Chapter 5

Daphne kept her expression neutral as she found an excuse. "Nothing special. There's too much stuff at home, so I packed up some things we don't use. I'm donating them to the orphanage."

"That's nice," Luke replied simply before stepping through the door.

His reaction made Daphne smile bitterly to herself.

He really didn't care.

The packages on the delivery truck were packed in clear bags. If he had paid even the slightest attention, he would have noticed that the so-called "things we don't use" were actually gifts and keepsakes that belonged to the two of them.

Inside the house, many things were obviously missing, yet Luke didn't seem to notice at all. His eyes remained fixed on his phone, engrossed in conversation.

Was he texting Seraphine?

He had missed their anniversary, and perhaps feeling guilty, had tried to make up for it by showering her with gifts.

But on that very same day, Daphne had seen a new post from Seraphine on Instagram.

[Massive clearance sale! My boyfriend gave me way too many gifts, so I told him to take some back and sell them off. I'm such a thrifty and practical girlfriend! (P.S. Of course, I only got rid of the ones I didn't like.)]

Daphne let out a soft laugh. Then, without hesitation, she dumped every single gift into the trash.

Something in her stirred.

So the next time Luke told her he had plans for dinner, she asked who he was meeting.

At first, he remained calm. But when she said she wanted to join him, his expression changed.

Left with no choice, he admitted, "Seraphine came back last month. We never got around to meeting up, so some of us old friends thought we'd throw a little welcome dinner for her. It's really just a friendly gathering—nothing else."

Luke seemed eager to explain, but Daphne cut him off. "Of course. You and Seraphine are just friends. So as your girlfriend, wouldn't it be natural for me to join you in welcoming her?"

For a moment, he wasn't sure if she was being sincere. But looking into her calm, unwavering gaze, he couldn't find a way to refuse.

So, reluctantly, he agreed.

At the restaurant, Daphne spotted Seraphine right away. She was radiant, full of energy, the kind of woman who commanded attention without trying.

"Luke, you're here!"

She greeted him warmly, throwing her arms around him in a casual embrace. Then, as if only just noticing Daphne, she quickly waved with an apologetic smile.

"Oh! Daphne, you're here too. I was just so excited I didn't see you. You don't mind, right?"

Daphne gave a light smile. "Not at all."

"That's good. I was worried that since Luke and I are so close, you might misunderstand." Seraphine's voice carried a hint of smugness.

Once they were seated, Daphne finally saw just how much Luke cared about Seraphine.

He knew all of her preferences—every dish he picked for her was exactly what she liked. He paid attention to her every need, acting like a perfect gentleman. Meanwhile, his actual girlfriend might as well have been invisible.

Daphne suddenly felt suffocated. She needed fresh air.

The moment she stepped outside, Seraphine followed.

She ran her fingers along the violet gemstone necklace around her neck, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"This necklace is worth 700 thousand dollars," she said. "Do you know why I didn't even have to put in any effort to get this?"

Daphne's expression remained unreadable. "Why?"

Seraphine smiled sweetly. "Because Luke wanted to give it to me. You know, I think I'm really happy right now. So happy that I wouldn't even mind dying like this."

Daphne's lips curled into a small smile. "Is that so? Congratulations."

Just then, Luke appeared, looking slightly concerned. "What are you two talking about?"

Seraphine turned to him with an easy smile. "Luke, don't worry. I was just having a chat with Daphne."

Luke hesitated for a moment before heading back inside.

The moment he was gone, Seraphine's expression shifted. Gone was the delicate, innocent girl. In her place was someone crueler.

"Daphne, don't delude yourself," she said coldly. "Even if Luke and I hadn't spoken in years, I've always been the one he truly cares about."

Without a word, Daphne reached into her bag and discreetly switched on her recorder.

"You love Luke that much?" she asked, her voice light. Daphne knew perfectly well that Seraphine was the kind of person who played both sides. Now that Luke wasn't around, she no longer bothered to hide her true colors.

Seraphine scoffed. "Love? He's just a backup plan. But he's completely obsessed with me. I dumped him once, and still, all I have to do is crook my finger, and he'll come running back like a loyal little dog."

Daphne's expression didn't change. "Aren't you afraid I'll tell him what you just said?"

Seraphine smirked. "And you think he'd believe you? You and I both know that no matter what happens between us, he will always take my side."

Daphne's breath hitched for a second.

She knew it was true.

Even if she told Luke everything, he wouldn't believe her.

Just then, he called out to them again.

Seraphine instantly switched back to her sweet, demure self. "Daphne, I had such a great time chatting with you! Let's go back inside together."

Daphne said nothing.

Luke glanced at her, as if trying to read something in her expression.

But Daphne's face was calm, giving nothing away.