Chapter 2

The next day, I went to buy some gifts for Aunt Jenny. I wanted to thank her for looking out for me over the years.

When the parcel arrived later that evening, I ran into Soren downstairs.

To my surprise, he was with Thea. With grocery bags in their hands, they walked into the apartment, chatting and giggling like an actual couple living together.

I paled. Clutching the parcel in my arms, I struggled to force down the bile in my throat.

Aunt Jenny also saw what happened. Her eyes widened in shock.

Just as she was about to storm toward them, I grabbed her hand and shook my head.

"Forget it, Aunt Jenny," I murmured.

"Lyra, I'd been skeptical when you told me Soren fell in love with someone else yesterday," she barked, her voice rising with rage. "But now—look at how close he is with another woman! You should leave him. I support you!"

Soren also spotted us. He hurried over and quickly explained, "Lyra, don't get the wrong idea. The neighborhood Thea used to live in has reports of a stalker, and it wasn't safe. So I just helped her move into a new place today. That's all."

I was unfazed. I didn't respond to his explanation and simply instructed the delivery workers to carry the parcel upstairs.

Seeing this, Soren seemed to assume I hadn't misunderstood. He let out a breath of relief.

"Lyra, once things settle down, let's go horseback riding in the countryside," he said with a smile. "I remember how much you love it.

"The stables aren't far from here. You can go whenever you want."

He had no idea I was leaving soon—not that I planned to tell him anyway.

I met his gaze calmly. In the past six years, his eyes used to be full of affection whenever he looked at me.

Now, all I saw was feigned concern and diffidence.

I shook my head, a wry smile tugging at my lips.

"No need, Soren. I probably won't have any time soon."

Surprise flickered across his face. He hadn't expected me to turn him down.

"Soren, I'm getting a little tired," Thea suddenly called out. "Can we go back?"

He immediately turned to her, looking concerned. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Shaking her head, she murmured, "I've just had a long day. I'm a little exhausted."

He spun around and said, "I'll take Thea upstairs and come back down later."

Without waiting for my response, he left with her.

As I watched them leave, a wave of mixed emotions washed over me. The man who once cared for me so deeply now gave all his attention to another woman.

Quivering with rage, Aunt Jenny hissed, "That bastard! How could he treat you like this?"

I patted her hand gently. "Aunt Jenny, don't be angry. He's not worth it."

The elevator doors closed. Staring at the tightly shut door, I fell into a daze, as if I were looking at a reflection of my past self.

I used to believe that love could overcome anything, but reality had slapped me hard in the face. Love wasn't everything.

As Soren and Thea disappeared behind those doors, the dull ache in my chest ceased.

I took a deep breath and turned to Aunt Jenny. "Let's go."

She looked at me, clearly sorry for what I had to go through. "Lyra, have you really let him go?"

I smiled, determination flashing in my eyes. "Aunt Jenny, I've made up my mind. I'm ready to start a new life."

Once we got upstairs, I sent Soren a message asking when he'd be coming back.

But instead of him, I got a voice reply from Thea.

"He's helping me sort out the wiring in my new place. He might be a bit late."

The smugness in her sweet voice was unmistakable.

I was just about to leave when another message from her popped up.

"Lyra, don't overthink. Soren and I are just friends. I didn't have anyone else to help me, so I turned to him.

"If you want to blame someone, blame me. Don't take it out on Soren."

She played the victim so well, like she was truly worried I'd misunderstand.

Moments later, she sent another message.

"Soren's afraid you'll get the wrong idea, so he's going back soon. Just wait a little, okay?"

I let out a bitter smile, but deep inside, I felt nothing.

Right then, Soren called.

As soon as I picked up, his slightly accusatory voice came through.

"Lyra, why were you so harsh toward Thea? She's just moved in. She doesn't know anyone here, so I was only trying to help. Do you really have to be so petty?"

I froze. That was unexpected.

"Soren, I'm not being petty," I replied airily. "I already left."

He frowned and brought up the incident at the Christmas party. "You were cold to her back then too. You know how delicate she is, right? The way you acted made her feel like you didn't like her."

I apologized for making her uncomfortable and told him to pass on my apologies. Then, I hung up.