After the building caught fire, my girlfriend didn't wake me.

Her first reaction was to rush out and help her neighbor, a man she had known since childhood, escape the flames.

Afraid I'd be upset, her friend said, "They've known each other for over ten years. There's nothing between them. They're just friends."

I remained calm. "I don't understand it, but I respect it. I hope they're happy together."

——

On the third day after the fire, I returned to my newly rented house.

A bouquet of green and white lisianthus flowers lay on my doorstep.

It wasn't the first time she sent me flowers.

I picked up the card attached to the flowers. The handwriting from the florist was a bit messy: [I know I was wrong, let's make up.]

Giving flowers was her usual way of apologizing.

My emotions often flared up quickly but subsided just as fast.

Every time we argued, she would send gifts, I would accept them, and we would act as if nothing had happened.

I kicked the flowers aside and just as I put my things down, Victoria Elsie's call came.

"Jerome, Rudolf wants to thank me for saving him. He's inviting us to dinner. I'm downstairs, come down quickly."

We had actually been giving each other the cold shoulder for three days, but she spoke as usual without any hint of what had happened a few days ago.

I agreed. "Okay."

After getting into Victoria's car, she noticed, "I have a light jacket in the back seat. You should wear it." I shook my head. "I'm not cold."

I shook my head. "I'm not cold."

We drove past rows of old, quaint townhouses lining the street.

Curious, I asked, "How did you know I moved here?"

Victoria replied, "I asked about the store where you often order takeout."

Of course. The staff in that store also knew her.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Rudolf Ivan had been waiting inside for a while.

Seeing us walk in together, he seemed a bit surprised. "Hi Victoria, Jerome."

I noticed the table was set for two. Victoria casually motioned for the waiter to bring an extra set of utensils.

The table was soon filled with beautifully presented dishes.

Victoria stood up to hand me over a bottle of salt, an action she often made when we dined out.

Rudolf, noticing her action, offered a smile. "Victoria, could you please pass me the salt too?"

Victoria obliged without hesitation.

Rudolf smiled and said, "This time, I want to specially thank Victoria and you, Jerome.

"There was a fire a few days ago. Victoria came to me first because I sprained my foot. I thought Jerome was not angry?" He smiled.

I nodded. "I see."

"It's good that Victoria remembered me, otherwise I don't know if I could have escaped."

I paused with my fork.

In fact, the fire was brought under control in a short time.

But with the alarm blaring and the corridor filled with smoke, everyone was panicking.

The first thing I remembered was to protect Victoria, but I found that there was no one around me.

I looked around and saw her supporting another man as they disappeared into the smoke in the corridor.

After we got downstairs, I yelled angrily, "Why did you go to save him first? Let's break up." But her expression was indifferent.

"Are you going to watch someone else die in the fire? How could you be so cruel."

I came to my senses.

Rudolf was giving Victoria a meaningful look. Then, Rudolf said, "But Victoria, you should apologize for not telling Jerome and making him worried."

Victoria put down her fork, a hint of apology flashing in her starry eyes.

"Jerome, you don't mind, right? I was just eager to help."

We had been together for three years and had argued countless times.

She never bowed her head first.

But this time, she gave in.

She knew that once she did, I would eagerly make things right.

At this moment, I felt only humiliation.

Why did she need Rudolf to persuade her to apologize? She never felt sorry for me?

I grabbed a glass of red wine and downed it.

"It's fine."

Victoria pouted. "Drink less. I don't like the smell of alcohol."

She didn't like her partner smelling of alcohol.

I had always respected her preference, and for three years, I had rarely touched alcohol. My tolerance for it had long declined.

At this moment, I slowly poured another glass.

"I can handle my wine."

"You know, Rudolf and I grew up together. Our families know each other, and we promised to take care of each other. Don't give me that face," Victoria said.

Rudolf looked displeased. "Jerome, don't blame Victoria. If you have an issue, talk to me."

I looked at the two of them curiously. "Why are you both reacting so strongly to me having a glass of wine?"

After finishing the glass, I stood up.

"I'll settle the bill. You both enjoy yourselves; don't let me spoil your fun."

I slowly walked out of the restaurant.

The autumn evening breeze was a bit chilly.

I strolled along the riverside avenue.

The river waves lapped against the shore, rising and falling.

In my slightly tipsy state, I looked at the road ahead and had a fleeting thought.

Wasn't this the path I often walked while pursuing Victoria during college?

I fell in love with Victoria at first sight during university.

She was the renowned untouchable beauty of our department.

Young love had been fiery and all-consuming. I pursued her for a whole year before we finally became a couple.

Everyone envied me, saying I was lucky to win over such a high-profile girl.

But I knew that Victoria never broke any of her principles for me.

I found a bench to rest on and took out my phone. I happened to see a new post on Instagram from Rudolf.

In the familiar front passenger seat, the photo focused on a candy apple.

The caption: [Remember when we used to eat candy apples at this shop?]

My fingers lingered on the screen.

Victoria had a slight cleanliness obsession and never allowed me to eat in her passenger seat.

I smiled, but tears oozed from my eyes.

I had believed love was about mutual tolerance and compromise, where one would always have to make concessions.

I never minded his habits.

What hurt was that her principles and rules could be so easily set aside for someone else.

Victoria texted, asking if I had reached home.

I didn't reply.

When I didn't reply, she sent more messages.

[The food wasn't great today. Next time, let's try a different place.]

Another while passed.

[Jerome, are you asleep?]

[Remember to light the calming incense before bed. Good night.]

I scrolled through our past messages. They were filled with my long, rambling updates, met with her occasional short replies of "OK" or "Got it."

She was busy with work and focused on her career, and I always understood.

After getting home and showering, I noticed a familiar car parked below my balcony.

As if sensing my presence, the window rolled down, and I quickly retreated back inside.

The next morning, I went to work with dark circles under my eyes.

Just as I went downstairs, I saw the familiar car.

I tried to act as if I hadn't seen it and kept walking.

But then my phone rang. It was the taxi driver. "Sir, your location is too tricky to find. Could you cancel and book another ride?"

"Can't find the place? What's the point of being a taxi driver?" I was furious.

The pink car drove up beside me, the window rolled down, her beautiful and proud eyes meeting mine. "I'll drive you," she offered.

As it was almost time to go to work, I sat in the passenger seat in silence.

Usually, I would've chatted incessantly.

But now the car was filled only with the sound of the wind outside.

Victoria seemed uncomfortable.

"You haven't had breakfast, have you?" she asked.

"No." I turned to look at the scenery outside.

"Shall I bring you something later?"

"No need."

"Skipping meals is bad for your stomach."

"I'll be fine."

When we arrived at my office, I tried to open the door, but the lock was still engaged.

Victoria frowned. "I've cleaned up the apartment. When will you move back? Aren't you worried about me living alone?"

"I've already paid the first three months' rent there, and your place has great security. What's there to worry about?"

I opened the door and hurriedly got out.

"Jerome," Victoria called after me.

I turned around.

She was dressed in a sharp white suit, her hair fluttering in the wind.

"You're upset about the fire, and I've explained and apologized. If there's something else bothering you, we should talk it out instead of just giving each other the silent treatment."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Victoria, do you think my reaction in the car was indifferent? Isn't this the same way you've always treated me? Or is it only now that you think this kind of behavior means a silent treatment?"

She was speechless.

I turned and left.

For the next five workdays, I buried myself in my job.

Victoria occasionally sent food or messages, but I responded indifferently.

For the first time, I realized it was easier not having to worry about another person's life.

No need to fret about her being forced to drink at social events.

No need to figure out how to make her happier.

The daily chores seemed to be cut in half.

Then, one of our mutual friends got in touch.

"Jerome, Victoria mentioned you've been quite distant with her lately. Come out and let's talk."

I thought it was time to properly explain things.

I went to the address he sent.

It was a cozy bar with gentle, melodious songs wafting through the air.

Following the waiter's direction, I walked towards the seats.

Before I got there, I heard teasing laughter from afar.

Someone said, "He went to great lengths to win Victoria over, but now, look what he has done to her? If it were anyone else giving her the cold shoulder, they wouldn't stand a chance."

Rudolf was sitting very close to Victoria, almost pulling her into his embrace. "Jerome doesn't trust you enough. We've all been friends for decades; you all know how close Victoria and I are."

"Yeah, and besides, Victoria once pursued Rudolf. If they liked each other, Rudolf would've accepted long ago instead of going abroad."

My head buzzed.

Victoria had pursued Rudolf? Before he went abroad?

I recalled that during that time, she suddenly accepted my confession, and I was overjoyed.

Now, my heart sank.

Victoria's voice sounded heavy. "That's all in the past."

I took a deep breath.

There had always been rumors about them in college—a heartthrob and a beauty in the art department were a perfect match.

I thought it was just gossip, but now I felt a dull ache in my heart.

I had believed she was naturally aloof, that her principles were steadfast.

Whenever she showed even a hint of tenderness, I was elated.

No wonder I could never figure her out, always treading carefully to please her.

It turned out she never really had me in her heart.

Rudolf waved his hand. "We're here to help reconcile them today. Let's not dwell on the past."

"Jerome's mistrust of Victoria must be due to childhood trauma, right?" someone speculated.

I walked over.

The group fell silent as I approached, except for the person who had suggested the idea.

Oblivious to my presence, he continued his enthusiastic analysis.

"I heard he had a tough upbringing. It's not surprising if he had some childhood trauma. He grew up feeling inferior, so he never trusted Victoria..."

He noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere, and his voice trailed off as he sensed something was amiss.

"My analysis is correct..."

I sneered. "Out there, you're a loser, but in here, you're a philosophy master? If you're so confident, why not share some of that with me?"

Victoria stood up, her eyes filled with concern.

"Jerome, he didn't mean any harm..."

Our mutual friends at the table looked awkward, and Rudolf quickly stood up to mediate.

"Sorry, we just wanted to help you reconcile."

I didn't look at Rudolf but instead smirked at Victoria. "I remember when I wanted my friend to rent the place opposite yours, you refused. Yet Rudolf moved in right after. So, there's more to the story, isn't there?"

Victoria's eyes darkened. "I was confused about my feelings back then. I only saw Rudolf as a brother."

"A brother, or a lover?" I smirked. "It seems he sees you as more than a sister."

Rudolf's face turned pale, but he stood up defiantly.

"Jerome Brewster, what are you implying? Want a fight?"

I grabbed a glass of red wine and threw it in Rudolf's face. "I don't fight with animals."

He looked utterly disheveled, and those around us gasped.

Victoria looked disappointed. "How can you take it out on others?"

My expression remained unchanged. "When I said we should break up downstairs, I meant it.

"It's not because you saved someone else first or because you're entangled with other men."

I glanced at Rudolf's face and continued, "It's because you don't understand love."

Persisting in a hopeless relationship was my ultimate act of sincerity. Now, it's not that I'm giving up on Victoria, but rather, I'm choosing to free myself.

There were murmurs from the crowd, "Is he really this tough?"

"He's putting on a show now. When Victoria actually breaks up with him, he'll regret it."

I remained indifferent.