Chapter 4
The last warmth I had with Jack was when he clung to me after getting drunk, like a rascal. But I cherished even this little warmth.
Love pierced my heart–this phrase, I really seemed to feel it.
But Jack completely forgot his vow.
Lily, his childhood friend, had been with him longer than I had. His friends often called her “sister–in–law.”
Jack never denied it, only said Lily was special to him.
Jack started saying I was being unreasonable, and his tone grew impatient.
I was holding the anniversary gift I planned to give Jack, thinking we’d talk today since he hadn’t cheated.
Suppressing my heartache, I was about to call him when I unexpectedly saw him and his mom get out of a car. A young girl was holding Jack’s arm, and when she stumbled, Jack quickly held her tight.
That girl was no one else but Lily, Jack’s childhood friend. So their relationship wasn’t just rumors.
I dialed Jack’s number and watched him carefully support Lily into the restaurant.
He didn’t answer at first, but soon called back.
“What’s up, Julia? I was in a meeting and couldn’t answer.”
Jack’s voice was as cold as ever, not even bothering to add a hint of warmth to his lie.
I forced a smile and said slowly, “I’ll pick you up from work. I’m off now.”
“No need, it’ll take a while here. I’m quite busy. You should go home and rest.”
10:10 PM
<
Busy? What exactly are you busy with?
My heart ached.
“Alright.” I hung up.
The phone rang again, this time it was from Jack’s mother.
She started scolding right away: “Julia, stay away from my son. Lily’s back, and they’re planning to get married. They’ve already picked out rings.”
The line went dead with a beep.
Rings? I suddenly remembered the ring Jack had hidden in the bedside table a few days ago. Why was he being so secretive?
I went to my friend’s house, feeling lost.
Rose gently rubbed my head and said softly, “Julia, if you’re tired, let it go. He’s Jack, a reckless wanderer.”
“I thought even if he was a wanderer, he would come back for me. He said he’s only for me.”
I cried so hard my stomach churned, feeling nauseous, dry–heaving with nothing coming out.
The next time I saw Jack was the following evening. He was in the kitchen, cooking soup.
My heart suddenly felt warm, hoping he might explain things to me.
But after a long while, as he poured the soup into a thermos, I watched him.
D
He seemed a bit flustered and spoke softly, “My friend isn’t feeling well. I’m taking this over. You order some takeout for yourself, okay? Don’t worry, it’s a guy.”
I threw the gift I was holding into the trash, smiled, and looked at him.
At that moment, I was completely exhausted.
“It’s obviously for your childhood friend Lily. Why lie to me?”
“If you’ve fallen for someone else, just tell me. I can let you both be together.”
“Jack, your past vows, the vow that you only want me, don’t worry about it. I just hope you’re with the person you like.”
“I, Julia, am not that cheap. I just thought you turned back for me.”
“Just take it as me being delusional, alright?”
For the first time, Jack’s indifferent face showed panic.
“Julia, I said I only want you. Don’t overthink.”
That rare panic. I avoided his embrace.
“Jack, I’ll ask once. What’s the deal between you and Lily?”
As he was about to reply, I added softly, “Don’t lie again, or else… we’ll never see each other again.”
The air suddenly went silent, and we could only hear each other’s breathing.
“Julia…”
10:11 PM
<
The phone rang, cutting off his response. He quickly answered it, grabbed the thermos, and dashed out.
