Chapter 1

It was almost early morning when Jeremy returned home.

"Sorry I got back so late, Nina. There was some traffic when I took Sonia home," he put down his camera bag and explained softly.

"I was planning to call a few friends over to witness our proposal, but it's already so late. We should just… postpone the proposal to another time."

"No need," I answered flatly, my eyes not leaving the computer screen.

His movements paused, and he frowned slightly.

"Are you mad, Nina? Things happen sometimes. Besides, we've been together for seven years. A few more days won't make any difference."

Jeremy took out a box of ravioli and gave me an apologetic smile.

"A little gift to make it up to you."

The ravioli was still warm, from the place we loved most before we moved here.

I opened the box and smelled pepper.

Cilantro was sprinkled on top, but there was no parsley.

It was Sonia's preferred taste.

I put the lid back on the ravioli and pushed it aside, then said calmly, "Jeremy, I never eat cilantro."

Jeremy was stunned, then slapped his forehead in annoyance.

"My bad. I was in such a hurry that I mistook Sonia's takeout for yours. Why don't you go to bed first? I'll take this to Sonia right away. If she doesn't get the one with cilantro, she'll definitely throw a fit."

I was stunned. I almost couldn't believe what I just heard.

"You're taking it to her now?"

He nodded, not seeing anything wrong with that.

"Yeah, it's just a quick trip."

Sonia lived twenty kilometers away, so driving there and back would take an hour.

Jeremy, a person who hated wasting time, thought it was just a quick trip.

I took a few deep breaths and forcibly swallowed the angry questions that were about to burst forth from my mouth.

Noticing my expression, Jeremy blinked.

"Nina, you're not… jealous of your best friend, are you?"

Having been together for so many years, I should trust him.

After graduation, I became a lawyer and was so busy every day that I barely had time to eat.

Jeremy had flexible work hours, so I left all the household chores to him.

One time, a friend came to our home for dinner. When he saw Jeremy doing the dishes, he teased Jeremy for doing all the chores I should be doing.

That time, Jeremy almost fell out with the friend.

"What do you mean, the chores Nina should be doing? Being a lawyer has always been her dream. I'm her boyfriend, so it's my duty to wholeheartedly support her."

Back then, I thought we would live happily ever after.

"…If you mind me going alone, we can go together."

Before Jeremy was done speaking, my phone suddenly rang.

It was Sonia.

Her voice was very weak.

"Nina, I think I have a fever… I feel awful. Can you—"

Before I could even say anything, Jeremy snatched the phone from me.

"A fever?! I told you to cover yourself up at the beach, but you wouldn't listen, so serve you right. Wait for me, I'm coming over!"

He rushed out of the house and got into the car.

Just as he was about to start the car, I opened the passenger door and got in.

He looked stunned, as if he had suddenly recalled that I existed. A trace of embarrassment appeared on his face.

"It's so late. Why don't you go to bed, Nina? I can go by myself."

I looked at him expressionlessly.

"Sonia is my friend."

The man fell silent.

The moment the door opened, Jeremy immediately rushed in.

"How are you feeling, Sonia? Are you still nauseous?"

Sonia's cheeks were red from fever. Curled up in the covers, she whimpered, "My head is killing me, Jeremy… I'll definitely wear more clothes next time."

Jeremy frowned, his eyes full of pain.

"You never listen. You always dress for style and not warmth for photoshoots. See what happens when you do that? Hurry up and take your medicine. I'll stay here and watch over you tonight."

Sonia nodded obediently and smiled sweetly.

"You're so kind. I appreciate you, Jeremy."

Standing at the door, I suddenly felt like a third wheel.

So I turned around and walked out. I then replied to the text my father sent me half an hour ago.

"Dad, I'm willing to transfer to the law firm in Seaborough."