Chapter 3

Mabel's eyes shot open, and she met Elliot's inquisitive gaze. She felt her heart skip a beat and forced herself to stay calm. "Was I talking in my sleep just now?" Elliot stood by the bed and looked down at her, his brow slightly furrowed. He didn't know who this Luther was, so he assumed that she'd just blurted out a random name in her dream. He didn't bother to think too much about it and instead pressed a hand to her forehead. After making sure that her fever had broken, he said lightly, "Since you're awake, get up and change your clothes. Zoe is performing with the military art troupe today. She got you a ticket as thanks for making soup for her." Mabel lowered her eyes, hiding the emotions swirling in them. She didn't want there to be any other complications before her divorce application was approved, so she nodded and got up to change her clothes. Later, as Elliot drove them to the auditorium, he suddenly hit the brakes and stopped in front of a flower shop. "Wait for me," he said before alighting from the car and heading into the flower shop. Mabel watched him through the window. He stood in front of the flower displays, brushing his long fingers over the petals. In the end, he chose a bouquet of orchids—Zoe's favorite flowers. He even specially selected a light purple wrapping paper for the bouquet because she'd once said that purple was the most romantic color. Mabel's heart was calm as she quietly watched him. In order to get close to Elliot in the past, she'd thoroughly looked into his preferences. She knew that he was cold and distant, meticulous, and never did pointless things. But it turned out that he would even carefully pick out a bouquet of flowers for his special someone. Elliot brought the bouquet back to the car with him and restarted the engine. Meanwhile, Mabel looked out the window and watched as the scenery flew by. It reminded her of her place in Elliot's life during the past three years. Just like the scenery, she'd always just been part of the background. They finally made it to the auditorium entrance. Zoe's eyes brightened the moment she spotted Elliot. She exclaimed, "Elliot!" She was wearing a dress that made her look like a butterfly in flight as she threw herself into Elliot's arms. Elliot's lips curled upward, and he handed the bouquet to her. "Good luck on your performance." "You didn't have to waste your money on this," she said coquettishly, her cheeks flushed as she accepted the bouquet from him. Elliot didn't say a word. He simply raised his hand and tidied up the loose strands of her hair. The two acted as though there was no one else in the world. Only when Zoe spotted Mabel standing to the side from the corner of her eye did she nod sheepishly at her in greeting. Mabel didn't care. She turned around to head inside the auditorium. At the same time, a reporter from a TV station approached Zoe and Elliot with a camera in tow. "Ms. Young, can we get an interview with you?" Zoe nodded, smiling sweetly. The reporter first asked some basic questions about the performance. When his eyes landed on the bouquet Elliot was holding for Zoe, his eyes brightened. "Is this man your lover?" he asked. "Not only do you have such a successful career, but you also have such a thoughtful partner!" Elliot didn't correct the reporter's mistaken assumption. The reporter offered the microphone to Elliot and asked, "As Ms. Young's lover, do you have anything to say to her before she goes up on stage?" Elliot accepted the microphone and looked at Zoe. His voice was low and firm when he said, "You'll forever be the brightest star in my heart. Don't worry and fly as high as you want. No matter what happens, I'll always be behind you, supporting you." Standing in a corner, Mabel was suddenly reminded of how Luther had said something similar to her many years ago. "Run forward as much as you want, Mabel. I'll always be right behind you." The reporter sighed in awe. "The two of you share such a sweet relationship!" Zoe lowered her head bashfully. When the reporter left, she shoved Elliot lightly. "Why didn't you correct him, Elliot? We're not in that type of relationship…" She glanced at Mabel before continuing, "Mabel's still here too. She must be feeling upset after hearing what you said. Don't you need to comfort her?" Elliot looked at Mabel calmly. "No need to be bothered with her." With that, he took Zoe's hand and led her away. Zoe looked back at Mabel and shot a provocative smile at her. Yet, Mabel turned away indifferently and headed into the auditorium. She didn't care in the slightest.