"Vallerie..." Patrick stammered, then slammed the door and left.
I was speechless.
And soon I understood why he was angry. He thought he was giving me face, and I wasn't appreciating it, which made him feel he was losing face.
But his face meant nothing to me now.
The next day.
I yawned as I went downstairs and saw Patrick at home with a cake on the table.
"Is it your birthday?" I asked.
Patrick's face darkened. "No, Vallerie, it's for you, a belated celebration for your birthday and our fifth anniversary."
"Oh, so you remember it was our anniversary?"
"Vallerie, I'm sorry about that day. Samuel's depression acted up, and she wasn't cooperating with the treatment. Her parents had no choice but to call me."
"Regarding cooking in the kitchen, it's because she said she wanted my homemade chicken soup… Yesterday was because she…"
"The cake looks nice and tastes good, thank you," I said.
Patrick was momentarily speechless.
I lit the candles and made a wish, hoping this trip abroad would go smoothly.
"Thank you, sincerely," I said again.
Patrick, "...Vallerie, are you listening to me?"