The gentle sunlight lit up his handsome face, devoid of any real emotion. It seemed as if, as long as I was obedient, he could continue to "love" me like this forever.
It's time to wake up from this shattered yet beautiful dream.
"Zoey, you're still weak. I'll go buy you garlic bread and cream soup from Candor Street, okay?"
Every time I got sick, Keith would buy me garlic bread and cream soup from that place. It wasn't because the food was particularly delicious, but because Candor Street was far away and the shop always had a long queue. I loved watching Keith busy himself for me—it felt like I could piece together evidence of his love for me through his actions.
I smiled and nodded, hiding any trace of emotion that might betray me.
Just as Keith reached for the door handle, his assistant hurried in. I caught a name in their hushed conversation—Sadie. Keith turned back to me, his face showing a hint of hesitation. "Zoey, there's an urgent matter at work. I have to go, but I promise I'll come back tonight and spend time with you. I swear!"
"It's okay, go ahead and take care of it," I replied. There was no "I promise," only self-deception.