Chapter 2

I violently turned my head away.

That simple movement extinguished the light in Caleb’s eyes.

He slowly withdrew his hand, his knuckles white.

"Audrey, you… you need to rest."

"Rest? Have you and your little assistant had enough rest?"

I forced a sarcastic smile, my gaze sweeping over his red eyes.

"Mr. Grayson, your acting is truly superb. You can even shed tears on command."

Caleb’s face instantly went pale.

"Audrey, if I told you…"

"Mr. Grayson!" Alex’s voice suddenly called from outside the door.

"Ms. Chloe said you promised to go wedding dress shopping with her today."

Caleb’s body tensed instantly.

He lowered his head.

"Audrey, I’m sorry. I… I’m marrying Chloe Thompson. Our wedding is off."

His words felt like a dull knife twisting in my chest.

I bit my lower lip, forcing out an even more cutting smile:

"Mr. Grayson is certainly decisive. What are you waiting for? Go accompany your bride to try on dresses."

Alex’s voice chimed in perfectly from outside:

"Mr. Grayson, Ms. Chloe said if you don't go now, the bridal shop will close."

Caleb’s shoulders trembled.

He slowly turned, his silhouette long in the light streaming through the door.

"Audrey, take care of yourself."

The messages started scrolling frantically again.

[Too heartbreaking, too heartbreaking. I can't watch this. Why is the system breaking up my sweet couple?]

[Waaah, at least the male lead and our girl's lives are safe. I believe there must be another way!]

[Yes! Our girl's love now depends on us!]

I lifted a hand to wipe away the tears I hadn’t realized were falling.

My thoughts drifted back to the first time Caleb confessed to me.

It was a beautiful spring day.

The grass was green, the hills inviting.

Fireworks burst in the night sky over the city, dazzling and dreamlike.

Seventeen-year-old Caleb held a bouquet of blue roses, carefully.

His beautiful, expressive eyes were deep and dark.

When he turned his head, I noticed his ear tips were flushed pink.

"Audrey, we’ve been childhood sweethearts, growing up together. I truly like you. Will you… will you be with me?"

"I swear I’ll love you forever, protect you, and never let you be sad. Please… give me a chance."

My heart suddenly pounded, "thump-thump" echoing in my ears.

I could clearly feel Caleb’s sincerity.

He truly loved me.

I stood on my tiptoes and hugged him back with all my strength.

Caleb’s breath caressed my ear, bringing with it the scent of roses.

"I will."