Chapter 2

Lawrence had returned in a hurry and had a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hands. He made his way toward me without an ounce of guilt or remorse. "I've brought back your favorite lisianthus, Mirabelle." Lisianthus, the flower that symbolized loyal, one-of-a-kind love. Now cradled in his arms, it felt like nothing but a poorly-cracked joke. I took the flowers from Lawrence. Thinking I had cooled down by then, he started explaining, "Ivy has been diagnosed with bone cancer, and her only wish is to marry me. We grew up together. I can't possibly let her dream go unfulfilled, so I'll be getting engaged to her in three days. "You've always been so understanding. I'm sure you get where I'm coming from, right?" It didn't sound like an explanation, more like he was merely informing me that he was getting engaged to Ivy Carhart in three days. What a coincidence that I would be gone in three days too. I nodded quietly. Lawrence had never been able to tolerate my spoiled temper. He used to complain about how I'd always make a fuss about every little thing, demanding his attention and asking repeatedly if he loved me. I gradually learned to hold back and keep things in. I had stopped throwing tantrums and asking if he loved me. Lawrence glanced at me in surprise. "I'm going to move in with Ivy starting tomorrow. You'll have to manage on your own for the next few months. She's sick, so compared to you, she needs me more right now." I smiled and set the flowers down. Upon seeing how I wasn't protesting, Lawrence leaned in to touch my face, but I pulled away subtly. There was an obvious smear of lipstick on his shirt collar. The sickly sweet scent of perfume that drifted from him made me want to gag. Annoyed at my rejection, Lawrence said nothing more and left the apartment in a hurry. Meanwhile, I tossed the flowers and cake into the trash can. I then started packing my things. I didn't want the flowers, and I no longer longed for Lawrence. The apartment where we had spent six years together no longer held any significance to me either.