Ethan noticed that I was uncomfortable.

His gaze lingered for only a second before shifting away.

After the event ended, he quickly walked over to me.

“Laura, are you feeling unwell? Can you hold on a little longer? There’s a celebration banquet for Jessica later and all our friends will be there.”

If I refused to go, he would probably accuse me of not considering the bigger picture.

Before I could say anything, Ethan continued, “Laura, I knew you’d be the most understanding. Don’t worry, after this, I’ll ask Auntie to make you some extra food to help you recover.”

When we entered the private room, their friends were already inside, waiting.

As soon as they saw Jessica, they all started clapping.

“Congratulations to our great artist for winning the award!”

When they noticed me following behind, the atmosphere shifted. Their voices softened.

“Oh, Laura is here too.”

I remembered—seven years ago, when I won my last award, Ethan had also asked his friends to clap for me.

Soon after that, I was mysteriously kidnapped and my wrists were permanently damaged.

I smiled, treating their words as a polite greeting.

“Jessica, what’s with your outfit? Is this intentional?” one friend teased excitedly.

Ethan motioned for him to stop talking.

He looked at me with a cautious expression.

“Laura, he’s just joking. It’s just a coincidence.”

I pretended not to understand.

“What?”

Ethan paused, then shook his head.

But how could I not know? That dress was part of the most popular couple’s series at the time. It was called Red Rose.

Everyone started chatting again and began urging me to drink.

They all knew I had just lost a child and yet they still encouraged me to drink.

“Laura, have a drink. It won’t hurt you. Today’s such a happy day!”

I waved my hand.

Ethan turned his head, his brows slightly furrowed.

“Laura, it’s rare for everyone to gather like this and it’s also Jessica’s award ceremony. Don’t be such a killjoy, okay? Do I need to remind you about the bigger picture?”

The doctor had clearly told him—I wasn’t supposed to have alcohol or spicy food right now.

I looked down at the bowl of spicy food in front of me. Then I picked up my glass and drank it all in one gulp.

Seeing me drink, Ethan’s expression softened slightly.

Almost immediately, pain flared in my lower abdomen.

I staggered to the bathroom.

No one followed me.

I threw up in heavy gulps until only bitter fluid remained. I vomited until tears streamed down uncontrollably.

I had always believed that if I just kept quiet, we would be happy. But today, I was finally defeated by the weight of all the little details that had built up over time.

Ten minutes later, I wiped my tears and the remnants around my mouth, preparing to return to the private room.

Before I could push the door open, I heard the truth that had been buried for seven years.

“Ethan, are you still planning to admit to her that you ruined her ability to paint? You really went all out for Jessica back then. If you’re not planning to marry her, you might as well just tell the truth now. It won’t cost you anything anyway.”

My heart stopped cold.

“I will marry her. After Jessica receives her award abroad, I’ll propose to her. That’s my promise. It’s also… my compensation. That way, I’ll feel better.”

I leaned against the wall to keep myself upright.

“I knew there was a reason you suddenly started pursuing her back then. It was all part of a plan.”

I couldn’t bear to listen any longer. I didn’t even know how I managed to walk out the door, into the pouring rain.

All I remember is that in that moment—my heart ached more than my body.

It turned out I had been living in a fairy tale of my own making.

His pursuit of me, his kindness toward me… it was all just a means to pave the way for Jessica.

So she could rise to the top—by stepping on my flesh and blood.

My body was soaked by the rain when my phone suddenly rang.

It was Ethan’s voice on the other end.

“Laura, where did you go? I didn’t see you in the bathroom.”

I held back my sobs.

“I don’t feel well. I want to go home.”

Ethan sighed deeply.

“I already told you! Never mind… Go back if you want. I’ll come accompany you after I finish sending Jessica home. Just be careful on your way back.”

I didn’t say anything else and hung up the phone.

At three in the morning, Ethan returned—reeking of alcohol mixed with Jessica’s perfume.

Twenty minutes before he came back, I had just finished looking at the photos Jessica had sent me.

It was a photo of Ethan sleeping soundly on her shoulder. Ethan tiptoed onto the bed and hugged me from behind.

I hated the rose scent on his body. I hated his clothes. And I hated him even more.

“Laura, is there anywhere else that hurts? I’m sorry for what happened today. Tomorrow I’ll ask Auntie to give you a proper meal. Just stay home and take care of yourself these days, okay?”

His hands were cold—no warmth at all.

“Hmm.”

At this point, I would usually turn around and hug him back.

The sudden change left Ethan a bit unsettled. He remained silent for a long time.

“Laura, it’s okay. Don’t feel so guilty about the child. This illness isn’t something we can control. Rest assured, I won’t leave you alone. After I return to the country for the seventh anniversary, I’ll make it up to you.”

“I haven’t told you yet, but Jessica’s award ceremony is overseas and I’m a bit worried about her going alone, so I might have to accompany her overseas. Don’t overthink it.”

My voice was hoarse and cold.

“Whatever you say.”

Ethan paused again.

I used to be unable to tolerate Jessica’s presence and every time something like this happened, I would become wildly jealous and angry.

But this time, I was unusually calm.

“I’m doing this for the greater good. Don’t be angry. It’s only three days. After three days, we’ll come back and live our lives in peace. At that time, I’ll definitely give you the most unforgettable seventh anniversary. And next time you see Jessica, be friendly and behave yourself.”

Over the past seven years, I had gradually become addicted to his tenderness, never realizing it was a bottomless pit.

The next morning, Ethan was called away by a phone call from Jessica.

He leaned close to my ear and whispered.

“Baby, go to sleep. I’ll be back.”

I didn’t sleep.

I stayed awake all night.

Ethan, I won’t wait anymore.

After he left, I got out of bed and slowly examined this place I had lived in for seven years.

It had taken three years to fill this home—but only three days to erase my presence from it.

I picked up my phone and called my older brother abroad.

“Brother, I don’t want to stay here anymore. I’m coming to find you.”

He seemed to have anticipated this.

“I thought this ticket would go to waste. Come back; everything’s ready.”

I picked up my suitcase. I left behind the final piece of that matter on the table. It was the only trace of me left in that house.

Ethan, who was overseas, thought I was just being stubborn after not replying for three days.

“Alright, Laura, don’t be angry. I’m coming back soon. Just wait for me.”

I blocked his number, turned off my phone and threw it into the sewer.

I didn’t want to carry anything related to him anymore.

Just as Ethan’s plane landed, mine took off.

We had come within 999 steps of each other—but I took that final step back.

At that moment, Ethan, who had just landed, sent me a message.

[Laura, I'm here. I've booked a restaurant for tonight. Let's have dinner together.]