Chapter 3

I stared at that text, and my heart couldn't stop aching.

Levi and I have been together for so many years, but we have never taken that most intimate step.

Levi said, "Stella, you are the most precious person to me. I would never offend you before we get married."

I have always been touched by Levi's respect, but now, I only feel helpless.

I looked at the photo over and over again like self-torment, until I couldn't feel the pain coming from my heart anymore.

I turned off the screen and put Levi's phone back where it was.

When Levi came back, he saw me sitting there blankly and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"

I shook my head gently, and Levi handed me the strawberry cake he had just ordered.

"Don't think about those worries. Here, their strawberry cake is delicious, you should try it."

I didn't move, and just said softly, "I'm allergic to strawberries."

Levi doesn't eat strawberry cake.

Without thinking, I knew he must have brought Ruby here before.

Levi's face changed instantly. He was about to say something when he saw me speak to a waiter nearby.

"Hello, please change my order to a chocolate cake."

Levi was stunned.

He suddenly remembered the last time he misremembered my preferences, and I was very angry.

It took him a whole week to appease me.

At this moment, I turned back, and only calmness was on my delicate face.

"I just looked at the menu. How about trying the escargots gratin?"

My calm appearance made Levi feel uneasy.

Levi suppressed the uneasiness in his heart and said softly, "Stella, tomorrow is our 16th anniversary. How about we have a celebration party?"

I was a little lost in thought; sixteen years had taken up the majority of my life so far.

Just for a moment, I met Levi's gentle gaze and nodded.

After dinner, Levi drove me back to my apartment.

Back in the apartment, I looked at my belongings, found a black trash bag, and stuffed everything inside.

As I went downstairs, I was surprised to find Levi still standing there, having not left.

Our eyes met, and Levi spoke first: "What's all this?"

My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly said, "Some useless stuff."

Levi reached out his hand to me: "Give it here, I'll throw it away for you."

I looked at him and suddenly smiled: "Thanks."

Things he personally gave me are being personally discarded by him.

Levi threw the things into the trash can and then said, "Throw away anything you don't want. I'll earn money and buy you more and better things."

I chuckled. Those were indeed things I didn't want, but I wouldn't need him to buy them in the future.

I didn't want to dwell on these things, so I casually asked, "Why haven't you left yet?"

Before Levi could answer, a female voice rang out behind us.

"Hello, are you Levi? Ruby asked me to give you these clothes. They're all brand new."

I instinctively looked over and saw that the transparent bag was filled with all kinds of hospital uniforms.

I felt a stab in my heart, and a popular phrase popped into my head: role-playing.

Levi took the clothes from the girl's hand, a hint of heat flashing in his eyes, and then explained.

"Ruby and her brother recently invested in some medical films, and they need these."

I looked at him and suddenly felt that this man, who had been with me for sixteen years, seemed so unfamiliar.

I suppressed my disgust and said, "I understand."

Levi threw the clothes into the car, turned his head, and said, "Then I'll go first. I'll pick you up tomorrow."

Watching him leave so eagerly, my eyes filled with more indifference.

I turned around and entered the apartment.

The next day, the sun was shining brightly.

Levi was waiting at the gate on time.

I opened the passenger seat door and was met with Ruby dressed in professional attire.

She waved at me, sporting a striking hickey on her neck.

"Stella, I begged Levi for a long time to get him to agree to let me go to the banquet with you guys."

Levi's thin lips were tightly pressed, his face cold, and his tone held a hint of warning.

"Why are you sitting in the passenger seat? This is Stella's spot. Go to the back!"

Ruby was startled by him, looking somewhat aggrieved: "Levi, I feel a little carsick..."

Levi's face grew even more unpleasant.

Didn’t want to watch them act in front of me, I spoke up: "It's okay, I'll just sit in the back."