Chapter 3

I wanted to throw the ruined bento box in the dumpster.

But then I remembered. This was the box the old Julian had bought for me when I was severely depressed and had no appetite.

He had taught himself how to cook, making different dishes every day just to get me to eat a few bites.

I couldn't bring myself to throw it away.

So, I ran it under hot water, scrubbing it with disinfectant over and over.

But the thought of Amber's hands touching it made me sick. No matter how much I cleaned it, it still felt dirty.

Just then, my phone rang.

Julian’s voice, sounding weak and strained, came through the speaker.

"...Chloe, where is my stomach medicine?"

Instinctively, I replied, "In the middle drawer of your nightstand, on the right side."

Silence stretched on the other end. "It's not there..."

I paused. He must have run out.

I was still angry, but the thought of him in pain made my heart ache.

"Is your stomach hurting again? Can you stand up?"

Another long silence.

"...I want your creamy shrimp congee."

His tone sounded so much like the old Julian.

I couldn't resist it. Before my brain could process, the words left my mouth.

"Wait for me."

I bought his medicine, grabbed some fresh shrimp and ingredients, and drove to his apartment.

When he opened the door, he looked awful. His lips were pale, and he was unsteady on his feet.

I immediately poured him a glass of water and handed him the pills.

He took them naturally. Over the past three years, even though he claimed to hate me, his body had become completely dependent on my care.

Once the congee was ready, he slowly finished a bowl. The color returned to his face.

I stared at him, dazed. "Is it good?"

He blinked, then nodded quietly.

In reality, the one who loved shrimp congee was me, not him.

And the one who used to cook it perfectly was him, not me.

Three years. And he still couldn't remember.

I let out a bitter smile.

Just as I started clearing the bowls, his phone rang.

His expression instantly turned tense. "Are you okay?"

"Stay right there. Don't move. I'm coming."

A woman’s intuition is a powerful thing. My skin crawled. I knew it was Amber.

I grabbed his arm. "What's wrong?"

He looked panicked. "Amber's apartment building has a fire alarm. I need to go check on her."

The moment I heard her name, my grip tightened.

"If she was able to call you, she's fine. You're still sick..."

I practically begged him. "Please, don't go."

Julian frowned, looking at me with deep disappointment.

"I know you hate Amber, Chloe, but how can you be so heartless? She's a girl, alone. Do you think she isn't terrified right now?"

He shook my hand off and slammed the door behind him.

*She's a girl, alone. Do you think she isn't terrified?*

Of course she was.

Just like I was terrified when she cornered me in the high school bathroom stall, holding a glowing, lit cigarette. I was scared to death, too.