Chapter 2

02

“Why is there no food on the table?”

Madeline frowned slightly, looking at me with a trace of dissatisfaction.

“I could not reach you for the past two days. I did not know when you would be back, so I did not cook.”

An awkward look flashed across Madeline’s face, but she quickly came up with an excuse.

“Work was hectic, so I had to go on a sudden business trip. I did not get a chance to tell you.”

Hearing her excuse, I simply nodded.

I closed my laptop and stood up, ready to head back to the bedroom to rest.

Madeline grabbed my arm. She stared at me for a moment, her expression turning complicated.

“Wesley, are you just going to walk away like that?”

“What else should I do?”

Without turning back, I kept walking toward the bedroom.

I left Madeline standing there alone, staring at my back with mixed emotions.

Right after I washed up and got ready to sleep, my phone buzzed.

I unlocked it and saw a text from my boss, Marcus.

“Wesley, are you certain you want to take the overseas assignment? The executive team is finalizing the transfer list.”

“Once you go over there, you will not be back for three to five years. Have you really thought this through?”

I replied without hesitation:

“Do not worry, Marcus. This time, I am completely certain.”

Three months ago, the company decided to transfer staff from headquarters to expand the overseas market in London.

Although the task was daunting, many employees jumped at the rare promotion and raise.

I was tempted as well.

Among all the candidates, my qualifications and performance made me the ideal choice.

Yet because of Madeline, I hesitated until now.

Madeline and I were college sweethearts, the golden couple in everyone’s eyes.

We met in the student council, and as we interacted, I developed strong feelings for her.

Back then, I could not read her mind, so I quietly looked after her in small ways.

Madeline came from a small town, lacking connections and confidence.

At first, she was insecure and sensitive, but she gradually opened up over time.

For a period in between, she suddenly grew cold toward me and even quit the student council.

Though I did not know why―perhaps my feelings made her uncomfortable―I respected her decision and kept my distance.

I converted all my care into secret support so I would never put her on the spot again.

Just when I mourned my failed secret crush and prepared to move on entirely, Madeline suddenly reappeared.

Under the dim yellow streetlights, a graceful girl in a white dress walked slowly toward me.

The moment my eyes landed on her, my heart pounded wildly against my ribs.

She stopped right before me, her eyes curving into sweet crescents.

As if our distant silence never happened, she greeted me with a radiant smile.

“Long time no see, Wesley.”

“Long time no see.”

I responded dumbly, completely caught off guard by her sudden warmth.

Madeline suddenly leaned in close, staring directly into my eyes with total seriousness.

“Wesley, I like you. Let us be together!”

“Okay!”

Overwhelmed with excitement, I agreed at the top of my lungs.

My loud answer drew curious stares from passing students.

Madeline chuckled softly at my flustered, blushing face.

We started dating naturally, and after graduation, we naturally tied the knot.

I remember two years ago when I had a chance to transfer to a regional branch, Madeline broke down in tears.

She sobbed, asking if I was abandoning her and throwing her away.

Seeing her vulnerable and helpless, I turned down the company’s generous offer.

I chose to stay by Madeline’s side so I could take better care of her.

I never imagined that the person who confessed first would also be the first to give up.

My breath hitched, and an unbearable tightness gripped my chest.

Marcus seemed to sense something was wrong and texted cautiously:

“Did you and your wife have another argument?”

I remained silent for a long time, which served as my confirmation.

After a pause, Marcus sent another message:

“Everyone needs to move forward. I hope you have truly made up your mind this time.”

I thanked Marcus and put my phone away.

I fell limply onto the mattress, staring blankly at the ceiling.