Chapter 2

As I expected, after Aria returned to the country, Caleb completely forgot about me. In contrast to my past self, who would obsessively search for Caleb after our divorce and preemptively lie in wait at the places where he would appear, I spent my days having fun with my best friend, Talia Winston. We ate whatever we wanted and drank whenever we wanted. In the blink of an eye, there were only 20 days left before I was to leave the country. That day, Talia and I were waiting for our food to be served when Caleb and Aria happened to walk into the same restaurant. Caleb's arm was wrapped around Aria's waist as they laughed and chatted with each other, looking like a match made in heaven. "Melissa?" Almost immediately, Caleb caught sight of me. Aria snaked her arms around his neck in an affectionate gesture, a saccharine sweet smile curving on her lips. "Melissa, what a coincidence! You're here to eat too?" As my gaze turned to Aria, Caleb instinctively took a step forward to hide her behind him. I knew it was because he was worried I would lunge forward to attack Aria as I had in the past. Defying his expectations, I didn't do so, and even held back Talia, who was about to protest in outrage on my behalf. I let out an unbothered laugh. "Yeah, what a coincidence." When Aria realized I was backing down, her smile became even more smug. "So sorry, Melissa, but Caleb promised to book out the entire restaurant so he could eat with me alone. I'm afraid you two will have to change locations." Then, she turned to Caleb and swung his arm playfully, cooing, "Isn't that right, Caleb? Hurry up and say something, or else Melissa will think I'm deliberately picking on her." The moment Caleb locked eyes with my indifferent gaze, a hesitant look appeared on his face. Nevertheless, in the end, he still nodded at me. Though he hadn't said a word, his silence spoke volumes. Talia was already rolling up her sleeves, looking ready to start a fight, but I gently pushed her arm down. "It's fine. We can head somewhere else." Somewhere with no Caleb around. As my departure date neared, I didn't want to waste any more time on meaningless conflict with my ex-husband. After all, to be a proper ex, I had to treat him like he was dead, didn't I? The restaurant manager was a prudent man who knew how to read the room. Choosing the right moment, he approached Caleb and Aria to say respectfully, "Sir, ma'am, you two really are a loving couple. It truly makes one envious!" Hearing that, Caleb shot me a complex look, seemingly wary that I would say something. At the same time, he almost seemed curious about my response. However, I pretended as though I hadn't heard anything as I grabbed Talia's arm to drag her out of there. Not expecting my indifference, Caleb stared dazedly at my retreating back. Despite Aria calling him multiple times, it wasn't until her tone turned impatient that he slowly turned away.