He urged me to rest on the couch for a bit, then busied himself in the kitchen, mumbling as he researched recipes.
Every few minutes, he'd announce something he’d read online about nourishing soups or health remedies. Soon, the sounds of chopping and clinking pots filled the air.
Leon was still so attentive, so good to me.
But I...
I picked up the calendar from the coffee table and stared at the dates.
The day of my departure was approaching.
Would Leon feel relieved or heartbroken when I left?
The thought made me chuckle bitterly.
The moment he chose to be with Zandra, he forfeited the right to feel hurt.
I was drifting off on the couch when he appeared with a steaming bowl of soup.
“Honey, try this. It’s my first attempt.”
I opened my eyes, then closed them again. “Leave it on the table. I’m not in the mood.”
He placed the bowl down and knelt beside me, gently stroking my head. “Honey, I feel like you’ve been unhappy lately. There’s a fireworks show tonight. Shall we go watch it together?”
I didn’t want to go, but I didn’t want him to suspect anything either. So I nodded reluctantly.
—
When we arrived, there was still some time before the fireworks show began.
Leon looked up at the sky, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Honey, look! So many stars. It’s rare to see such a clear night in winter.”
I followed his gaze. The sight was breathtaking.
“This New Year has been hard on you,” he said suddenly, pulling me into his arms.
Pointing at the stars, he added, “Honey, let the stars bear witness to our love. I swear again that I’ll double my efforts to make you happy.”
His sincerity was almost overwhelming. If this had been years ago, I might’ve been moved to tears.
Instead, I avoided his gaze and wriggled free from his embrace, pretending to be shy. “We’re an old married couple—why bother with such romantic words?”
He chuckled, mistaking my awkwardness for bashfulness.
“You’re still as adorable as ever,” he said, playfully tapping my nose.
Then he leaned down, about to kiss me.
Before I could pull away, his phone buzzed with a notification.
“Better check that. It could be important,” I said, grateful for the interruption.
He frowned slightly but unlocked his phone.
As he read the message, a blush crept up his ears. He quickly turned off the screen and looked back at me, his eyes betraying a flicker of guilt.