I had just clocked out and got out of my office when a white G-Wagon pulled up at the entrance.

It was Lucas, rarely seen here, dressed in a camel trench coat with polished shoes that gleamed. He looked as refined as ever.

The girls at the company couldn't take their eyes off him as he toyed with his phone, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Before, I would have been thrilled and secretly proud that he was my perfect boyfriend.

But now, all I wanted was to avoid him and go home.

I clutched the belt of my bag and made my way toward the subway entrance. Lucas spotted me immediately, walked over, and blocked my path. He looked nonchalant as ever.

"It's Cindy's birthday today. You're coming with me. She said she hasn't seen you in a long time."

I paused and nodded. "Yes, it's been a while."

He uncharacteristically opened the passenger door for me, but I walked past and sat in the back seat.

It was because that the passenger seat was Cindy's spot.

There was even a cartoon sticker that read: "Cindy's Reserved Seat."

...

Lucas awkwardly closed the door and drove in silence.

A faintly sweet and cloying scent filled the car, making me cough.

"What's wrong?" Lucas asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

"Is your rhinitis still not better?" I asked out of nowhere.

Lucas' eyes flickered. "It's almost gone."

<Then why can't you smell the perfume you hate?> I thought.

I didn't say anything more and remembered that when I pestered him to buy me a bottle of perfume, he had sternly refused, claiming it made him nauseous.

Since then, I had thrown away all my perfumes.

When we arrived at the private room of the restaurant, Cindy was surrounded by everyone, looking like a spoiled princess.

When she saw that I was holding hands with Lucas, her eyes became sharp.

"Sorry we're late," Lucas said.

He let go of my hand immediately upon seeing an empty seat beside Cindy and sat down.

That cloying sweetness hit me again, and I quietly took a seat in the corner.

The others started to watch me, smirking.

They all grew up together, with Lucas and Cindy being the most popular.

Naturally, they thought I, a latecomer to this group, wasn't good enough for Lucas and hoped he'd end up with Cindy.

Initially, I felt their rejection and thought it was because I wasn't good enough, so I tried hard to win their acceptance.

But when I saw the gifts I gave them in the trash, I realized that some malice had no reason.

Back then, I cared too much about Lucas, wanting to be acknowledged by his friends. How naive and stupid I was.

I ignored them, but Lucas noticed something was off and frowned.

"Alice, why are you sitting so far away? Come sit next to me."

How ridiculous! He wanted me to sit beside him while he was so close to his beloved Cindy.

How low did he think of me?

As I didn't respond, Lucas' face darkened. Remembering my attitude from yesterday, he grew even angrier.

"Here you go again with your attitude. Do whatever you want!"

In a flash, he turned to Cindy, his eyes filled with intense affection.

He slowly pulled a red velvet box from his trench coat pocket and opened it.

It was the galaxy necklace I had planned to give him yesterday!

Under the colorful lights of the private room, the zircon sparkled brightly, entirely different from the dull necklace I had seen yesterday.

My heart tightened, and it felt like I was being choked, unable to breathe…

Everyone was captivated by the beautiful necklace, showering Lucas with praise for his good taste and urging him to put it on Cindy.

Lucas gently brushed aside Cindy's hair and clasped the necklace around her neck with the utmost care, as if handling a precious treasure.

The room was filled with high-pitched squeals that nearly pierced my eardrums, yet I could still hear my own heartbeat pounding.

"This is so romantic! A scientific genius who studies the universe giving his most cherished star to his childhood sweetheart..."

"Oh my gosh, is this the unique romance of a science geek? I'm so envious!"

"Yeah, yesterday, he filled the sky with stars just for her, and now he's giving her his own galaxy. This is too sweet!"

They didn't care that I was still there and continued to fantasize.

...

Suddenly, someone exclaimed, "This necklace looks familiar. I think I've seen it somewhere before."

Lucas raised his head slightly and said, "That's impossible. This is the latest product from Astrale Éclat, and very few people in the country have it."

"I swear I've seen it somewhere... Oh, I remember now. It was in an Instagram post the day before yesterday...

"It was posted by Alice!"

Immediately, the atmosphere became tense. Everyone turned to look at me. I felt as if a thousand needles were pricking me.

But that person was right. I hadn't been able to keep my feelings hidden and had posted it on ‎Instagram with the caption: [I hope you witness my happiness.]

...

Unfortunately, my happiness never arrived, but Cindy's had long since come.

Lucas stared at me, shocked and bewildered.

"Is that true, Alice? Who were you going to give it to?" he asked.

I clenched the hem of my dress, trying not to let the embarrassing tears fall. I found it hard to speak.

Others started whispering amongst themselves.

"I remember Alice bragging about how she and Lucas met because of the stars, saying she was Lucas's star. Maybe she bought it to stake her claim."

Lucas heard this, and the look in his eyes became more complicated.

He said, "Alice, I never thought you'd be so suspicious."

<I am suspicious?> I thought.

Under the dim light, I couldn't help but smile sadly. I had finally lost all hope in him.

I stood up abruptly and forced a smile.

"You've misunderstood. I also prepared the necklace for Cindy, but it just so happens to be the same as Lucas'.

"Consider it a joint gift from both of us."

Cindy's eyes were full of mockery, though her voice was sweet and soft.

"I understand. Alice, you don't have to trouble yourself to choose a gift for me. We'll be family, so don't worry about these things."

...

Hearing this, Lucas snorted and said to Cindy, "She's had a grudge against you from the start. I see it clearly. Even if she doesn't like you, she shouldn't show it."

I tried my best to suppress my anger and smiled faintly.

I said, "I don't dislike anyone. Besides, I don't have the right. You all have fun. I have something to do, so excuse me."

"Don't go. It'll look bad if someone is missing at the birthday party," someone complained.

"Are you mad because Lucas prepared the display of stars for Cindy? It was a birthday surprise. Cindy's birthday is very special."

Lucas finally stood up and looked at me with an authoritative air.

He said, "Why are you jealous over a display of stars? I'll make it up to you another time."

His words made it clear to everyone how little I meant to him. They began whispering and laughing at my expense.

Behind him, Cindy gave me a triumphant smile, as if she had already taken my place as Lucas' official girlfriend.

How ironic that I, who had done nothing wrong, had to endure baseless accusations while the real wrongdoer kept stirring the pot.

The Lucas before me seemed so strange.

I smiled and said, "No need. The stars are beautiful, but I'm not worthy of them."

With that, I turned and left without any hesitation.

"Lucas, hurry and bring her back. It's dangerous at night." I heard Cindy say smugly.

"She won't listen to me. Whatever she wants to do has nothing to do with me anymore!"