Chapter 4

"Oh, come on, you've already applied to universities. What could you possibly be busy with? You have to come, or don't call me your friend anymore."

At five in the afternoon, I arrived at the restaurant's private room.

I was about to knock, but my hand paused.

Not because I was nervous, but because I heard my own name.

"...That night, when you danced the first dance with Leo, weren't you worried Ethan would get jealous?"

Leah's voice carried a laugh, and a careless indifference: "Worried about what? I fully expected it."

"He needs to be taught a lesson for that awful temper of his."

"He's so bossy and controlling, he doesn't give me any freedom."

"What's the big deal if I dance with someone else? It's not like I'll lose a limb."

Someone else asked, "But what if Ethan actually got angry? He's got so much going for him, and plenty of girls are after him, right?"

Leah chuckled again.

"Ethan and I have been childhood sweethearts for over fifteen years. I know exactly what kind of person he is better than anyone."

"Don't worry, he's just throwing a little tantrum. He'll be fine in a few days."

"Just like last time, when I insisted on going to the movies with Leo."

She paused, then added, her tone even lighter:

"Even if the sky fell, he would never break up with me."

"Of that, I am one hundred percent certain."

I stood outside the door, feeling no heartache, no anger, just exhaustion.

It was the kind of exhaustion you feel after walking a very, very long road, finally reaching the finish line.

She was right. I had argued, I had made scenes, but I had never brought up breaking up.

Every time she crossed a line, every time she pushed my boundaries like they were elastic, every time she'd ask with a sly smile, "You won't get mad, right?"

I always gave in, not because I had no temper, but because I loved her.

But now I knew that in her eyes, my patience wasn't tolerance—it was proof that my boundaries could be endlessly retreated.

She took my goodness towards her as proof that I couldn't live without her.

Just as I was about to turn and leave, someone patted my shoulder from behind.

"Ethan, why aren't you going in?"

Leo Miller smiled at me.

Before I could answer, he already pushed the door open.

Everyone in the private room looked towards the entrance.

Leah was sitting directly opposite the door, with an empty seat next to her.

She saw me, paused for a moment, then quickly composed herself, even offering a small smile.

Chloe was the first to react, standing up and waving me over: "Ethan's here? Come in, come in, we were just waiting for you guys."

Leo half-pushed, half-coaxed me into the room.

Chloe grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the empty seat next to Leah.

I didn't sit, saying I'd just stand for a bit.

Chloe wouldn't have it, telling me to listen to her and firmly pressing me down into the chair.

Leah looked up at me and softly said, "You're here?"

Her tone was natural, as if nothing had happened.

On her wrist, the Givenchy bracelet was back.

The platinum chain shimmered slightly under the lights, the dark green enamel pendant resting against her slender wrist bone.

But right next to the bracelet, there was a faint indentation, left by that cheap beaded string.

Two marks pressed together, one new, one old.

I said nothing, lowering my head to eat.

I mechanically chewed my food, swallowed.

The table was lively.

Chloe bustled around pouring drinks, someone cut the cake, and others cheered, urging the birthday girl to make a wish.

Leah was chatting with Leo, her laughter echoing intermittently.

I didn't look at them, didn't speak.