Chapter 6

The weekend is only two short days.

So, my observation of John and Ella’s interaction lasted only two days.

It was clear that Ella was deeply immersed in the relationship, her face constantly adorned with a sweet smile.

John was equally indulgent and doting towards Ella, rarely taking his eyes off her, except for occasionally replying to my messages.

Henry said that John’s feelings for Ella were just a novelty, but as someone who’s been through it, I believe it’s more than that.

He has genuinely developed feelings for her.

Given a little more time, Ella might truly replace my position.

Henry would send me intimate photos of John and Ella every now and then, but always added a line at the end, saying she’s still not as good as you.

It’s not a very clever tactic to sow discord, but repeated often enough, it does have some impact.

I put away my phone and, in the gaps of observation, enjoyed this rare holiday.

I tasted the hotel’s special cuisine and tried the hot springs that Henry couldn’t stop praising.

They were indeed quite good.

Henry seized every opportunity to recommend himself, and upon learning I was soaking in the hot springs, he sent over a photo of himself in swimwear without hesitation.

Eight-pack abs, a blatant display.

He expressed his willingness to serve me loyally.

I was indeed tempted for a moment, but reason quickly returned, and I ultimately put down the phone.

As the holiday ended, my life returned to its original state.

John managed his time well; his passionate relationship with Ella did not affect my interactions with him.

I discovered a calendar in his house with a date circled in bright red and saw the order form for a diamond ring.

I remained silent about this.

A friend messaged me, subtly asking if I had investigated the truth of the matter.

I replied that I had figured it all out.

She knew that John and I were still maintaining a romantic relationship, so she assumed she had misunderstood and felt relieved.

She quickly reacted: [Then John buying a ring must be to propose to you!

[You’ve been in a relationship for ten years now; it’s about time to settle down. My kid can already buy soy sauce.]

My friend always worried that John and I wouldn’t make it to the end.

John was clearly not someone who could settle down, yet I never pressured him.

My friend advised me that men need a push and told me not to give John too much freedom.

I always agreed verbally but never took any action.

On Wednesday night, after John and I had been intimate, he mentioned he would be traveling for work in a couple of days.

I nodded sleepily and said okay, as I also needed to return to my hometown.

He paused, realizing.

My mother’s memorial day was approaching.

Every year at this time, I return to my hometown.

John didn’t say much, but on Friday, when I finished work, I found his car parked at my office entrance.

I stopped and asked him, weren’t you supposed to be traveling?

“A day or two late won’t matter,” John said. “I still want to accompany you back.”

John had once promised me that he wouldn’t let me return to my hometown alone to visit my mother’s grave.

Through twists and turns, all the vows and sweet words he once made had lost their truth, but this one promise, he never broke.

So, sometimes I feel that there is indeed a reason why John and I have made it this far.

He knows best where my bottom line lies.