Chapter 3

Late at night, when Samuel pulled back the covers and got into bed, I was already in a deep sleep. In a dreamy haze, I felt a pair of warm hands wrap around my waist, followed by Samuel's solid chest pressing against my back. In the past, I would have immediately turned around to embrace him, letting myself melt into his arms. But tonight, I stayed put, continuing to sleep with my back to him. After a while, I felt him move away.

Without my response, Samuel eventually loosened his grip and quietly turned away. When I woke the next morning, the side of the bed next to me was already empty. Opening the bedroom door, I noticed breakfast laid out on the dining table. I looked up just as Samuel emerged from the kitchen holding two cups of coffee.

"Awake? Freshen up and have some breakfast," he said.

I was surprised. Since being with Samuel, I had never eaten a breakfast he prepared. Every morning, I would grab a quick muffin and rush to work. Yet, I often saw in Kaia's social media posts the breakfasts Samuel brought her—sometimes a gourmet croissant sandwich, sometimes tasty shrimp rolls, or an omelet with a heart drawn on it.

I had protested before, asking why his girlfriend couldn’t get such treatment while another woman could easily. But at the time, he merely glanced up with an unreadable look.

"Kaia's not well; she needs to eat better. How can you compare yourself to her?" he had said dismissively.

I never brought up breakfast again after that.

I quickly freshened up and sat down at the table. Under Samuel’s expectant gaze, I took a bite of the croissant sandwich he made. It was delicious. But it felt ironic that this happy moment came when I was feeling so disheartened.

"Is it good?" Samuel's eyes shone brightly.

I nodded blankly. "You did well."

"That's great... Indy, maybe we could finish taking those wedding photos. We still have one set left from yesterday..."

I set down the sandwich and wiped my mouth. "I'm quite busy these days, probably won’t have time. Let's talk about it later."

Samuel's face visibly fell, and he grabbed my arm as I started to rise. "Then let me drive you to work. It's rare we leave together."

Before I could refuse, he tightened his grasp, picked up my purse, and led me toward the door. Just as we were about to step out, Kaia's call came through. Samuel glanced at the caller ID, then looked at me, his brows furrowed tightly. In the end, he released my hand and took the call.

From the other side, Kaia's voice drifted in. "Sam, I can't find the meds I usually take. Do you remember where we put them last time? If I don't take them today, I'm afraid my condition will flare up again."

Hearing the meds were missing, Samuel looked panicked. "How could this happen? Don't worry; I'll come over soon to help you find them."

As those words left his mouth, he suddenly noticed my presence. His grip on the phone tightened, and his eyes met mine, revealing his thoughts.

"You heard her; Kaia needs me," he said.

I smiled, nodding. "Go ahead. I've commuted alone before."

Samuel's eyes showed a brief flash of bewilderment, his expression somewhat surprised. "You're not mad?"

I shook my head calmly and took back my purse. "Go on, Kaia's waiting for you."

After Samuel left, I closed the door behind him, not heading to work, but instead retreating to the study. Because just during breakfast, I received a response from the new company—they had reviewed my resume and invited me for an interview.