Chapter 2

The sky was heavy and gray. Rain started pouring without warning.

My friend's husband came to pick her up.

"Didn't I tell you not to come?"

"How could I let you get caught in the rain? Lily, come with us---I'll drop you off first."

I smiled and shook my head. "You two go ahead. I'll sit here a bit longer."

I used to envy their genuine care and consideration for each other.

Why were Ethan and I also married, yet there was always an invisible wall between us?

Why?

The answer was simple. He just didn't love me enough.

Yet I'd deceived myself for so long, thinking he simply didn't know how to love.

When the rain lightened, I got up to leave.

I happened to see a familiar Audi pull over by the curb.

The woman in the passenger seat wore a cream-colored dress, with slightly curled hair and a gentle demeanor.

Ethan got out from the other side, walking this way. It seemed he was passing by and wanted to grab coffee.

Seeing me, he remained expressionless, only raising an eyebrow slightly.

He probably expected me to greet him first, but I just looked down at the rideshare app on my phone.

Maybe I was distracted---I accidentally missed a step and twisted my ankle.

Ethan glanced over again, frowning but saying nothing.

He went into the café and ignored me.

I endured the pain in my ankle and continued waiting for my ride.

Soon, Ethan came out carrying two takeaway coffees.

"Let's go."

"Isn't this what you wanted---for me to give you a ride?"

His tone carried cold impatience.

"...I didn't."

Ethan didn't bother arguing and simply pulled me into the car.

Then he handed me one of the coffees.

I didn't take it, so he just set it aside.

The entire ride was silent.

The atmosphere in the car was stifling.

Claire suddenly pressed her hand to her forehead.

"Ethan, I think my blood sugar's dropping. Do you have any candy?"

Ethan naturally reached into the glove compartment and handed her a chocolate.

"I've reminded you so many times, but you never learn."

Claire took it with a soft laugh.

"I get too busy and forget. Good thing you're here."

They naturally started chatting about old times---mutual acquaintances, shared experiences.

Their words carried an effortless understanding.

And I sat in the back seat like an out-of-place audience member.

The scenery outside flew backward.

We passed Fairview Park, where the giant Ferris wheel slowly turned.

My first date with Ethan had been here.

Legend said couples who kissed at the top would be happy forever.

I'd stolen a kiss from him then.

He'd stared at me for a long while.

I thought it was one of our few shared sweet memories.

Later I learned that Ethan's biggest regret was never bringing Claire here to ride that Ferris wheel.

Fragments of the past flashed through my drowsy mind.

Mostly my one-sided expectations and his dismissiveness.

I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

When I opened them again, the car had stopped outside our building.

Claire had gotten out at some point.

Ethan unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to look at my swollen ankle, his brow furrowed.

"Lily," his voice was low, "does it have to be like this?"

I looked up, confused.

"If you wanted me to pick you up, you could've just said so. Did you really have to use such a stupid method to get my attention?"

His tone was steady but carried barely detectable irritation.

I didn't know what he was irritated about.

Perhaps he was annoyed that I'd interrupted his alone time with his first love.

"Ethan, you're overthinking it."

"I didn't ask you to drive me."

He probably thought I was being stubborn and scoffed.

"Oh? So what's your plan---crawl home like this?"

"I can call a cab." I looked at him.

"Ethan, I don't need you to survive."

"I used to cling to you because I loved you. That doesn't mean I'm helpless without you."

"Leave? Lily, try leaving and see if I'll come begging for you back."

The man's eyes darkened again.

I had no desire to waste more words on him.

Anyway, once the divorce papers reached his hands, he'd know this time I wasn't making a scene---I was serious.