Chapter 3

Hearing my flat refusal, Nina finally remembered what day it was. The color drained from her face.

"Zayne, I... I was so busy with work, I forgot it was your birthday."

"Your gift... it's at the office. I'll bring it home tomorrow."

I got out of bed and started to get dressed, my voice cold. "It's fine. I'm going out for a late-night bite with some colleagues."

As I passed her, she reached out and grabbed my arm. I looked at her, confused.

Her lips trembled, but all she said was, "Come back soon."

I nodded and left.

When my colleagues saw me, they started teasing. "After all these years, you finally have a nightlife."

"You always said you were single. I thought you had someone hidden away."

I just smiled. "My bad. I'll buy a round for everyone."

I downed my drink in one go.

My life used to revolve around work and Nina.

Every time my colleagues invited me out, I would say I had something to do at home.

Eventually, I lost most of my friends.

They remembered it was my birthday and decided to try their luck. When I said yes, they thought I was drunk.

During the meal, Nina kept texting me, asking when I was coming home.

I saw a reflection of my old self in her messages.

It was after two in the morning by the time I got home.

I was surprised to see Nina sitting on the couch. She was usually in bed by then.

I remember coming home late from a class reunion once, and she complained that I had woken her up.

"Zayne, you're back! I'll go make you your hangover cure."

She stood up and started to walk towards the kitchen.

"Don't bother. I'm going to bed."

She looked at me, a helpless expression on her face.

In the past, I would have walked over and held her, comforting her until she felt better.

But now, I just gave her a cool glance and said, "I've been drinking. I'll sleep in the guest room." Then I closed the door.

The next day at work, I told my boss about my career plans and handed in my resignation.

He approved it without hesitation. "Zayne, I always knew you were destined for bigger things. I never understood why you stayed at our little magazine for so long."

"You're talented and hardworking. You'll do great on a bigger stage."

I just smiled and didn't answer.

In college, I had already won several prestigious photography awards. Big companies were offering me jobs before I even graduated.

But I turned them all down because I was worried about Nina.

Last week, my old college buddy, who I hadn't spoken to in years, reached out and asked if I wanted to join his team.

I had turned him down then, too.

He tried to convince me, but I wouldn't budge. Finally, he gave up. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."

After leaving my boss's office, I started to hand over my work to my colleagues.

When they heard I was quitting, they insisted on throwing me a farewell party that night.

I agreed.

We were all at a restaurant when one of my female colleagues gasped. "A paparazzo just spotted Nina Faye and Julian Jiang looking at rings at a jewelry store. Julian's manager said they'll make an announcement if there's good news."