"Buy one, get the second half price!" the barista chirped, referring to the coffee. My high-strung boyfriend, Robert Vance, and I were debating flavors when the barista suddenly turned snarky: “Only for couples, sweetie. Mistresses aren’t eligible.” Before I could even process it, Robert had already paid for two coffees. He took my hand and led me out. Seeing my frown, he offered a wry, resigned smile. “It’s just five extra bucks, is it really that big a deal?” I was about to argue when his neighbor gasped: “Robert! Your girlfriend’s been home all afternoon, cooking dinner for you… How could you do this to her?” 1 The moment the words left her mouth, Robert’s apartment door swung open from the inside. A fair-skinned, simply dressed woman, clutching a trash bag, met my gaze. She showed no panic. Casually, she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and smiled warmly. “You must be Rachel, right? I’m Cathy.” Then, Cathy shot Robert a playfully chiding look. “You didn’t tell me Rachel was coming to Northwood… Take her inside first. I’ll just take out the trash; I still haven’t made your favorite sweet and sour ribs.” I stared at the scene, feeling utterly bewildered. For a moment, I truly didn’t know who Robert’s girlfriend was supposed to be. I instinctively tugged on Robert’s hand, about to question him. But he let go of my hand. Frowning, his expression grave, he stepped forward and said to Cathy: “Your wrist has been bothering you. Didn’t the doctor say no housework?” Robert didn’t wait for an argument. He took the trash bag from Cathy’s hand and strode into the elevator, leaving me standing there, utterly confused. After a long silence, the neighbor lady offered an awkward laugh. “Oh, so she’s a relative from back home… Heh, I knew it. Cathy, you two are so in love… Robert is such a respectable, upright man, he would never bring a mistress home. My apologies, I misunderstood. I was actually about to defend you.” With that, the neighbor lady hurried off with her groceries into the apartment next door. Cathy made no move to explain. She simply pushed up her glasses, smiled, and opened the door. “It’s quite cold out, come in quickly. You can sit wherever you like for now. I’ll call Robert and tell him to pick up a package at the downstairs post office. Otherwise, he won’t have any soft tissues left.” I stood in the living room, watching Cathy busy herself, clearly acting as the lady of the house. My face set in a cold mask, I spoke: “You know I’m Robert Vance’s girlfriend, right?” 2 Honestly, ever since we were buying coffee, I'd felt a subtle unease. But Robert had remained as aloof and restrained as ever, his expression indifferent, not at all like someone with something to hide. Besides, I didn’t want to cause a public scene. But now, looking at the matching couple's slippers in Robert’s rental apartment, and the abundance of pink items throughout the room, I couldn't maintain my composure any longer. “Robert and I have been together for four years, with one year of long-distance. And you, so shamelessly, interjected—” “What are you talking about?” Robert suddenly appeared, cutting me off with a sharp tone. He stood tall and handsome, looking down at me. “Cathy is the ‘study partner’ I told you about, the one I’m preparing for graduate school with. The ‘girlfriend’ story was just a lie we used to fend off unwanted attention for each other. I also benefited from this fake relationship, so how can you be so malicious towards Cathy?” I gripped my palms tightly, trying not to let the tears fall. Cathy offered a helpless smile, gracefully and understandingly diffusing the situation. “Robert, don’t be so harsh on Rachel. She doesn’t know the truth, so it’s natural for her to think that way. Young women, you know, it’s quite normal for them to be a bit emotionally driven in relationships and unconsciously compete. That’s why I told you not to tell her about it. See, she’s upset, isn’t she?” I laughed, a bitter sound. “Aren’t you a woman?” Cathy let out an “Oh?” a flicker of mockery in her eyes. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just, Robert mentioned you went to a regular university and drifted into a typical company right after graduation—” “I just felt that your values aren’t quite the same as ours, you know, those of us who are striving for the top.” She smiled sweetly, offering me a glass of warm water. “Besides, you’re so beautiful and you wear makeup, unlike me, who has no sense of style and only studies. Don’t worry, I’m not interested in marriage; men aren’t part of my life plan. So you don’t need to see me as an imaginary rival.” The glass hung in mid-air. I didn’t take it. After a long moment, the smile on Cathy’s face began to falter. It wasn't until Robert chuckled, took the glass, and intimately pulled me into his embrace, murmuring tenderly, "There, there, we haven't seen each other in months, and you're already a little jealous, huh? The coffee will get cold if you don't drink it; you can have mine too, okay?" Cathy turned away, a knowing smile on her face, and discreetly entered the kitchen. Robert, meanwhile, slipped his hand under the hem of my white top. "Your favorite six-pack, want to check if it's up to par?" A firm, warm sensation instantly met my touch. My face flushed. I quickly pulled my hand away, looking up at Robert's restrained, handsome face. I suddenly remembered that when I first met him, he was as cold as ice to every other woman. Only with me would Robert reveal a different side. He said solemnly, "It's truly just to ward off unwanted attention, nothing more. We're long-distance; don't you have that much trust in me? If you really can't accept it, then quit that job quickly and come to Northwood to end the long-distance relationship—" "Oh!" I almost forgot the real reason I came to see Robert. I hesitated, "My boss thinks highly of me and plans to—" She planned to transfer me to headquarters, but before I could finish, a scream came from the kitchen. Robert's expression changed abruptly. "Cathy, what happened?" I watched his tall, broad back as he hurried into the kitchen. Then I looked down at my phone, where my boss's message read, "What have you decided?" I fell into a contemplative silence. 3 Honestly, the chance to transfer to headquarters was offered to only me and one other male intern from this batch. It was a rare opportunity. But if I transferred, my relationship with Robert would face an even tougher challenge. I couldn't bear the thought. After all, I had put in a lot of effort to win over this aloof man. As I was agonizing over the decision, my boss sent another message: "I'll give you three days to think about it." I sighed in relief, put away my phone, and called out to the kitchen: "What happened? Is everything alright?" 4 I'd heard Robert talk about his "study partner" before. A small-town girl who had only made it this far because of her family's collective support. Determined, unafraid of hardship or fatigue. So, despite not having a particular fondness for Cathy, seeing her pale and in pain, my heart sank. "Do you need to go to the hospital?" "What else?" Robert's eyes were cold and merciless. He scooped up the frail Cathy and said indifferently, "Cathy knew you loved sweet and sour pork, so she wanted to make some for you—that's why she got burned when frying the meat." "Rachel—" He looked at me, speaking each word distinctly, "Do you know that her dream is to be a doctor? If something happens to Cathy's hand, then her dream will never be realized." I stared at Robert in surprise, unable to believe these were words from his usually rational and calm self. “Rachel, I’m so sorry my presence has caused you trouble,” Cathy’s voice trembled, tinged with a cry. “But right now, I need your boyfriend to take me to the hospital. Don’t worry, we only pretend to be a couple in front of outsiders; there’s nothing inappropriate going on. Today is a special circumstance. I never expected the hot oil to splatter when frying the meat… My intention was to…” “It’s not your fault, there’s no need to be so servile.” Robert said, grabbing his phone. “Even if she were a stranger, I’d still take her to the hospital.” He held Cathy in his arms. His face devoid of expression, he looked at me. “Open the door.” I mulled over Robert’s words, feeling a little confused. “It’s not her fault” was implying—was it my fault? 5 After Robert and Cathy left, I stood alone at the door, stunned for a long time. I replied to my boss's message: "No need to consider. I'm taking the transfer." When Mrs. Vance called, I was discussing the details with my boss. Her voice was as kind as ever. "Rachel, have you seen Robert?" I mumbled a dull "Mhm," "Yes, I did." My heart was heavy with grievances, and for a moment, I didn't know where to begin. Just as I was about to speak, I heard Mrs. Vance say earnestly: "A few days ago, Robert called me, and he sounded like he had something to say but couldn't. I knew he had something difficult to talk about. After I pressed him, he finally said he wanted your uncle, Mr. Vance, to pull some strings and get you an introduction to a big company in Northwood…" She sighed, "He sounded quite distressed to me. After all, you're his first love, and your personalities complement each other so well. Only with you can Robert truly relax and be himself. They've been long-distance for so long, I guess he can't bear it anymore, but he didn't want to bring it up directly…" My dormant heart instantly rekindled. I nervously confirmed, "Really? I thought—" "Of course! When I said it was no problem, Robert was as happy as could be." Mrs. Vance was emphatic. "He's never shown his emotions much since he was a child. It's the first time I've ever seen him like that. So, Rachel, when are you going to resign—" I took a deep breath. "Thank you for Mr. and Mrs. Vance's kindness, but I don't have plans to resign for now." I gently cut her off, my voice soft. "I really like this job. My boss values me highly. I can't give all of this up for Robert. A big company is great, but it might not suit me." She seemed surprised that I would refuse. After a long silence on the other end, Mrs. Vance gave an awkward laugh. "You pursued Robert for so long; this is a good opportunity... It's alright, Rachel, just think about it some more..." I wanted to say "no need to think about it," but I felt Mrs. Vance was well-meaning. I could only slowly hum a "Mhm." 6 After the call ended, I stood in the empty room and let out a long breath, preparing to leave. But then I noticed a small gift box on the floor—it must have fallen out of Robert’s pocket in his haste. As if possessed, I stopped and picked it up. Inside were two dazzling diamond rings. DR. Only one can be custom-made in a lifetime. And the buyer was Robert Vance. Connecting this with what Mrs. Vance had just said, a wave of guilt washed over me. So Robert had been thinking about our future. And here I was, about to leave in a huff, without even communicating with him. I calmed down, put on a ring, and prepared to call Robert. But his name popped up on my screen first. I answered, eager to speak. “Robert, you dropped something, didn’t you?” “Mhm.” Robert hadn’t expected me to answer so quickly; he sounded a little surprised, then quickly composed himself. “Cathy’s wound has been treated; it’s not serious. She just needs another dressing change in the morning, then she can leave. I’m sorry, I was too rushed just now.” He paused, his voice hoarse. “Do you have time now to help me—” I looked at the sparkling diamond ring on my ring finger, remembering the happy times with Robert. I answered preemptively, “Yes, I do. I can.” Robert sounded much relieved, chuckling, “That’s good. Cathy’s period started early, and her usual feminine pads are in the bathroom cabinet’s hidden compartment. I didn’t want to trouble you, but Cathy’s alone at the hospital, and I can’t leave her. She also has a weak constitution, so she can’t use just any brand—” Cathy’s voice echoed from the other end. Robert tersely sent me a location, then hung up. My smile was still frozen on my face. My hand remained suspended in mid-air. Only the steady beeping of the dial tone remained in my ear, as if to remind me: The dream is over. 7 After much thought: We are all adults. Ending a relationship should be done face-to-face, out of respect for our four years together. Thirty minutes later, I stood in the emergency room. I spotted Robert and Cathy at once. In the chaotic, bustling environment, they alone seemed untouched by time, serene and out of place. As if sensing something, Robert happened to turn his head, and our eyes met. He looked at me, then at the bag in my hand. With a casual, almost languid gesture, like a mythical seducing sprite, he beckoned to me, his voice soft: “Rachel, how can you be so adorable?” Saying this, Robert raised an eyebrow at Cathy and chuckled. “I told you my girlfriend isn’t petty-minded. See?” Cathy’s face soured for a moment. She offered a perfunctory laugh. As she lowered her gaze, a flicker of malevolence flashed in her eyes. Robert didn’t notice. He was only concerned with taking the items from my hand. The next second, he suddenly noticed the diamond ring on my hand. His expression changed dramatically. “Why did you just take someone else’s things?” Before I could react, he coldly slipped the ring off my finger. “Cathy recently got entangled with a senior, so she spent a long time saving up to buy these rings. It was just to make people believe she had a boyfriend and that they were very much in love. It was to ward off unwanted attention—” Robert’s eyes were cold; he seemed to be forcing himself to calm down, lowering his voice. “I know you’re anxious about the progress of our relationship. But you can’t just take other people’s things.” I looked down, seeing my slightly red finger, and felt my eyes well up. No wonder it had been so hard to put on. I thought I had gained weight, but it turned out… Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Adrian Miller, the male colleague I was being transferred with, called on video. On the other end, he laughed openly and uninhibitedly: “Just two more weeks until we leave. Ms. Davies, when will you be back to hand over your work?” … Thud. The things in Robert’s hand fell to the floor. His eyes darkened, and his voice was hoarse: “Hand over work? Rachel, where are you going?”
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