Chapter 4

There was one day left before we'd go back to my parents' place.

At breakfast, I asked Lucas, "Can you come to the mall with me today? Let's buy some New Year goods for Mom and Dad."

His hand pausing while peeling an egg, he didn't look at me.

"Vivian, I... I found a day-labor job. Today's my first day. I want to earn money myself to buy gifts for your parents. That shows more sincerity."

As he said this, his gaze drifted toward the window, his ears slightly red.

But I still nodded, even managing a smile.

"That's great. It's the thought that counts."

He looked relieved, hurriedly finished eating, grabbed his coat, and headed out.

The moment the door closed, the smile collapsed from my face.

My phone vibrated.

It was Jane's fan group.

She'd posted a voice message:

[Sisters, my sugar daddy has to go back to his hometown with his wife for Christmas~ Today he's treating me to an early "New Year's dinner" to console my wounded little heart~]

Below was a restaurant location.

I stared at that address, then suddenly grabbed my car keys and followed.

The restaurant's lighting was dim and intimate, the air filled with expensive perfume and the scent of fresh bread.

I sat in the most secluded booth with an untouched glass of water in front of me.

Then I saw them walk in.

Lucas wore the cashmere coat I'd bought him just last month, with Jane on his arm.

The server led them to the best window seat.

"Lucas, isn't this place really expensive?" Jane rested her chin on her hand, her eyes bright as she looked at him.

"For you, it's worth it." Lucas pushed the menu toward her.

"See what you want to eat. Today, you're the priority."

Jane's slender fingers pointed at items on the menu as she leaned softly toward Lucas.

Lucas naturally put his arm around her shoulder, his chin nearly touching the top of her head. "I can't spend New Year with you, so today I'll make it all up to you."

"Hmph, you just know how to sweet-talk me. When are you going to leave her?" Jane pouted, her tone coquettish.

Lucas lowered his head, leaning close to her ear.

"Just wait a bit longer. That old hag—if it weren't for her money... I'd have stopped bothering with her ages ago."

Jane immediately beamed, quickly kissing his cheek. "What about my New Year gift you promised me?"

"Don't worry. I already paid the twenty thousand down payment on the house."

Lucas tapped her nose, his eyes full of affection.

They said much more after that.

Every sentence was like a poisoned needle piercing my ears.

I gripped my water glass tightly, nails digging into my palm, yet I felt no pain.

My stomach churned violently. The few bites of bread I'd forced down earlier felt like stones lodged inside.

They ate for a long time, their behavior growing increasingly intimate.

When they finally got up to leave, Lucas actually bent down and kissed Jane's forehead—so tenderly.

After they left, I immediately drove home.

I burst through the door, not even bothering to change my shoes, and rushed straight to the bathroom.

Kneeling by the toilet, I vomited up all the nausea I'd held back at the restaurant.

Why?

When your business failed and you were drowning in debt, I stayed up late with you figuring out solutions, desperately taking on projects to pay back the money. Have you forgotten those days?

Now that life has finally stabilized and the debt is almost paid off...

The sound of keys turning.

Lucas was home.

Hearing the commotion, he ran to the bathroom door and saw my state. He froze for a moment.

Then his face filled with familiar concern. "Vivian? Why are you throwing up? Did you eat something bad?"

He crouched down, his warm palm patting my back with gentle motions, his tone anxious.

Completely different from the man who'd just been in that restaurant with his arm around another woman, speaking such heartless words.

I lifted my head and looked at this face I'd loved for nearly ten years.

"Lucas, that twenty thousand—where did you spend it?"