Chapter 2

Kylo's POV

I didn't buy the cake. Instead, I went home alone and started packing my stuff. I threw the extra toothbrush, the charcoal-gray towel, and the rinse cup from the bathroom sink straight into the trash.

No matter where I lived, I always kept two sets of toiletries. I had always believed Cindy would one day show up in Southlake out of the blue and surprise me. That was why I stubbornly left half the space for her.

Now that she had finally visited, the surprise turned out not to be for me.

Cindy never came home that night. I saw another new post from Eugene's social media account.

"The one perk of being sick is having someone stay up until 2:00 am to watch a movie with you."

The photo showed a movie playing on a projector screen. Beside it was a woman's profile, her gaze attentive on the film, her expression gentle and absorbed.

It was the movie I had wanted to watch. I had mentioned it to Cindy countless times, but she had brushed it off every time because it sounded boring.

I gave Eugene's post a like.

Three minutes later, a message from Cindy popped up. "Get ready and come downstairs. It's Grandma's 80th birthday today. I'll pick you up on the way to Newman Estate."

According to our original plan, today was the day we were supposed to announce our engagement to the Newman family.

When I went downstairs, Eugene was already sitting in the front passenger seat in Cindy's car. He was holding a steaming latte in one hand while idly twirling a key to Cindy's apartment with the other.

Hanging from the keyring was a good luck knot I had woven by hand. A coffee stain had soaked into its braided cords.

He turned to me with a smile. "Hey, Eugene. You won't mind if I hitch a ride, will you?"

Cindy put on a song Eugene liked. "He just got over his fever. I don't feel comfortable leaving him home alone, so I'm bringing him along to Newman Estate to get some fresh air. He's still recovering—practically still weak. You can sit in the back."

30 minutes later, we arrived at Newman Estate.

Eugene eagerly unbuckled his seatbelt. "I can already smell the food."

He naturally walked over to Cindy's side, and the two of them headed inside shoulder to shoulder. I followed several steps behind them, like an insignificant tagalong.

When we entered the main hall, Mrs. Newman Senior was seated in the carved wooden armchair at the center of the room. "Oh, Cindy. Come on over and let me see your boyfriend."

Eugene obediently stepped forward. "Happy birthday, Mrs. Newman Senior. May your life be filled with countless blessings."

Mrs. Newman Senior smiled and patted his hand. "Isn't this the young man you brought home last year, Cindy? He's such a handsome man. No wonder she's always talking about you."

The relatives who knew the truth exchanged awkward glances. Then, almost in unison, their eyes drifted toward me. I simply picked up my cup and took a sip of the water.

Last New Year's Eve, I sat alone in Northking in front of a table full of cold holiday dishes.

Cindy had called to say there was a major problem with one of her projects and that the entire team was pulling an all-nighter at the office.

Who would've thought this was the all-nighter she meant? She had taken Eugene home to meet her family instead.

Mrs. Newman Senior slipped a flawless gold bangle off her wrist and gently slid it onto Eugene's. "This has been passed down to the eldest grandson-in-law of the Newman family. Today, I'm giving it to you."

"Cindy, she…" Eugene protested. "I couldn't possibly accept this. Mrs. Newman Senior, you've mistaken me for someone else."

Even though he said that, he made no move to take the bangle off.

Instead of clearing the air, Cindy leaned close and whispered in my ear, "Kylo, just let Eugene wear it for now. After the birthday banquet, I'll have him give it back to you. Be nice today, and don't throw a tantrum."

I shook my head. "You don't need to give it back."

She paused, a flicker of approval crossing her face. "I'm glad you see it that way. It actually looks great on Eugene. I'll buy you another one next time."

I set my cup down. The others were having premium roasted tea—Eugene's favorite. Even Mrs. Newman Senior had remembered his preference.

This was my first time stepping into the Newman family's territory, yet Eugene had been a familiar guest.

"Since the bangle's already given to him, let him keep it," I said. "We're over, Cindy."