Chapter 3

The day I could finally get out of bed, I went home first.

I mistakenly thought leaving early would grab Caleb's attention.

After all, I used to be the one he cherished most.

But I was wrong. Our last contact was a month ago: a message from him informing me that Lila would be joining the archaeological team and asking me to look after her.

The next day, I was woken by a commotion.

I looked and saw Caleb had returned from the dig.

No, Caleb *and* Lila had returned from the dig.

Caleb was in the kitchen, making noodles for Lila, while Lila was in the living room, casually playing with Caleb's most prized antique.

I'd once accidentally touched that antique myself.

At the time, Caleb had lost his temper with me for the first time: "Do you know how precious this is? It's a Ming Dynasty antique, the only one in the world!"

His voice was laced with suppressed rage, as if I'd almost destroyed his entire world.

I stood rooted to the spot, feeling helpless, my heart pricked by something sharp.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered.

But he didn't even look at me again, only carefully placed the porcelain vase back in its spot.

After that, I never touched anything he loved again.

Now, Lila casually balanced the porcelain vase on her lap, her fingertips gently tapping the body, making a clear, crisp sound.

Caleb poked his head out from the kitchen, his gaze falling on the vase in her hands, yet there was no displeasure, only a smile as he asked, "Do you like it? If you do, it's yours."

Lila looked up, blinked, and her voice held a touch of playful charm: "Really? But this is your most treasured possession."

Caleb chuckled, his voice doting: "When have I ever lied to you? Come, the noodles are ready."

I watched it all in silence.

The warm scene before me was blindingly painful.

Suddenly, Lila accidentally spilled some noodle soup on the table.

She casually grabbed a piece of cloth and said, "This is a rag, right? I'll just wipe it up."

I stared intently, realizing it was the scarf I had personally knitted for Caleb.

Caleb probably didn't remember. He didn't stop her, only looked at Lila with concern.

"Didn't burn yourself, did you?"

Lila shook her head, complimenting Caleb that his noodles were still as delicious as ever.

"Caleb, do you remember?"

"You couldn't cook before, but you specifically learned to make tomato and egg noodles for me."

Caleb smiled faintly: "Of course, I remember."

I looked at him in surprise.

Before, Caleb had discovered my fondness for tomato and egg noodles.

Every morning he was home, he would make a steaming bowl for me.

I thought he had learned and made it specifically for me.

Turns out, from the very beginning, it was never for me.

I gave a self-deprecating laugh, turned, and prepared to go back to my room.

But then I heard Lila say:

"Oh, right, Caleb, can you come perfume shopping with me this afternoon? Mine's almost out."

"There's a new one in the cabinet, just take it. It's your favorite rose scent."

My steps faltered. Rose scent...

Back in my room, I threw the bottle of perfume, treasured for years, into the trash.