Chapter 3

I couldn't believe it!

"You want me to make it?"

"Obviously. There are only three of us here. I need to take care of him. If you don't make it, who will?"

My brow trembled as I struggled to suppress the collapse inside me, feeling my heart slowly shatter.

"Hurry up!" Billson urged impatiently.

I took a deep breath and rubbed my stinging eyes.

"Just order delivery."

That sentence was like poking a hornet's nest. Billson snapped.

"What do you mean? I'm asking you to make one bowl of borscht, and you're acting all wronged about it!"

"Alright, alright, don't be angry!"

Claude grabbed Billson's hand.

"Since Guy doesn't want to make it, let's not force him."

"After all, I'm nothing to him. He has no obligation to take care of me."

Billson suddenly stepped forward and forcefully pulled me into the kitchen.

"It's just one bowl of soup. How much time could it possibly take? Now, immediately, right this instant, make it."

This was like the final straw that broke the camel's back. My heart completely shattered. I couldn't help thinking of my mother. I clenched my fists.

Billson froze for a moment, then released my hand in disgust.

"Fine, fine. You can leave. I don't need you to make it anymore."

I felt waves of suffocation as I dragged my feet toward the exit.

"Guy seems a bit off. His face is completely pale."

"I'm fine. I can't let myself affect your relationship."

Billson laughed coldly. "Don't mind him. He's just faking it. I'll order you delivery."

I dragged myself into the car, as if all my strength had been drained, gasping for breath.

In that moment, I didn't want anything except to be with my mother.

I drove to the cemetery.

Kristian stood before my mother's grave. Seeing me, she rushed over to support me.

"Why do you look so terrible? Are you sick?"

I shook my head, my voice hoarse.

"Why are you here?"

"My heart wasn't at peace. I came to keep the teacher company."

I fell silent. Kristian and I stayed with my mother all afternoon.

The cemetery lights came on. Kristian said, "Let's go. Get something to eat."

"Mm!"

At the restaurant, we ran into Billson and Claude.

"Guy, you rushed off just to meet her?"

Billson's face darkened as she pointed at Kristian and questioned me.

Before I could speak, Kristian explained.

"You've misunderstood. Guy and I ran into each other at the cemetery."

Billson laughed coldly.

"Having a date at the cemetery—how discreet. No wonder I never noticed."

"Tell me, how long have you two been sneaking around together?"