Chapter 4

Now that I had turned down the offer, Ivan couldn't stay either.

I nodded and said evenly, "Yeah. My parents have arranged jobs for us in Rosemouth. Once we're stable, we'll get engaged."

"Candice, who gave you permission to plan my future?" Ivan suddenly erupted with rage.

But then, afraid of being overheard, he suppressed his rage until his face turned ashen.

Ivan stormed off in anger.

The group straggled along, and he pulled Rebecca to walk at the very front. I stayed at the back, making small talk with the others.

It wasn't until dinner that Rebecca said eagerly at the table, "You guys don't know about the Perseid meteor shower? Ivan says there's an observation spot nearby. You could see up to 100 meteors an hour."

Everyone perked up and started making plans to go.

But Gordon clicked his tongue. "Can you all not take a hint? You can watch meteors from the hotel too. Don't go third-wheeling over there."

Realization dawned on everyone at once.

"True. The observation spot has the best view. It should be reserved for the people who need it most."

Ivan served Rebecca some food. He didn't say anything, but the smile on his face said it all.

Rebecca blushed and said, "You guys can come too."

I didn't really like the food here, as everything was heavy on the spices. I took a couple of bites of seafood, and the spices just got lodged in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't swallow it.

I ended up spitting it out, then got up to look for something bland.

Gordon followed me and said in a low voice, "Candice, I saw on your Instagram the other day that you wanted to go to the observation spot to watch the meteor shower. How about you sit this one out? No need to get in Ivan and Rebecca's way."

"I know," I said with a nod.

"As expected of someone who got top of the class. Hey, here's something you don't know—I was the one who arranged for them to draw the same number."

I nodded again. "I heard you when you told Ivan."

Gordon looked surprised. Just then, a classmate shouted for him from behind, so he turned and went back to join them.

I opened the lid on the tomato soup, right as Ivan walked over to scoop up some pumpkin soup for Rebecca.

"I was out of line today. I shouldn't have lost my temper at you," he said casually. "I get it. You're mad because I'm rooming with Rebecca. But don't worry.

"Last night, she slept in the bed while I slept on the floor. We just talked a little. Us staying together is just part of the game. Nothing's actually going to happen between us."

I ladled out some tomato soup and said, "Okay."

He didn't look up. "Tell your parents we're doing fine in Fayton. There's no need to move back to Rosemouth. Once we're settled in our jobs, we can settle down here."

This time, I didn't respond.

After I'd filled my bowl with tomato soup, I turned to leave.

Ivan suddenly called after me hesitantly, "Candice, Rebecca's really looking forward to the meteor shower tonight. I promised I'd watch it with her. Anyway, the Perseids come every year. I'll watch with you next year."

With my back to him, I pressed my palm flat against the bottom of the bowl. Yet, I couldn't feel any warmth at all.

"Okay," I replied softly.

Ivan let out a breath of relief. As he walked past me, he didn't forget to grab a plate of strawberries for Rebecca.

After dinner, I went back to my room to pack.

I pulled out the outfit I'd planned to wear for the meteor shower and tossed it into the trash bin along with the meteor shower brochure. Then, I zipped my suitcase back up. It was noticeably lighter now.

My flight ticket had been purchased at the last minute, and I was leaving that night.

…

Ten minutes after my plane took off, the Perseid meteor shower streaked across the sky.

Everyone gasped in awe, recording and taking photos.

I took out my phone and saw one unread message.

"Everything's arranged. Your parents have gone to bed. I'll wait for you at the airport."

As the plane climbed steadily, I leaned back against my seat and slowly closed my eyes.

Ivan, there was no next year for us.