Chapter 2

Just then, my advisor called. "Anna, this chance to study abroad is really rare. I hope you'll think it over carefully before turning it down."

For a med student, studying abroad was the kind of chance people fought tooth and nail for. I cleared my dry, exhausted throat and spoke softly. "Professor, I'll go."

"Good. I'm glad you've finally come around. You'll fly to Ameland in seven days. It's a pity you won't be able to spend Christmas with your family. Make sure you say your goodbyes."

I nodded, then quietly turned off my phone.

Not long after the call ended, the door opened. Jonathan walked in carrying several luxury shopping bags. When he saw me sitting on the couch—hair a mess, eyes red and swollen—he froze. "Honey, why are you crying?"

It was still those deep, gentle eyes. Still that low, tender voice. And yet, in that moment, everything felt different.

As tears spilled over, I caught the flicker of panic and concern in his eyes. For a split second, I thought maybe he still loves me and maybe I could give him one more chance.

"I finished my program early," I said. "I can move to Harborville and be with you now."

Jonathan was shocked, and his expression froze for a split second.

I didn't press him. I pretended not to notice. "Or you could come back to Beimora," I said softly. "I don't want to do long distance anymore."

He recovered quickly, smoothed over his emotions, and pulled me into his arms. "Honey, once the Harborville branch is up and running, I'll move back to Beimora. I'll stay with you every day. Just don't get tired of me when that happens."

His large hand cupped my cheek and wiped away my tears. He comforted me like I was a little kid throwing a tantrum, his voice full of affection. "Alright, don't cry anymore. I brought you a bunch of gifts. Go on, open them."

Watching Jonathan happily arrange the gifts in front of me, there was no sweetness in my heart—only a bitter taste that lingered.

Every single item could be found in Lucy's Instagram posts from the past year. I remembered her captions, each one showing off how much her husband adored and pampered her.

They said a man's money went where his heart was. Jonathan's heart, it seemed, could be split clean in two.

"Do you like them?" he asked.

I just nodded and started to head for the bedroom, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me into his arms. His warm breath brushed against my ear. The air between us thickened. "Honey, I missed you. I want you."

As he spoke, his lips grazed my neck. My body stiffened instantly, and I turned my head away before he could kiss me. "Go take a shower first," I said.

Jonathan chuckled and said, "Alright. Such a neat little kitten." He ruffled my hair before heading toward the bathroom.

I went to the kitchen, poured half a glass of milk, and broke half a sleeping pill into it.

When Jonathan came out of the shower, toweling his hair dry, he said casually, "Since Christmas is coming up, let's not go to Ameland this year. We'll just stay in Beimora and spend it with your parents."

I nodded and handed him the milk, my tone flat. "Finish the rest of the milk. I'm going to shower."

He took the glass and drained it in one go.

I stayed in the bathroom, staring at my phone screen. When enough time had passed, I stepped out. Jonathan was already fast asleep.

I unlocked his phone and opened his WhatsApp. His chat history with Lucy was almost completely blank. The only app that stood out was his Threads account.

I tapped into his profile, my fingers trembling as I gripped the phone. It felt like a dull blade was slicing at my heart, again and again.