Chapter 2

The moment I stepped out of the jewelry store, my phone buzzed. Ethan’s so-called distant cousin, Isabella Hart, had just posted a new update. In the photo, Ethan was down on one knee, holding the custom diamond ring I’d just seen, surrounded by a sea of roses. Across from him stood Isabella, beaming as she clutched a lavish bouquet. The caption read: [Forever starts today!]

Without thinking, I tapped the "heart" before locking my screen. But then, a message from Isabella flashed across my notifications:

[Sophia, Ethan and I are just messing around. Don’t take it to heart.]

I blinked, momentarily stunned. But for the first time, her words rang hollow, and I realized I didn’t care as much as I once would have. After a pause, I typed back:

[No worries, enjoy!]

As I passed an ATM, I noticed a young girl slumped against the wall, gripping her phone, tears streaking her cheeks.

"He took everything," she sobbed into the phone. "My mom’s still in the hospital… what am I supposed to do?"

I hesitated, not wanting to intrude, but the wind carried her broken whisper: "I hate this world…"

With a sigh, I turned and approached her, offering a small smile. "Hey, how about a deal? I’ll give you something, and in exchange, let me buy you something sweet."

The girl looked up, startled, then dug into her pocket and pulled out a few pieces of White Rabbit candy. "Miss, are you feeling faint? Here—take these. No need to trade."

I wasn’t lightheaded. But I remembered someone once told me that sweetness could mend a broken heart, even just a little.

I took the candy, unwrapped one, and let the sugary burst dissolve on my tongue. The girl watched as I held out another piece. She hesitated, then took it, popping it into her mouth.

With a gentle nudge, I slipped my handbag into her arms, keeping the remaining candy in my palm. "Fair’s fair. If you don’t want these, I’ll just toss them."

I gave her a reassuring look. "The world isn’t all bad, you know."

Then I walked away, my heart lighter. Maybe it was the candy. Maybe it was helping someone else.

The walk home took two hours, but when I opened the door, Ethan was sprawled on the sofa in his robe, eyes glued to his phone. The second he saw me, his smile vanished.

"Why are you back so late?" His tone was sharp.

I paused. "Lost track of time."

His brow furrowed. "You walked?"

I nodded slightly, but he scoffed. "You should’ve taken a cab. Walking all that way when you’re sick—ridiculous."

I didn’t argue. After six years, I’d learned to let his scolding roll off me.

Today’s walk had been my quiet farewell—to the past, to the rainy night love first bloomed, to the boy who’d once carried me through the streets while burning with fever.

At dinner, I caught Ethan glancing at me repeatedly. I pretended not to notice, sipping my soup. Only when I set my spoon down did he speak.

"I saw you liked Isabella’s post today."

I froze. Had he mistaken it for acceptance? I reached for my phone. "Sorry, I’ll undo it."

He stood abruptly, pressing my phone down. "That’s not what I meant."

Confused, I met his gaze.

"I mean… I’m glad you two are getting along," he said.

Understanding washed over me, along with something else—relief, maybe.

In the past, my jealousy had made me hostile toward Isabella. I’d ignored her posts, lashed out at Ethan, and earned his exasperated sighs.

I gave a vague smile and excused myself to the bathroom. After a long soak, I instinctively headed for the master bedroom. But as my fingers brushed the doorknob, a man’s soft voice drifted through the door.

"Fool, if you promise not to touch her, I won’t. Trust me."

"Be good. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep now."

My stomach dropped. I let go of the knob and turned away, retreating to the study instead.