I would invariably fall for her cooing words when she acted cute, finding fault within myself in the process.
This cycle led me to question my own character, wondering if there was something wrong with me.
My mother advised that, as a man, I should be more generous and accommodating to women.
So, I kept forgiving her unconditionally, yet she continued to disappoint me.
After this argument, she employed the same tactic, giving me the cold shoulder for four days, preferring to stay in the lab rather than come home.
I suddenly felt bored.
I couldn't fathom the purpose of persisting in this relationship.
Taking a deep breath, I focused on my work, deliberately ignoring her messages.
But as I stepped out of the office after work, I saw Isabel standing by the roadside with a gift in hand.
I intended to walk past her as if I hadn't noticed, but she approached me with a brisk step.
"Ethan, my car is parked over there. You're heading in the wrong direction."
She looked as if nothing had happened, as if the argument three days ago was forgotten.
I glanced at her indifferently and continued on my way.