I struggled to open the door with my uninjured arm.

The apartment still looked the same as when I’d rushed out for the rescue mission.

Scott still hadn’t returned.

Hungry and unable to use my injured hand, I was afraid of burning myself, so I could only manage to make a bowl of instant noodles with lukewarm water.

As I took a bite, tears began to flow uncontrollably.

They started as a trickle and soon turned into a steady stream.

I hadn’t cried when he was missing, I hadn’t cried while leading the rescue team, I hadn’t cried when everyone urged me to stay strong, and I hadn’t cried when a falling rock hit my arm, causing excruciating pain.

Now, with him safe and me finally discharged, I suddenly found myself unable to hold back the tears, overwhelmed by an emotional storm.

Sheriff Chase, the lead investigator, sent a message.

“Doctor Lillian, are you sure you don’t want to return to the forensic team?”

From a young age, driven by a strong sense of justice, I had always wanted to become a skilled forensic pathologist.

I pursued forensic science in college and, after graduation, joined the police department as a frontline forensic expert, helping to crack major cases.

That was until I met Scott.

To align with his preferences and to keep a regular routine with him, I transferred to an administrative role.

“When you first joined, you were incredibly dedicated. You’re the golden right hand with a sharp eye for details. It’s a shame to lose that talent. With the team short-handed now, have you thought about coming back?”

Sheriff Chase, not usually one for smooth talk, was doing his best to convince me.

“Sheriff Chase, my arm is injured, and it’s uncertain if I’ll ever be able to handle that scalpel again.”

Sheriff Chase quickly set up a video call to get more details about my condition.

“Doctor Lillian, I just spoke with some experts. With the right rehabilitation, you should be able to return to your work.”

“Would you consider going through rehab?”

“Yes, I want to come back!”

Sheriff Chase was overjoyed.

“Great! While you’re recovering, you could review some of our recent challenging cases and offer your insights.”

Over the years, I had given up my career and dreams, holding onto the hope of a warm home with Scott.

But even that small dream was shattered.

Though life had already passed the halfway mark, it was not too late. I still wanted to find that person who once reached for the stars with all their heart.

I dug out my old, carefully kept notes and started revisiting my forensic and anatomy studies. Lost in the work I loved, I felt time flew by.

I barely noticed when Scott came in.

“What are you reading, Lillian?”

I looked up and saw a brief flash of distaste in Scott’s eyes.

Early in our relationship, I had once read through my notes in front of him.

At that time, he had covered his mouth and backed away.

“Lillian, how can you be into this? Just looking at it made me lose my appetite for the rest of the day.”

I had been deeply in love with him and had indulged his every whim without question. After that, I never mentioned my work or looked at my notes in his presence.

Now, I faced him directly, no longer avoiding the topic.

“I’m reviewing some professional notes. When did you get back?”

I blinked, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction despite my tired eyes.

“So you ignored my calls just to read this?”

His voice was tinged with irritation and anger.

I didn’t get why he was so upset. Missing one call was a minor issue. He frequently ignored mine, and yet he was enraged now.

It was truly baffling.

I stood up and began searching for my phone, which I had misplaced somewhere.

“What's wrong with your arm?”

It was only then that Scott noticed my arm in a cast.

“It was hit by a falling rock, but it’s no big deal now.”

Scott unconsciously touched his nose, probably feeling a bit guilty, and made a move to touch me.

I subtly stepped back, sidestepping him as I headed for the door.

His hand dropped to his side, and he spoke with a touch of frustration.

“That day, Hannah said she wanted to go sketching in the mountains, but halfway there, she changed her mind.”

“I meant to tell you…”

I gave him a wry smile. He had plenty of opportunities to respond to me that day, even if it was just a single sentence.

When the accident first happened, his phone was still on, but no one answered.

Later, it was just off.

Now, his pale excuses seemed like a cruel joke.

As soon as our eyes met, he quickly looked away, pressing his lips together as he changed the subject.

“Hannah called today, saying she had a cooking mishap, so I went over to help. She knew I loved homemade noodles, so she insisted on making them for me as a thank you.”

“But she’s not exactly a great cook, so it ended up being me…”

As he spoke, a smile of affection and satisfaction crept onto his face.

I stopped in my tracks, turned back, and quietly stared at him.

His high nose bridge, long lashes, and deep, dark eyes always seemed to be filled with a kind of tender affection, even when looking at a dog.

I had been lost in those eyes for five years.

But now, I felt weary.

“She can’t cook, and it’s okay you’re much better,” I said.

He stopped mid-sentence, staring at me in confusion, as if he couldn’t understand why I was so calm.

If this were before, I would have been hysterical, demanding he do the same for me, as if that would prove my place in his heart.

“Lillian, why are you speaking like that? Hannah and I aren’t…”

“I’m not thinking anything! You’re college friends and kindred spirits. If you wanted to be together, what does it have to do with me?”

“I don’t care. Do whatever you want!”

“I’ve got an injured arm and can’t sleep well. From now on, I’m sleeping in the guest room!”

“Get some rest. Good night!”

Without waiting for a response, I closed the guest room door behind me.

I heard the sound of a door slamming outside. Scott was angry again.

He probably thought I was ungrateful for not playing along with his game.

In his eyes, I must have been a walking mistake.

Whether I was hysterical or composed, it didn’t make a difference to him.

The next day, I was deeply focused on reviewing old cases when I heard a female voice outside the door.

“Scott, today I have to see your legendary studio!”

“Come on in any time! You’re always welcome here!”

I couldn’t help but smirk at his hypocrisy. He had always had this double standard.

I remembered a time when I had brought a friend home while we were going to a business trip. When Scott returned that night, he had scolded me sternly. “Lillian, don’t bring strangers into the house without my permission.”

Now, without a word to me, he was bringing Hannah into our home.

I wasn’t interested in dealing with them.

But then the door swung open, and Hannah gasped in surprise.

“Ah… Lillian, you’re here too!”

She was younger than both Scott and me, and the first time we met, she had called me “Lillian” with such condescension, as if I were just a junior.

“Why are you hiding in here? It’s so rude not to come out and say hello!”

Scott’s face darkened with clear irritation.

“Scott, am I bothering Lillian? Is she not welcoming? Should I just leave…”

Before she could finish, Scott hurried over to reassure her, patting her shoulder.

“Not at all, make yourself at home!”

I watched them interact with a sense of resignation, feeling completely indifferent.

Hannah suddenly stepped closer, staring at my cast with wide-eyed exaggeration.

“Lillian, your arm is injured. Scott said you were just faking it to get sympathy…”

She quickly realized she’d let something slip and clamped her hand over her mouth.

“But Lillian, you’re so brave! It was so dark and dangerous out there. Were you scared?”

Her overly dramatic manner brought back the memories of that night.

Scott was missing, and based on the timeline, he should have been on the mountain.

I had pleaded with several rescue teams before one finally agreed to accompany me.

It was raining heavily, and the mountain path was pitch black. When lightning illuminated the sky, it revealed the wreckage of the landslide.

Was I scared?

More than anything, I was terrified that if Scott died because I wasn’t fast enough, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

Fueled by desperation, I moved rocks with my bare hands, calling out Scott’s name continuously.

Three days and nights without rest, until I was hoarse and finally struck by a falling rock.

The doctor said if that rock had been just a bit more off-target, I might not have survived.

Just thinking about it now makes me break out in a cold sweat.

I nodded. “Yeah, I was scared, but when it comes to saving Scott, I don’t really think about that.”

A flicker of remorse crossed Scott’s eyes, and he seemed about to say something.

But Hannah lowered her head with a hint of melancholy.

“You’re amazing! I don’t think I could have done it if it were me.”

Scott hesitated, then turned back to her with a gaze full of affection.

“Everyone is different. Just take care of yourself.”

Even Hannah's briefest hint of sadness was enough for him to soften.

She laughed lightly, playfully punching Scott with a faux-shy gesture.

“Who said I’m only taking care of myself? If I hadn’t changed my mind that day, we might both have been buried.”

“Scott, you should remember I actually saved you!”

Scott’s face lit up with a smile as he affectionately ruffled her hair.

“Right, you’re absolutely right. You’re my lucky star!”

But Hannah seemed to forget that Scott’s trip to the mountain was because of her in the first place.

“You’d better thank me properly for this big favor. I won’t accept anything less!”

Hannah pouted, putting on an innocent act.

“Just tell me what you want, and if I have it, it’s yours!”

“Then let’s cook a meal together and cheer up injured Lillian!”

I was about to refuse, but the thought of the nauseating instant noodles made me keep quiet.

“You don’t know how to cook, so I’ll handle it.”

Scott grinned and headed to the kitchen.

After years of dating Scott, this was the first time he’d ever set foot in the kitchen. Hannah followed him in, excitedly directing his every move.

The table was set with a feast that looked and smelled incredible. Hannah couldn’t stop praising Scott.

“Scott, you’re amazing! This food is delicious! Don’t you think so, Lillian?”

I gave a neutral nod. “I had no idea he could cook like this!”

Unfortunately, everything on the table was drenched in spice.

Hannah eagerly served Scott a piece of spicy water-boiled beef.

He ate it without a hint of hesitation, nodding approvingly.

I used to be a huge fan of spicy food myself. On my first weekend after moving in, I prepared an entire spread of spicy dishes.

The setup was the same, the water-boiled beef just as fiery.

But as soon as Scott tasted it, he spat it out, scrunching his face.

“This is too spicy! How is anyone supposed to eat this?”

Without a second glance at me or our guests, he stormed off to bed, slamming the door behind him.

From then on, whenever I cooked, everything had to be mild.

It wasn’t that Scott couldn’t handle spice. He just needed to see who was cooking.

They were eagerly serving themselves, and when they noticed I hadn’t touched my food, Scott's irritation was palpable.

“Scott worked hard on this meal. Why aren’t you eating, Lillian? Are you still upset with him?”

Hannah’s tone dripped with sarcasm, making Scott’s expression darken further.

“Lillian, why are you showing the attitude? I didn’t force you to go on that rescue mission; you chose to do it yourself.”

I stood up and gestured toward the dishes.

“From doctor’s orders, I should have no spicy food.”

Go ahead and eat if you want.”

Scott’s anger shifted to embarrassment.

“Scott, you should be gentler when you talk to girls.”

Hannah tugged at his sleeve, clearly trying to help him out of the awkward moment. “Apologize and make it right!”

“Lillian, I’m sorry for not answering your call that day. It was my fault,” Scott apologized.

But it was clear he was only doing it because Hannah suggested it.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Hannah thought everything Scott did was perfect.

“See, Scott apologized. You shouldn’t stay mad.”

“Otherwise, Scott won’t be in the mood to paint with me later!”

Their skewed logic was maddening.

“I’m fine, really. You’re making it seem like I have to be upset!”

I had no desire to watch their performance any longer. I left the room and resolved to move out as soon as I could.

In the afternoon, I saw Hannah’s new post on social media.

The caption read, “Like a Painting.”

The photo showed Scott deeply focused on a painting in his studio. It was a side profile of Hannah, with the inscription “A Lifetime with You.”

That studio had always been off-limits to me.

Yet, Hannah had free rein to wander inside.

The difference was simply a matter of love and indifference.

It’s laughable how I had deceived myself for so long.

It’s both pitiful and tragic.