Chapter 3

I hesitated for a moment before walking into Nathan’s office.

Not because I was uncertain, but because I hadn’t figured out how to get him to sign the papers without any fuss.

After the company implemented stricter HR policies, even I had to sign an updated contract.

Considering the sensitivity of my role as the design director—and the fact that my family’s business was loosely tied to this industry—I needed to ensure my resignation paperwork was complete before returning to Eastbrook. Otherwise, it could cause unnecessary trouble later.

I pushed the door open, ready to speak, but stopped short when I saw Nina sitting across from Nathan.

No wonder her desk outside was empty. She had clearly moved her workspace in here.

Nina noticed me first. She playfully tapped Nathan on the head and said in a sweet, teasing voice, “Nathan!”

Nathan’s tone was indulgent. “Alright, stop messing around. I need to finish this agreement.”

“I’m not messing around…” Nina glanced at me provocatively before putting on a well-behaved smile. “Hannah’s here.”

Nathan immediately leaned back in his chair, putting distance between them, and looked up at me, flustered. Our eyes met.

Ignoring the ache in my heart, I spoke calmly. “Nathan, I need you to sign a document.”

I handed him the folder.

Relieved that I didn’t address the obvious tension between him and Nina, he nodded. “Alright.”

“Nathan, I’ll let you two work. I’ll head out,” Nina said, standing up to leave.

As Nathan opened the folder, I was just about to explain the document when Nina suddenly cried out, “Ah—my ankle! It hurts!”

“Nina!” Nathan jumped to his feet, abandoning the folder as he rushed toward her.

I stepped in his way. “Sign this first. It’ll only take a few seconds.”

He frowned. “Hannah Jefferson, when did you become so cold-hearted? Is this document really that important?”

“Nathan…” Nina whimpered from the floor, clutching her ankle and tearing up.

Nathan’s focus was entirely on her. Without even glancing at the papers, he hastily scribbled his signature where I pointed.

That suited me just fine.

I only wanted to get this resignation done and leave this city—to return to the life I was meant to have.

Nathan lifted Nina onto the couch and gently examined her foot. “It’s not swollen, but if it really hurts, I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“It’s not that bad…” Nina pulled her foot back shyly, sneaking a glance in my direction.

Expressionless, I turned and left.

Before I could get into my car, Nathan ran after me, stopping me by the door. “Hannah, don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing between me and Nina. I’m just looking out for her because we grew up together.”

“Hmm.” I nodded faintly, gesturing for him to release the door. “I have things to do.”

He hesitated, looking unsure. “You’re not upset?”

I smiled faintly. “Should I be?”

“In the past, you would’ve been furious if I did something like this…”

“But you still did it anyway.” I met his eyes, seeing the panic he was trying to hide. “Relax, I’m just joking. Come home for dinner tonight?”

“I…” He averted his gaze, squeezing my hand lightly. “I have a business dinner, but I’ll definitely come home after.”

I wanted to laugh but couldn’t. How did it come to this, where even getting him to come home felt like begging for a favor?

After grabbing dinner outside, I returned home and resumed packing.

That's when I realized - when disappointment runs deep enough, you don't want to keep any memories at all.

I methodically erased every trace of my existence from our apartment.

I went through Nathan's room too.

But only removed the things I'd bought for us as a couple.

Toothbrush, coffee mugs, slippers, matching pajamas...

During a break, before I could finish, I received a text from Nina.

[Hannah, isn't it sweet? After all these years, Nathan still remembers pink roses are my favorite. He's even more thoughtful than before.]

[Thanks for training such a perfect man for me.]

[All those years of training him paid off... for me.]

She attached a photo.

The white luxury car I'd helped him choose, its trunk filled with roses, decorated with twinkling lights.

In that moment, everything became crystal clear.

All the genuine love I thought I'd had these past years had belonged to someone else all along.