Chapter 5

I didn't rush to leave. If I left now, who knew when I'd be back.

I walked aimlessly, unconsciously finding myself in front of the economics faculty building.

The lecture hall on the third floor was still lit. It was where Liam and I first met.

During freshman microeconomics, Liam was late, rushing into the classroom and bumping into me in the front row. He awkwardly helped me pick up my scattered books, then looked up with an apologetic smile.

"Excuse me, sorry about that."

His eyes were so bright back then, as if full of starlight.

Later, he told me he'd actually noticed me earlier that day and deliberately bumped into me to strike up a conversation.

I laughed, calling him manipulative, but he just said seriously, "Because the moment I saw you, I knew I had to get to know you."

I kept walking, reaching the small garden behind the library.

There was a bench there, a place where we often went on dates.

Liam always loved reading me his poems there.

They weren't very good, but his ears would flush bright red every time.

"Audrey," he suddenly put down his notebook one time, taking my hand. "I promise I'll give you the best life someday."

His palm was warm, and his eyes were so firm I believed that promise would surely come true.

Around the corner was the cafeteria. In our sophomore year, I had a high fever. Liam skipped class and waited in line for half an hour to buy me my favorite congee.

When he delivered it to my dorm, the congee was still piping hot, but he was shivering from the cold.

"Eat it while it's hot," he said, pressing the congee into my hands.

"I specifically asked the auntie to add extra ginger."

These memories flashed through my mind like a carousel, each scene as vivid as yesterday.

Liam truly once gave me his whole heart; those meticulous acts of care weren't fake.

But when did it change?

Probably after Chloe came back.

Chloe was Liam's high school classmate, who'd returned from overseas last year.

The first time we met, she casually put her arm around Liam's shoulder.

"Liam, your dad missed you!"

Liam laughed, playfully punching her arm. "Get lost, who's your son?"

I stood by awkwardly.

Liam then remembered to introduce me. "This is my girlfriend, Audrey."

"Hi, Audrey!" Chloe grinned, extending her hand to me.

"Liam and I were always like this in high school, so don't mind us, okay?"

I managed a strained smile and shook her hand.

That night, Liam reassured me,

"Chloe just has a really laid-back personality. We were in the same class in high school, and we're super close. Don't overthink it."

I nodded, not saying much.

But later, Chloe's appearances became more and more frequent.

She would always call Liam away under the guise of "buddies' night out," sometimes even during our dates.

"Audrey," Liam would look at me apologetically. "Chloe says it's urgent..."

"Go ahead," I'd say every time, not wanting to seem petty.

Last month, we were celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant. Chloe called, saying she'd gotten tickets to Liam's favorite esports tournament.

"It's tonight!"

Her voice on the phone was excitedly piercing.

"Liam, hurry! The other guys are already there!"

Liam's eyes instantly lit up, and he looked at me expectantly.

I put down my knife and fork. "Go ahead."

"Audrey's the best!" He kissed my forehead. "I'll make it up to you tomorrow!"

That night, I ate the double-portion meal alone.

When I got home, I saw a message from Liam: "Chloe's amazing! We're in the front row! [photo]"

In the photo, Chloe was practically plastered against Liam, flashing a victory sign.

I turned off my phone, spending a sleepless night.

The next day, when Liam returned, he brought a large bouquet of roses and a necklace.

"Don't be mad anymore," he said coaxingly. "I brought you flowers and a gift."

I should have realized the problem then—but I still chose to forgive him.

The cold wind made me shiver, and I realized I'd unconsciously walked to the campus gates.

My phone buzzed. It was a message from Julian:

"Thought about it? Do you need me to contact professors for you?"

I took a deep breath and replied, "Thanks, I want to go to the London School of Economics.

It would be great if you could introduce me to Professor Davies' former mentor."

After sending that message, I took one last look at the campus, then turned and headed for the subway station.