Chapter 5

Rebecca's voice was soft, yet it landed like a heavy blow straight to Stanley's chest. But within seconds, he regained his composure. "Leaving? Where are you going this time? Another trip?" Rebecca was momentarily stunned, then let out a faint, self-mocking smile. She had been by his side for so many years, and yet it had probably never crossed his mind that she might truly leave him. So when she finally told the truth, his first instinct was to assume she was just going on vacation. She was about to speak, but Stanley interrupted her. He was indifferent and clearly uninterested in what she had to say. "Don't go on any trips right now. It's the seventh anniversary of the day Mia and I met in a few days. I want to host a party. Help me plan it." Rebecca said nothing more. She simply nodded. "Got it." For the next several days, she was busy preparing for the party. The event turned out to be lavish and grand. Countless gardenias, Mia's favorite, adorned every corner of the venue. Under the dazzling lights, the entire scene felt almost dreamlike. Amid the clinking of glasses and murmured toasts, the sound of whispered conversations began to reach her ears. "Mr. Jarrow really is devoted. After all these years, he still can't forget Mia. Even after she's gone, he's throwing a party to mark the day they met. First love's power is truly not something just anyone can compete with." "No kidding. And his actual wife? She's got some tolerance. I heard she planned this whole event herself. I can't believe she loves him that much. I know I never could." Rebecca questioned if it was true love, recalling it might have been real once. She was just about to reach for a pastry when she saw Stanley place an elegantly wrapped gift box in front of Mia's photo. Moments later, a few of his friends walked over. "Stanley, you really went too far this time. We've all seen how much Rebecca has loved you over the years, but you still can't let go of Mia. Aren't you afraid she might leave you one day?" Stanley let out a quiet laugh, his voice laced with scornful confidence. "Anyone else might leave me, but not her. She never will." Rebecca's fingers trembled slightly, sending a ripple through the wine in her glass. She lowered her head, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She thought, "Stanley, this time, you couldn't be more wrong." After the party, the two saw flames roaring from the villa as soon as they reached the gate. The fire spread rapidly, sending thick smoke into the sky and illuminating the night. Stanley's face went pale in an instant. He flung the car door open and bolted toward the burning house without a second thought. Rebecca instinctively grabbed his arm. "Are you out of your mind? Wait for the firefighters!" But Stanley shoved her away, madness flickering in his eyes. "If we wait, all of Mia's things will be gone!" Rebecca stumbled backward from the force of his push, falling hard to the ground. Her knee struck the cold pavement, splitting open her old wound as fresh blood trickled down her calf. She looked up and watched him rush into the flames. "They're just things. Are they really worth more than your life?" Stanley paused briefly but didn't turn around. His voice was icy and determined. "Yes. She's gone. And what she left behind… is my life." Rebecca watched Stanley vanish into the flames, then let out a low, bitter laugh. She didn't try to stop him anymore. The flames grew fiercer, the thick smoke nearly suffocating. Stanley's figure flickered in the firelight as he desperately salvaged anything connected to Mia, as if those items were more important than his own life. At last, he burst out of the inferno, cradling a bundle of items. His clothes were tattered from the flames, his body covered in burns and bruises, yet he held those items as if they were treasures. In his eyes was a flicker of satisfaction, as though he had just fulfilled some sacred mission.