Chapter 2

My godmother happened to come downstairs just as I arrived, and caught sight of everything. Her expression instantly turned cold.

Before she could say anything, I cut in first. "Did the gifts get delivered?"

I never once looked at Jack. But for once, he tried to explain, unprompted. "Don't get the wrong idea. Emily just got back from Galoria. I was just helping her get a few things she needed. Why did you order so much stuff?"

While directing the driver to unload the packages, I answered calmly, "You don't need to explain your personal life to me. These are from my parents. I'm not sure when I'll see my godmother again."

Jack visibly relaxed when he realized I wasn't going to press him further.

He still didn't know I was leaving, and I didn't care to tell him.

My godmother looked like she was about to say something too, but the moment she noticed how gently Jack was guiding Emily, her face darkened.

For a few seconds, we all stood there awkwardly. Then, Emily cooed, "Darling, we should head back upstairs..."

Jack turned to the driver and said, "Hold on with the boxes. We'll take the elevator up first. We don't have much stuff."

Looking at the suggestive shopping bag in his hand, I stepped aside with a cold expression.

As the elevator doors closed, my thoughts were dragged back to the past.

Back then, when my godmother had just moved, he had been just as attentive, running errands for me and helping out with everything.

He carried my luggage into his apartment, smiling as he said he was welcoming the future lady of the house.

My godmother sighed, still lingering in disbelief. "You really don't want me to talk to him? You've known each other so long. If this is just a misunderstanding, it would be such a waste."

"There's no need for that. He doesn't let misunderstandings last overnight. If he doesn't explain, that is the explanation."

I paused, then smiled bitterly. "He says he doesn't care that I wasn't born into nobility, but he's never once brought me into his world. The truth is that he has always minded."

My godmother gave my shoulder a light squeeze, trying to comfort me.

Jack and Emily didn't have many things—one trip was enough.

Even so, by the time I finished saying goodbye to my godmother, he was nowhere in sight downstairs.

Out of old time's sake, I texted him, "When will you be home?"

The reply came in a voice message. It wasn't from Jack, but from Emily, and her voice was sweet. "Laura, Jack is helping me hang curtains right now. The place hasn't been lived in for a while, so there's a lot to do. You should just head home. I don't want to waste your time!"

I was about to power off my phone when she added, "Don't overthink it, okay? Jack just feels bad that I'm all alone in Frosa..."

That was when it hit me. From the very beginning, Jack and I were never truly equals. No matter how hard I tried, the ending would have been the same.

I didn't reply. I just closed the chat.

A few minutes later, Jack called. "Why were you so cold to Emily? She's my first love. Of course I'm helping her settle in.

"When did you become so petty, Laura? You acted all distant and left early on Valentine's Day, and now this?"

In the background, I could hear Emily's aggrieved sobs.

I finally saw through her act. But I was too tired to play along anymore.

"You're right. It's my fault. I'm already home. Don't worry about me," I said.

Outside the window, the city glowed in dazzling colors. But in those familiar streets, all I could see were echoes of the life Jack and I once shared.

Before I even realized it, I had arrived downstairs at his place.

I stared up at that window, imagining he had probably already taken off his shirt, holding Emily close, tangled up in each other…