Chapter 1

I have a habit.

Whenever I eat, watch a movie, or take a cab, I always leave an empty seat next to me.

I used to believe that Austin would suddenly show up in my city and give me a surprise.

But during our three years of long-distance relationship, he never came. Not once.

So, I ended up doing everything alone—trying on wedding dresses, booking the venue, running myself ragged until my body finally broke down.

With trembling hands, I sent him a Snapchat message.

[I have a fever. It's 102°F, and I don't have any medicine at home.]

He didn't reply until half an hour later.

[And?]

[What do you want me to do, grow wings and fly over to drop off some Tylenol?]

[I'm still reviewing a project proposal. Just order something on UberEats.]

My fever was so high that I couldn't even lift my fingers. I drifted into unconsciousness.

When I woke up, my best friend, Chloe, was sitting by my bed with red eyes, holding a glass of warm water and medicine.

"He's only taking advantage of how understanding you are," she said softly. "If it were me, I would have thrown a tantrum long ago."

Two weeks later, Chloe also came down with a high fever.

I wanted to rush over to take care of her.

But then, she posted a photo on Ins. It was a close-up of a man's hand holding a spoon.

[Sick during the season change. Thank God my knight in shining armor flew across three time zones overnight just to make me dinner.]

I couldn't have mistaken that hand.

On Austin's wrist was the luxury watch I had saved up half a year's salary to buy him.

At that moment, it hit me.

The empty seat beside me wasn't vacant because he couldn't make it.

It was because he simply didn't want to.

Since that was the case, keeping that seat open for him would just be foolish.