Chapter 2

2

I arrived in this rural town a year before Lillian did. By the time she came, I was already working at the town clinic.

Other than helping out during the harvest, I mostly spent my time at the clinic.

When she first arrived, she was severely ill from the change in environment, and a colleague asked me to check on her.

She didn't cry or complain despite the pain; she just bit her lip, her face pale.

I was instantly drawn to that delicate yet resilient look of hers.

From then on, whenever I finished my shift at the clinic, I'd come back to help her with her chores.

In return, she would bring me meals.

It was the best food I had eaten in my three years out here.

Since I didn't do farm work, I wasn't allowed to eat from the communal kitchen with the other volunteers.

I didn't know how to cook, so I lived on dry bread and water every day.

I wasn't starving, but I wasn't eating well either.

When Lillian found out, she offered to cook for me on her small stove if I provided the grain.

She was worried about gossip, so she insisted on renting the room next to mine.

I tried to help her with the rent, but she refused.

Seeing her efforts warmed my heart.

Unknowingly, feelings began to bloom. I felt a pang of jealousy whenever she talked to anyone else.

Unable to hold it back any longer, I confessed my feelings to her.

I closed my eyes, waiting for her to reject me, but instead, she kissed me on the cheek.

The very next day, we filed our marriage application.

Our wedding was simple, but it was filled with the hope we both had for our future.

I thought we would return to the city together and build a great life.

I never imagined that in her eyes, I could never measure up to Dominic.

Dominic arrived six months ago, and the moment he appeared, he stole Lillian's attention.

When she found out Dominic was also working at the clinic, she begged and pleaded for me to get her a job there too.

At first, I didn't realize what was happening. It just so happened that the girl who handled the records had left to have a baby.

I talked to the director and got Lillian the job.

After she started, she began making an extra portion of food every day.

She even added an egg―something I usually saved for her―to take to the clinic.

That food was for Dominic.

When I found out, I hugged her from behind, feeling jealous. "Honey, I want an egg too."

Her hand froze for a second. Then she turned around and kissed my cheek.

"Dominic isn't in good health, Silas. We're from the same hometown; we should help each other. You're not that petty, right?"

Every time I saw her shy, sweet smile, my frustration would vanish.

Thinking back on it now, my smile is only bitter.

In the end, I could never compete with the man she had loved for years.

From now on, we'll walk different paths.

After getting Lillian settled into her hospital room, I headed toward the clinic.

Since I had decided to leave early, I needed to hand over my responsibilities.