Chapter 4

Rosalie and Ethan chatted away while watching the movie, whereas I didn't know the name of the movie even after it ended.

I had traveled 14 hours by train and only had some instant food. I didn't have an appetite when I was completely exhausted.

Once the movie was over, Ethan suddenly stood up and ordered, "Come in now."

As soon as he said that, a few workers came into the room, holding LED signs and wheeling in a cake.

The cake was about half a person's height. It looked just like one from the movie, exquisite and delicate.

Chocolate figurines were placed on each layer. The chocolate figurines were miniature versions of Ethan and Rosalie.

On top of the cake, the two figurines were hugging and looking at each other affectionately.

"Rosalie, happy birthday," Ethan said gently. It was so gentle that it felt unreal.

I looked at Rosalie eagerly, hoping that she would reject Ethan or consider my feelings.

But she blushed and thanked Ethan softly. Then, she closed her eyes and clasped her hands together, looking sincere.

The faint glow of the candlelight made her cold face appear softer than before.

A tender smile tugged at her lips.

It had only been half a day, but she was smiling more than I had ever seen in the past few years. I couldn't help but think if I was part of the wishes she made.

Then, I glanced at Ethan, who stood next to me.

Both of them were prodigies, and they were perfect for each other.

Meanwhile, I was just an ordinary, poor student.

I had been holding on to an unrealistic dream before this, but when I saw the cake, I finally realized the vast gap between Ethan and me.

It was a huge gap that I could never cross. One slip-up, and everything would be over for me.

Rosalie opened her eyes. As she blew out the candles, my feelings for her faded into nothing.

Ethan clapped gently. I pulled myself together and clapped too.

He stepped forward and touched the cake with a finger. Then, he tapped Rosalie's forehead. "This is a blessing for you."

Rosalie didn't dodge him. Grinning, she took a piece of cake and smudged the cream on his cheek.

The two kept teasing each other while ignoring me.

I desperately hoped I could disappear on the spot.

"Alright. It's time to check out your gift." Ethan took a box out of the chest pocket.

My chest tightened when he opened it up.

It was a necklace, and the diamond on the pendant sparkled in the light.

It was much better than the gift I had prepared.

"Rosalie, I always think you need something around your neck. I had someone customize this, and I hope you'll like it."

A shy smile crossed his face. "I thought it wouldn't look nice if the diamond was too big. This is a three-carat diamond. I hope you don't mind it."

I had no idea how much a three-carat diamond necklace cost, but he made it sound as though he had randomly picked up a stone from the roadside.

I clutched the gift box in my pocket.

I had worked as a deliveryman for half a year just to buy this gift. I delivered food after class every day. Sometimes, I even worked past midnight.

Something I valued so much seemed like an embarrassment now.

"Oh, right. Where is your gift for Rosalie? Show it to us." Ethan suddenly grabbed my arm.

I was caught off guard, and the box slipped out of my pocket. The gold necklace I had bought after deliberating for a long time fell to the ground like a piece of trash.

I was stunned, and the air around us went still.

I took a deep breath, bent over, and put the necklace into the box without saying a word.

It was unusual to see Rosalie looking nervous. She strode toward me and called out, "Henry…"

She sounded like she had done something wrong.

I straightened my back and met Ethan's eyes.

He arched a brow and said, "I'm sorry. I'll pay you back. It's just a gold necklace."

Although he was apologizing, he didn't seem sorry at all.

Expressionless, I glanced at Rosalie, who was next to him.

Then, I turned around and left.

"Henry!" Rosalie followed me to the door and grabbed my arm. "I'm sorry."

Her breathing was slightly rapid, and her hand on my arm felt cold.

I turned around and saw the surprised look in her eyes. It seemed like she hadn't expected me to act like this.

She took a step forward and slowly leaned against my chest. "I'm sorry. Don't be mad."

There was a tinge of nervousness in her usual calm tone.

I suddenly felt like tearing up. So, that was what a hug felt like.

It turned out that I could also be her exception. Unfortunately, I wasn't the only exception.

Judging from her interaction with Ethan, I knew that behind my back, she had gone beyond her own limits again and again because of him.

I sniffed, trying to calm myself down.

In an apathetic voice, I said, "Rosalie, let's break up."

Rosalie's hand froze. She looked up at me and frowned, baffled. "Just because of something minor? Is it really that serious?"

As though she had thought of something, she sighed and let go of me.

She took a step backward and asked, "Are you expecting me to comfort you? You're a grown man. Can you stop being so childish?"