On the way home, Leon chatted enthusiastically, sharing random anecdotes and amusing stories. I responded half-heartedly, nodding or murmuring in reply.

For a fleeting moment, it felt like the old days—when our world revolved solely around each other.

When we got home, I used fatigue as an excuse to avoid talking further and told him I was sleepy.

He urged me to rest on the couch for a bit, then busied himself in the kitchen, mumbling as he researched recipes.

Every few minutes, he'd announce something he’d read online about nourishing soups or health remedies. Soon, the sounds of chopping and clinking pots filled the air.

Leon was still so attentive, so good to me.

But I...

I picked up the calendar from the coffee table and stared at the dates.

The day of my departure was approaching.

Would Leon feel relieved or heartbroken when I left?

The thought made me chuckle bitterly.

The moment he chose to be with Zandra, he forfeited the right to feel hurt.

I was drifting off on the couch when he appeared with a steaming bowl of soup.

“Honey, try this. It’s my first attempt.”

I opened my eyes, then closed them again. “Leave it on the table. I’m not in the mood.”

He placed the bowl down and knelt beside me, gently stroking my head. “Honey, I feel like you’ve been unhappy lately. There’s a fireworks show tonight. Shall we go watch it together?”

I didn’t want to go, but I didn’t want him to suspect anything either. So I nodded reluctantly.

—

When we arrived, there was still some time before the fireworks show began.

Leon looked up at the sky, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Honey, look! So many stars. It’s rare to see such a clear night in winter.”

I followed his gaze. The sight was breathtaking.

“This New Year has been hard on you,” he said suddenly, pulling me into his arms.

Pointing at the stars, he added, “Honey, let the stars bear witness to our love. I swear again that I’ll double my efforts to make you happy.”

His sincerity was almost overwhelming. If this had been years ago, I might’ve been moved to tears.

Instead, I avoided his gaze and wriggled free from his embrace, pretending to be shy. “We’re an old married couple—why bother with such romantic words?”

He chuckled, mistaking my awkwardness for bashfulness.

“You’re still as adorable as ever,” he said, playfully tapping my nose.

Then he leaned down, about to kiss me.

Before I could pull away, his phone buzzed with a notification.

“Better check that. It could be important,” I said, grateful for the interruption.

He frowned slightly but unlocked his phone.

As he read the message, a blush crept up his ears. He quickly turned off the screen and looked back at me, his eyes betraying a flicker of guilt.

“What’s wrong? Is it work?” I asked, feigning concern. “You should go if it’s urgent. I’ll be fine on my own.”

He hesitated but eventually said, “I’m sorry, honey. It’s something pressing. I’ll make it up to you another time.”

I nodded, and he turned and ran off without looking back.

A wry smile tugged at the corner of my lips. I had seen the message. It was from Zandra.

A photo of her in a provocative red lingerie set accompanied by a text. [My New Year’s battle outfit. I’m camping nearby while you’re watching the fireworks. Up for some fun?]

Between me and Zandra, Leon had chosen her—again.

I stayed and watched the entire fireworks show alone.

The sky lit up with a dazzling display, far more vibrant than on New Year’s Eve.

As I gazed at the spectacular colors, I made a silent resolution.

My life, moving forward, would shine just as brightly.

A life without Leon.

When I returned home, it was already three in the morning.

The house was pitch dark, and Leon was still not back.

Another notification lit up my phone.

It was from Zandra—again.

This time, it was another photo.

The photo Zandra sent showed the “battle outfit” in shreds, barely recognizable.

In the corner of the image, her hand intertwined with Leon’s was clearly visible. On her finger was a ring identical to mine—the custom-made ring Leon gave me when he proposed.

I remembered that moment vividly.

He had knelt on one knee, holding the ring up with shining eyes.

“Sharina, will you marry me? This ring was custom-designed by the most renowned jeweler, just for you. It’s one of a kind, like my love for you.”

I had been so moved, tears spilling down my cheeks. I agreed without hesitation, giving up my cherished career in scientific research to stay with him. Eight years had passed since then.

But now, that "one of a kind" love no longer existed.

Pain tightened in my chest, and tears stung my eyes once more.

Moments later, Zandra had sent another message. [He was so wild earlier. I’m still sore all over! We even tried some new positions. Are you jealous?]

I opened the chat window and typed. [It's my first time seeing someone so proud of being a mistress. I truly admire your self-justification skills.]

That night, Leon didn’t return.

For once, I slept through the night peacefully.

The next morning, I was woken by the sound of Leon entering the bedroom.

He stood by the bed, attempting to explain himself. “Honey, after the business dinner, I attended a charity auction. It was late, so I didn’t come home.”

He held up a gift box, his face full of smiles. “Guess what this is?”

“I don’t know,” I replied flatly, uninterested in playing along.

Noticing my lack of enthusiasm, he grabbed my hand, his tone softening, “Don’t be mad, okay? It was my fault yesterday.”

He placed the box in my hands and said, “This is your birthday gift. I saw it at the auction, and the first thing I thought of was you. Oh, and happy birthday.”

If he hadn't mentioned it, I had almost forgotten my own birthday.

I opened the box and saw a rose-shaped coral necklace inside.

“By the way,” he added excitedly, “I’ve booked a hotel tonight to celebrate. Let me put this on you—you’ll be the most radiant rose there.”

I turned my head away. “Let’s wait until tonight.”

What he didn’t know was that Zandra had already flaunted her matching earrings from the same set half an hour earlier.

He hesitated, then put the necklace back in the box. Leaning down, he tried to kiss me.

I dodged.

Undeterred, he leaned closer to kiss my neck. I said coolly, “You should take a shower first. You smell.”

He froze for a moment, then laughed nervously. “Of course. After last night, I must reek. Wait for me, honey.”

He disappeared into the bathroom, and shortly after, the sound of running water filled the room.

Moments later, Zandra sent another message. [Your birthday gift.]

Attached was a photo of an ultrasound scan. She was pregnant.

I saved all her messages as screenshots and printed them out before deleting all her messages. Alongside the evidence, I included the divorce papers I had prepared earlier. I placed everything neatly into a gift box, tying it with a bow.

Setting the box on the coffee table in the living room, I waited.

The sound of water stopped, followed by Leon’s phone ringing.

The shower turned back on. He seemed to be talking while the water ran, but I couldn’t hear him clearly.

A few minutes later, he emerged, his expression anxious.

“Honey, something urgent came up. I need to step out for a bit.”

I nodded, and he leaned down to plant a tender kiss on my forehead.

“What’s this?” he asked, noticing the gift box on the table.

I smiled faintly. “You gave me such an expensive gift. This is my return gift to you.”

"I'll open it later. See you at the hotel tonight," Leon said hurriedly before rushing out the door.

What he didn’t know was that tonight marked the end for us.

I called for a courier, instructing them to deliver the gift box to Leon at the hotel later that evening.

Then I began clearing out everything in the house that belonged to me—or that I had once given to him. Piece by piece, I discarded it all. There was nothing here worth taking.

Even my wedding ring found its way into the gift box for Leon.

I hoped he would enjoy the present.

As I walked out of the house, I hailed a cab to the address my mom had sent me.

Because of the confidentiality of my research project, I had been erased from public records. Returning home had required special arrangements.

Years ago, I left the work I was passionate about to stay with Leon. Now, it was time to return to where I truly belonged.

Leon, from now on, I am no longer your rose.

I will bloom for myself.