Love Has Become an Empty Memory

That morning, Daphne had scrolled through her feed and come across a new post.There was a photo of an open gift box, brimming with expensive presents. The caption read: [My boyfriend always buys me random things. Most of them are fine, but this scarf is hideous. Might as well tie it around the dog's neck!]So this was the scarf Luke had given her—one that Seraphine had discarded like trash, something only fit for a dog.Just like all the other gifts. Ever since Seraphine returned, he had been giving Daphne presents more frequently. At first, she had thought it was love. But now she understood—these were the things Seraphine didn't want. And yet, she had treated them like treasures. She had held onto them and cherished them. She had convinced herself they meant something. Until she saw Seraphine's posts. One after another. And finally, she woke up from her dream. "What's wrong, Daphne? You don't like it?" Daphne tucked the scarf away and forced a faint smile. "I like it.

The attached photo showed Luke holding Seraphine close, his gaze fixed on her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.Daphne took a deep breath and dialed his number.It rang for a long time before he picked up. "What's wrong, Daphne?" His voice was hoarse, as if he had been busy with something."Are you coming home tonight?""Luke, don't..."Suddenly, a soft, sultry voice drifted through the receiver, rich with teasing intimacy. Daphne froze, nausea rising in waves.There was a brief, fumbling silence before Luke shifted the phone away, his tone suddenly uneasy. "I'll probably be working late. Don't wait up."And then he hung up.Daphne forced herself to drink several gulps of water, but the nausea wouldn't fade. She rushed to the bathroom and dry-heaved until the sickness finally dulled to a distant ache.In all the time they had been together, Luke had barely touched her. She had never seen him lose control around her.Now, she understood.It was never abou

The three of them stepped back into the club.Just then, a waiter pushed in a massive bouquet of red roses. "Mr. Hardy, here are the 999 roses you ordered for Miss Seraphine Cox."In that instant, the atmosphere shifted.Luke's expression darkened first. Nine hundred ninety-nine roses symbolized an all-consuming love—anyone witnessing such a grand gesture would read into it. He stole a glance at Daphne, a flicker of unease in his eyes, but she remained unfazed."Daphne, don't misunderstand. This is just to welcome Seraphine back—""I know. You don't have to explain." Daphne smiled. Her reaction was so calm that even Luke hesitated, momentarily thrown off. Lately, he'd felt something off about Daphne—she was too serene, so at ease it was as if she had stopped caring altogether.Her gaze drifted to the enormous bouquet, then she recalled the flowers Luke had casually bought her at a roadside stall a few days ago. One was exquisite and luxurious; the other, careless and perfunct

That night, Luke didn't come home.Daphne's phone was flooded with messages from him. Not a single one showed concern—only blame.[Daphne, Seraphine was admitted to the hospital with angina because of you. Get a gift and apologize now!][Daphne, you're not an unreasonable or selfish girl. Don't make me disappointed in you!][Daphne, answer me! I'll wait until tonight. Don't make me come back and drag you here myself!]Luke came home at ten.He stormed in, his expression dark, and yanked Daphne off the bed with a rough grip. His face was ice cold."Why didn't you reply?" His voice was sharp, demanding. "Get up. You're coming with me to the hospital to apologize.""I'm not going. I didn't hit her."Daphne struggled, trying to pull her hand free, but the difference in strength between them was too great. There was no way she could break away."You never used to treat me like this… But ever since Seraphine came back, you've changed."No matter what happened before, he had always

On the other side of the city, Luke had spent two days at Seraphine's place. It was already the third night when he finally returned home.He had chronic stomach problems. In the past, Daphne would always prepare a warm, soothing broth for him. But tonight, the kitchen was silent.The entire house was dark.Was she upset again?The lights flickered on, revealing an empty living room. The only thing that stood out was the pile of objects arranged neatly on the coffee table.A sense of unease crept into his chest."Daphne?" he called out.No response.He called again, then again, but the silence remained.Pushing open the bedroom door, he switched on the light. The bed was empty.The window was wide open, the curtains billowing in the night breeze.Something was wrong.Scanning the room, he realized that many of her belongings were missing. The space felt hollow, stripped of warmth.A sudden panic gripped him.It was an unfamiliar sensation—like something precious slipping