I hadn't seen Michael for several days. I wasn't sure if he had even been home. The couch remained perfectly neat, without any signs of use, and I had no idea where he'd been staying, or if he was eating well.

I used to be someone who tormented herself. After every argument, I'd be upset for a long time. My mind would spiral, imagining what I'd do if things ended with Michael. The thought alone used to terrify me, overwhelming me with a preemptive heartbreak.

He was the man I had worked hard to win over, and the idea of losing him so easily felt debilitating. I admit I was rather obsessed with our relationship back then. Around the time we graduated, I pinned all my hopes for the future on Michael. He'd studied architectural design and had a good job with a solid income. I'd even fantasized about being a homemaker for him one day.

I imagined sunsets in our kitchen, wearing an apron while cooking, our child playing on the sofa as Michael wrapped his arms around my waist and sweetly asked, "Honey, what delicious meal have you made for me tonight?"

The mere thought of this scene used to fill me with blissful happiness.

But now, I wasn't caught in an emotional whirlpool anymore. Perhaps it was the day of the appendectomy, lying alone on the operating table, the tears flowing before the anesthesia set in. Or maybe it was realizing his absence after the surgery when he didn't return promptly to be with me, only to show up the next day with flowers Emily liked.

That was the moment my heart truly shut down. With my focus no longer on Michael, I suddenly found myself with a lot more time.

One Friday before closing, a colleague, Jane, mentioned she needed to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences the following day. She had originally planned to work overtime with an audit firm she had scheduled.

This unexpected conflict was a big deal, and with Saturday being the weekend, no one in the department wanted to work extra hours. Since I had nothing else to do—and with Michael intentionally avoiding me with his silent treatment—I offered to fill in for her.

Jane sighed in relief, profusely thanking me.

I thought nothing of it at the time, but it turned out that Jane spoke to Mr. Green, our CFO, about my proactive nature, describing me as a reliable finance worker. It just so happened to align with this year's salary and position reviews. Mr. Green put in a good word for me with Mr. White, the HR Director, and I unexpectedly received a significant raise.

It was an eye-opener for me. I realized women can indeed rely on their own hard work and efforts—life doesn't end without a man by your side.

That experience ignited a newfound passion for my work. While in college, when peers were busy earning certifications, I had been caught in the whirlwind of trying to make Michael happier and more reliant on me. So, I had not pursued any certifications myself.

After graduation, seeing peers with CPAs earning high salaries, I naively thought I didn't need to push myself too hard since I had Michael, and I feared nothing.

But now, Michael was no longer my rock. I had to rely on myself.

I began diligently reviewing the company's accounts, handling my responsibilities carefully, often being the last to leave the office. One evening, I was so engrossed in my work that it was only at ten that I finally headed home.

As I was leaving, I noticed a money tree toppled over outside the company across the hall. I quickly righted it, brushing the dirt off my hands and preparing to leave.

Just then, a man in a suit emerged from the elevator. Noticing me near the entrance, he approached and said with a polite curiosity, "Hello, I haven't seen you around here before. May I ask who you are?"

In a hurry to explain, I replied, "I work in finance with the company across the hall. I noticed your tree was down and decided to help. I'm not trying to steal it."

Amused, the man took a business card from his pocket and handed it to me, saying, "Thank you. Here's my card. What's your name?"

Glancing at his card, I saw it read "Ethan Carter, General Manager of Alliance Corp"—our neighbor across the hall.

I didn't take the card and simply replied, "No need to thank me," before quickly hurrying away. I preferred to stay under the radar—no need to draw attention from someone like a general manager.

When I got home, I found Michael back after more than a week. He was sitting quietly on the living room couch, focused on his phone. As I walked in, he glanced up at me, seemingly expecting me to break down, apologize, and ask for his forgiveness and love. But I said nothing, just put down my bag and went to freshen up.

After washing up, as I was about to enter the bedroom, Michael stood in the doorway and, for once, offered an explanation: "I've been away on a business trip for over a week."

"Oh," I replied.

He added, "I just got back today."

"Oh," I said again.

Then he asked, "How have you been these past few days? Busy?"

I thought Michael was expressing concern, and I was just about to respond when he carried on, "You're free tomorrow night, right?"

"Why do you ask?" I replied.

"Emmy's just moved into a new place," Michael explained. "And you know how it is—it's tradition to have a housewarming party to bring good luck. We'd love for you to join us."

So that was it. It was all about Emily again. I felt sickened by my momentary hope.

Since it was late, I didn't bother discussing it further with Michael. "Got it," I said curtly.

Satisfied with my response, he didn't say another word and went straight to the sofa bed to sleep.

The next day, at exactly 5:30 PM, Michael called to say he was downstairs at my workplace.

I left with a few coworkers, who teased me, "Wow, Juliana, you're really living the life. A boyfriend who's already driving an Audi at his age is quite something."

Just as I felt a little softening towards Michael, he honked the horn impatiently and remarked, "Juliana, hurry up. Don't dawdle."

My coworkers were taken aback by Michael's attitude. Without saying more, I quickly got into the car.

Once inside, Michael asked, "Why are you so quiet today?"

I was struck by the irony and almost laughed.

Previously, whenever I was in his car, I'd chatter endlessly. I believed that a desire to share everything was the essence of true romance, hoping he'd share more of his life with me too. But back then, he'd always furrow his brows and say, "Juliana, could you be quiet for a moment? I've had a long day at work, and you're making me stressed."

So I would sullenly fall silent.

Who would have guessed that he'd now think I was too quiet?

Just as I was contemplating how to start a conversation, his phone rang. The car's display lit up with "Emmy."

Without a moment's hesitation, Michael answered. Emily's sweet voice came through, "Mikey, when are you getting here? I'm a bit scared without you."

Michael responded indulgently, "Don't worry, Emmy. I'll be there soon."

I simply rolled my eyes.

When we arrived at Emily's place, Michael knocked on the door. As soon as it opened, Emily threw herself into his arms, exclaiming, "Mikey, your friends are so teasing, they keep making fun of us, and I…"

She trailed off as she noticed me standing behind Michael.

Emily clearly wasn't expecting me. She blurted out, "Juliana, you're here too?"

Seeing her unexpected reaction, I felt delighted.

"Yes," I replied. "Michael insisted I come along. Otherwise, I wouldn't have seen you two hugging like that."

"I…" Emily blushed, slightly embarrassed. "I've hugged Mikey often since we were kids. It's totally normal for a brother and sister, right? Juliana, don't misunderstand."

With great poise, I said, "No misunderstanding at all. You two go ahead. As Michael's girlfriend, why would I mind something like this?"

Emily fidgeted, while Michael visibly expressed his displeasure at my unusual calmness.

After all, we'd been arguing for almost a year. This sudden change in behavior was certainly unexpected for him.

Seeing them both at a loss for words, I added, "Feel free to hug a bit longer—or even kiss if you like. After all, it's all just sibling affection, right?"