte".

"Ken, it's been eight years since we last saw each other. I'm really looking forward to the gathering today. How about you?"

Freya stopped in her tracks when she saw the message.

So, Keneth's first love was back in town today.

No wonder he got up so early and had taken such care with his appearance. Even his gaze seemed to carry a hint of joy.

Just then, the door opened again.

Kenneth, who had returned halfway to grab his phone, noticed the message on the screen. His steps faltered as he glanced at it, then his gaze shifted toward Freya, who was eating at the dining table.

"Did you use my phone?" he asked.

Freya looked up slightly, her gaze calm. "No. Why do you ask?"

Only then did Kenneth let out a small laugh, as if relieved, and said, "No reason." He turned and left.

For the first time, Freya found it difficult to understand him.

His heart was full of his first love, and all the girlfriends he had ever had were Charlotte's replacements. By that logic, he shouldn't care about her. So, why was he so concerned about whether she had figured out the truth?

Could he… be afraid of losing her?

Freya shook off the thought. She didn't want to overthink things, let alone entertain any illusions. Besides, she knew the loss was inevitable.

After finishing her breakfast, Freya sat down at her desk and opened her drawing software.

She worked as a comic artist. With her impending return home and upcoming marriage, she anticipated a long hiatus from work.

While she still had some free time, she decided to finish as many pending projects as possible.

She spent the entire morning immersed in her work. By noon, after wrapping up her progress and sending it off to her editor, she grabbed a quick lunch.

In the afternoon, with the weather still nice, Freya decided to clear out some belongings.

Matching cups, keychains, scarves, jackets…

Over the years, she had gradually accumulated these items, and now they filled an entire large box.

Looking at them brought back memories of every time she had proudly handed them to Kenneth, insisting he use them. She could still see his helpless expression.

"Only girls like these things. Do you want my friends to laugh at me?"

Recalling those words, Freya dragged the box downstairs and tossed it into the trash bin, container and all.

Now, there would be nothing left to laugh about.

After decisively disposing of the box, Freya turned to go back inside, only to bump into a familiar chest.

Kenneth had returned at some point. He wrapped one arm around her shoulder, the other brushing aside the damp strands of her sweat-soaked bangs.

"What did you throw out? Why are you sweating so much?"

"Just useless junk." Freya gave an excuse with an unchanged expression.

Kenneth didn't seem suspicious. He simply took her by the hand and led her upstairs.

As the elevator doors opened, the roar of a garbage truck echoed outside, its engine roaring as it approached.

Freya finally looked away after she watched the box of items being hauled away by the garbage truck.

Junk? How could there be so much "junk"?

If Kenneth had just taken a look, he would've noticed the truth. But he didn't ask anything—simply because he didn't care.

A trace of self-mockery flickered in Freya's eyes. From the corner of her eyes, she caught sight of Kenneth's face, which still carried a lingering smile. She froze momentarily.

Kenneth had a pair of captivating eyes that seemed to draw people in. When he smiled, it was nearly impossible to look away.

Perhaps aware of this effect, he often wore a smile.

Most people assumed he was easygoing and kind. However, Freya knew better—Kenneth's smiles were superficial, never reaching his eyes.

Yet today, all day long, his smiles had been different. His eyes gleamed with genuine joy.

He must have met Charlotte.

And he was genuinely happy.

The moment they stepped inside, Kenneth immediately noticed how much emptier the place felt.

He glanced around, a look of surprise crossing his face.

"Did someone break in? Feels like a lot of stuff is missing. Where's the water bottle? And the cushions?"

Freya opened her mouth to reply, but Kenneth's phone buzzed several times.

He glanced at the messages and promptly forgot about the matter, heading straight to his study.

Before closing the door, he casually reminded her, "Frey, I've got something to take care of. Go to bed first; don't wait up for me."

Freya didn't ask anything, silently retreating to the bedroom alone.

As the clock on the wall ticked past midnight, her phone, tucked under her pillow, began vibrating incessantly.

"Frey, happy birthday!"

"Happy 23rd birthday, Frey! Don't forget to eat cake!"

Message after message poured in, all brimming with birthday wishes.

Her father, mother, brother, friends, classmates, and even those far away sent their heartfelt greetings.

Only her boyfriend, just a few steps away, seemed to have completely forgotten about her birthday.