I went inside the apartment and there was just silence. Liam still hadn't come home, he must still be tending to Jessica in the hospital. I went inside the living room and I saw his phone on the table. He even left that behind, all for Jessica.

When I was about to move it to the bedroom, there was a flash on my phone. It was an alert from Twitter. Its message was wrongly read by my eyes by accident.

There was a photo of Jessica kissing Liam on the cheek at the airport. Thousands of likes on the tweet, but some with cutting remarks.

[You two look so good together. You should be an official couple!] said one of them.

Another reply responded.

[Isn't Liam already dating? The pouty one, or so?]

They even put up a picture of me and Liam. A vintage selfie that somehow they managed to get their hands on. Perhaps from another of my social media platforms.

The other comments got worse.

[That's his girlfriend. Watch out, she will lose her mind and scratch Liam!] with a laughing emoji.

[Yeah, but seriously, Liam and Jessica are a better couple.]

I bristled when I spotted another comment, this time from Jessica herself.

[I know we look good together, but please don't upset their relationship.]

It was a defense on the surface. But I knew, concealed behind such sugary sentiments, was a knife slowly piercing. She was the one surreptitiously diverting Liam's attention away from me.

Meanwhile, Liam. as per usual, would not defend me.

My phone suddenly sprang to life, startling me. Freya was calling.

"Daisy, my uncle needs waiters. You still require employment, don't you?"

I fell silent for a moment before saying, "Yeah, I do. My ice skating training has also been put on hold for now. I'm idle at home."

"Good. Just report to his restaurant tomorrow and begin," instructed Freya.

I hung up feeling better. At least I had something that would stop me from dwelling on Liam.

****

The next day, I started working.

Freya’s uncle’s restaurant turned out to be quite fancy and was always full of customers.I tried to adapt, keeping myself busy so my mind could stay calm.

Everything was going great, until that afternoon. I was serving drinks on a tray to a private table. It was strictly business at first. But when I placed down the last drink, I heard that voice.

"Daisy? You work here?"

I stood upright, turning around slowly. Jessica was seated facing Liam. To her right, Jessica's friends were all holding their breaths, glancing at me with a derisive look.

Liam was taken aback, as if he did not even know me.

I was gripping the tray firmly in my palms, shoving back the bared teeth of hurt gnawing at me.

Jessica was sitting casually in her chair.

"Look at you, Daisy," she was saying to her, loud enough for the entire group around the table to hear.

Even nearby guests turned to look, with curiosity.

"There are those who stay where they are... and there are those who go higher. I think we all know who is just enough to be a servant.”

Jessica's friends' gentle guffaws echoed, slapping my ears.

"From ice skating champion to waitress," one of them quipped. "Life is full of surprises."

They all burst into laughter.

I remained silent. I noticed some of the other guests had started whispering, looking in my direction.

But I just continued moving ahead of them with head held high, serving food at the next table.

I played dumb. Played like I didn't care.

Walking past that table again, I noticed there were two other couples of adults sitting there. Jessica's and Liam's parents. They were smiling big while seated, and the mood shifted to something serious.

A host rang a glass.

"Good afternoon, everyone.

Today, we are pleased to announce the engagement of Liam Lancaster and Jessica Lynn. Let's give them our best."

There was a burst of applause.

I just remained standing in the corner, frozen.

Liam took a step forward, pulled out a tiny red box, and placed a ring on Jessica's finger.

Jessica looked at him with sheer joy.

What made my chest break even more was that Liam. was smiling too, as if everything was happening in real life.

Jessica pulled on his jacket collar, and before he could do anything, Liam stooped.They were kissing passionately, while the party people on the stools around them cheered loudly.

My hands shook so violently that I didn't even realize I'd dropped the tray, its metal ringing out loudly as it crashed, ruining the moment.

Everyone was staring at me. I quickly bowed my head and ran away, suppressing the tightening sensation in my chest.

I finished all my work, and then I headed home.

Evening, I had only taken a few steps when I overheard someone shouting.

"Daisy! Wait!"

I picked up the pace, pretending not to hear. No, Liam, he caught up with me and grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop.

"Let go of my hand. What are you doing to me, Liam?" I spat.

Liam let go of my arm, but his face grew red.

"I should be asking you. Why are you waiting tables at that place? You were embarrassing!"

I laughed, but my heart hurt.

“So, kissing Jessica there didn’t embarrass you?” He fell silent.

“Oh, I forgot. I should be congratulating you. Congratulations on your engagement to Jessica, Liam,” I said, forcing the words out even though they hurt.

Liam’s jaw tightened as if he was holding something back.

“Stop it, Daisy! I only did that for show.”

Liam stared deeply into my eyes.

“For show? Then why didn’t you deny the engagement just now? You seemed...”

My voice trailed off, and Liam waited.

“Seemed what?”

“Seemed like you were enjoying your role.”

Liam fell silent, as if at a loss for words, making me choose to walk away.

But Liam kept trying to stop me, even as I struggled to pull free.

“Daisy, wait! It’s not what you think.”

He let out a heavy sigh, as if searching for the right words.

“Our parents... they forced me.

I had no choice.”

I looked at him for a long time, holding back all the emotions that were about to explode.

“Then...” my voice grew weaker, “what are we really, Liam? What do you want, and what do you expect?”

He stayed silent.

And for the first time, I knew the answer without him having to say it.

Since that evening, I took great care to avoid Liam. Unconsciously, a week had passed and I had not even gone back to his apartment since his engagement to Jessica. He never made an effort to explain things to me, even just to persuade my heart.

I had a day off waiting tables today. I went to the mall and spent time with Freya. I spent some cash on shirts that I had been eyeing, and I laughed, at least for a little bit I did not think about Liam.

"Daisy, I'm starving. Let's go there!" Freya halted me and pointed to a restaurant that she had in mind. We had our arms full of shopping bags that we had collected from some shops in the mall.

"Are you sure you would want to go there?" I asked hesitantly. There was a tingling feeling in my stomach.

"Yes, you've never eaten there, right? Don't worry, I promise you'll love it," Freya assured me, before I could say something, she had already pulled my hand and taken me into the restaurant.

We had ordered food. At first, everything was fine, and I was relishing in the warmth of the restaurant. The food came out.

"How is it?" Freya asked when I put food in my mouth smiling in wonder.

"Not bad," I said curtly, hiding my look of surprise.

"Not 'not bad,' Daisy. This is seriously good! You haven't stopped chewing since before!" Freya was annoyed with me. I laughed at her tantrum, but my laughter later subsided when suddenly someone came to our table.

"Sorry, may I sit with you? The other tables are occupied, there's only this one besides you that is vacant." The voice sounded familiar, and when I glanced up, it was Jessica. She was accompanied by her friend, who was standing next to her. We were surprised to see each other.

"Hi Daisy. You're here too? That's great. May I sit with you?" Jessica smiled broadly.

I slowed down for an instant, staring at Freya. I scanned the rest of the tables that were around us, in search of a free seat. Oh well, just as Jessica said, the one to our right was the lone table still unoccupied.

"Come on, Daisy. Are we not friends? I just want you to share a seat. Do you mind?" Her voice was like insistence softly. I could no longer say no to her and finally nodded, inviting her to sit. Jessica smiled cheerfully and thanked me.

The moment sat, the air was too uncomfortable, Jessica waited for her food to come while I attempted to steer clear of her presence.

Jessica soon started playing with her fingers, but what I noticed was that she deliberately flaunted her engagement ring. The ring Liam put on her a week ago, the day I started working as a waitress to help fill out my spare time.

I was staring at her ring, Jessica smiled knowingly, as if she could read what I was thinking.

"Ahh, Daisy. Is that ring pretty?" She asked, with an arrogance that seemed to warm my heart.

"Good!" I replied curtly, not wanting to be annoyed. I hastily turned my head and continued eating my food, although it seemed as if nothing could possibly go in.

The tension thickened. Jessica seemed to be ignoring the emotions I was stifling.

"Daisy, I'm sorry. It wasn't I who took you away from Liam, but because our families wanted the engagement." Jessica's voice sounded as if it was regretful of all things, yet still one of those 'unconvincing excuses'.

"How are things between you and Liam now? All okay?" Jessica's hand clamped over my hand, trying to be genuine, yet everything was so insincere.

My eyes blazed at the hand now lying on me, then I slowly looked at her face. I jerked my hand away from her hastily.

"I'm fine," I said icily, without adding anything else.

Jessica leaned back in her chair, her intense stare fixed on me.

"Really? You're not acting about your feelings, are you?"

I remained silent, waiting for her to finish her sentence.

“If you're okay, why did Liam inform me that you don't come to his apartment as often as before? It hurts to see your room empty. I inquired from him… Liam simply replied, 'Daisy needs her own space.' But do not worry, Daisy…" Her hand touched mine once more. It was icy. She tilted her head to one side, looking at me with a serious face.

"I was tidying up the unwanted items there with Liam.".

The words hung thick with meaning like a sharp knife cutting deep within my heart. My jaw clenched. In an instant, I set my knife and forks down and chose to leave although I had not yet finished eating. I pulled Freya's hand quickly so that we could leave this establishment immediately. My mood shattered instantly.

"Daisy? Why did you run so quick? I just wanted to let you know." Jessica's yell was still trying to keep me back, but the further I went, the louder her tiny laugh could be heard cheering me on.

Feeling lost, I decided to head to Liam's apartment. Not to return, but to pick up some of my clothes. Following the meeting with Jessica, I couldn't deny the feelings that overwhelmed me anymore.

When I opened the door, I tried my best to be quiet. The apartment was quiet, and I knew Liam was not around. I walked in my room, pushing the door slowly. But once the door was ajar, Liam stood in front of the door, staring at me intensely.

"Have you stayed away long enough, Daisy?" His voice demanded a response.

I was shocked, left speechless for a second. My eyes fell, as if I couldn't bear to look at him. Liam moved a little closer, his eyes looking deep into mine.

"Where have you been the whole time, Daisy? You were the one who kept on insisting on this relationship, yet now you're avoiding me like I mean nothing to you."

For a brief moment the atmosphere around me grew cold, my mouth dry to answer him.

"Move out of the way, Liam!" I growled, pushing him aside frustratedly. I was in no mood to fight. I simply wanted to grab some clothes and return to grandma's home.

His eyes were intense, but I ignored it. I walked to the closet, pulled out my bag, and started stuffing my clothes into it. But before I could zip it up, Liam came over and threw my bag to the corner of the room.

"What do you mean?" I stood up, angry at him.

You want to go? Just leave and leave this place like that?!" he shouted. "Is another man following you now?!"

"If so? What do you need? Isn't Jessica already with you? I think this relationship is really meaningless," I shot back no less angrily.

Liam looked hurt, but retaliated quickly, "Daisy, I know you've been jealous of Jessica for a week now. I told you, my marriage to Jessica is business. I love you. More than anything."

Suddenly his squeaky voice softened, I mocked a laugh.

"This isn't jealousy, Liam. This is you constantly belittling my feelings. If you love me so much, show me. Break up with Jessica, end it with her now!"

He remained silent.

I stepped closer, looking deep into his eyes.

"You can't, can you? Even on the day of my ice skating competition, the most important day for me… you forgot. You were too busy welcoming Jessica from the airport, even after I reminded you every day."

Previously, I would have chosen to remain silent, to give in, to hold on to this relationship. But now I understand, what I've been protecting all this time wasn't love. but lies.

"From now on, we're done, Liam. This relationship is over. Besides, our parents don't even know about us, do they?

My tears fell, I no longer hid them. For the first time. I let myself feel the pain.

"What? No, Daisy… don't do this." Liam's voice was frantic, he was rushing towards me, his breath in short gasps.

I turned my face away, but he held my arm gently as if he was truly afraid of losing me.

"I'm sorry…really," he whispered.

"I was wrong for missing your competition. I don't know what I was thinking. That day I should've been there, supporting you, hugging you after you won…"

Liam's eyes started to turn red.

"But I chose Jessica instead. I also apologize for not being able to accompany you to take care of your family's ranch files. I... took your feelings for granted.”

I stared at him silently. Trying to look for the final remaining sincerity in his eyes.

He grabbed my hand, placing it on his chest. His heartbeat was pounding wildly, as if to reassure me.

"If you still feel even a little bit… don't go."

I inhaled. Before, this hug would have melted me. But now… I wasn't sure I wanted to stay.

Liam looked at me passionately.

"I know I messed up. But give me a chance. Just one. I'll make it all right. I'll come to whatever you want. Even to your ice skating practice every day if you want."

My heart was pounding. But I couldn't trust him anymore.

"You trust me, right?" he asked softly.

I nodded slowly. Smiling a bit like I meant it.

Yes, I forgave him. But only pretended to. Liam hugged me, as usual. But this time it was flavorless. Maybe… my heart could no longer sense his touch.

Besides, in twenty days I'll be going away. There is no point in forcing love that has lost its form.

"Then…" Liam let out a sigh of relief, then suddenly lifted up my body.

"H-Hey!" I shouted.

"I'm not letting you go anywhere, honey!" Liam suddenly picked me up and placed me on the bed.

"So.can I sleep here, with you?" He playfully grinned at me.

"No!" I willingly answered, then I pushed his body with all my might.

Liam's body fell over the edge of the bed and crashed onto the floor with a loud thud. He winced, rubbing his back.

"Aww… why'd you put me down? It's okay if you don't want to."

Liam tried to laugh. I gave him a cold look. Somewhat taken aback, but not sorry.

Liam got up, brushing his clothes lightly.

"Alright. If you want to sleep alone, I'll go."

He walked to the door, but before he went out, turned around. He came back, then bent, kissing my forehead.

"I love you so much, Daisy," he whispered, but I didn't say anything.

Liam smiled slightly before he gradually closed the door.

And when the door was completely closed, I just stared at the ceiling. Flat and empty.

No more pounding heart anymore. No yearning. No sensation when I'm with him.

****

The next morning, Liam made breakfast for me like he was really trying to win my heart. He fed me. And I fed him sometimes, just like before.

Liam took my hand and said, "Thank you, Daisy. We've repaired our broken relationship. I don't want to lose you."

I nodded and smiled, pretending along. I became the old Daisy again, warm, gentle, and submissive. In secret, though, I packed my bags each night for five nights.

I was happy I could attend Freya's engagement. She was smiling, and I forgot my grief for a time. We sat together afterward as we once did. I said I was leaving, and she cried and clung to me.

You're my best friend, Freya. Not just a friend… you're like a sister to me," I replied, hugging her back.

"Before you go to Harvard… I want us to meet often. Like we used to in the past," Freya managed between sobs.

"Yes, of course," I said.

But when I remember the moment that the ring was placed on Freya's finger, I can manage only a bitter smile. I want to feel the same. I want Liam to be beside me at the altar. But in life, my finger is empty. It means nothing.

I said goodbye to Freya after dinner. Shortly afterward, I received a message from Jessica.

[Daisy, can you take Liam. He's got a fever right now. He's in my apartment.]

I immediately replied and said I would go. I was just being a good girlfriend, at least for the time being here. But when I arrived at Jessica's apartment and walked towards her half-open room, I heard something.

"Liam, don't do this. What if Daisy discovers?" Jessica's voice was spoiled and breathy.

Liam's voice followed after the searing kiss. He sounded casual, and sneered.

"Daisy? Oh, she's my submissive girlfriend. Like a dog that always listens to its master. She won't get angry at anything we do."

My throat constricted. My body was like it froze at Liam's response to me.