Chapter 8
“I probably will catch a cold.”
I suddenly remembered how Vincent had worked tirelessly when he started his business, often spending nights crammed in a tiny office. I would worry about him and prepare blankets and heating pads in advance. His thermos was always filled.
with hot water.
But he seemed to have forgotten that I, too, was exhausted and working hard for my studies. It was because I liked him that I tried my best to take care of him.
Now, though, I just wanted to leave as soon as possible. I wasn’t very concerned. about him anymore.
I sighed and said slowly, “Oh, okay,
sorry.
He froze for a moment, then began to study me again. “Are you still mad about Zoe?”
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I laughed. “You‘ ve already said it‘ s impossible between you two. Why would I be angry?”
Vincent looked at me, disbelieving.
As I was heading to the kitchen, he stopped me. “Then why aren’t you caring for me anymore?”
Before, he would always complain if I checked on him too much. If I couldn’t find him, I’d call his assistant and he‘ d get annoyed, telling me I was being a nuisance. Now that I wasn‘ t caring for him, he wasn‘ t happy about it either.
I didn’t want to argue. I had no energy for it.
I gave him a faint reply, “I’m just really tired from work lately.”
He stared at me briefly before returning to the bedroom to get dressed.
I was preparing breakfast when he suddenly came rushing out just as I
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cracked an egg.
“Why are there so many clothes missing from the closet?”
“What about the blind box display case? How come it’s all gone? Isn‘ t that your favourite?”
Oh.
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After I sold the gifts, I started clearing out my remaining belongings. I had been reluctant to part with the blind boxes since I had collected them for so long, but I couldn’t take them with me, so I sold them all.
Vincent had never shown interest in these things, so I didn‘ t know why he suddenly cared.
I casually replied, “I didn‘ t want them.
anymore.
He looked at me, shocked. Time ticked by slowly.
“I’ll buy you new ones, okay? I’ll get
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you the stars from the sky if that’s what you want.”
I lowered my eyes and said nothing.
His gaze moved to the countdown calendar, his expression full of confusion. “Two days left. What’s happening in two days?”
I glanced at the large red numbers.
He didn’t know that, after tomorrow, I would be gone.
I hesitated–should I tell him? But then I remembered the ring box that had slipped out of his pocket yesterday and Zoe‘ s post on social media shared a link to that ring brand.
I remained silent.
I was still wearing the plain ring he had bought me with the money he had saved up during his first year after graduation. It wasn‘ t expensive, but it had been his heartfelt gift. I had treasured and worn it
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Chapter 8
for so long, unwilling to take it off.
But now, I gently removed it and placed it
in Vincent‘ s hand.
His face darkened immediately.
“Claire, what do you mean by this?”
“The ring’s been worn for too long. It’s getting worn out,” I said calmly.
He suddenly seemed to realize something and his expression softened again.
“You‘ re right. It’s been worn too long. I’ll have it polished and get you another surprise.”
“What surprise?”
Vincent smiled. “You‘ ll know in two days.”
“Claire, trust me. I really love you.”
I lowered my gaze again, saying nothing. Two days later would be the day I was leaving. I didn’t think I’d be able to wait
for it.
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Vincent then added, “How about we visit
our alma mater tomorrow?”
I nodded.
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