Time seemed to melt away as I dove into work. Before I knew it, the world outside the window had turned to dark. However, just as I settled in with another stack of documents, Adrian called me.

"Why aren't you home yet? Where's dinner?"

I found the very thought of returning to Adrian was somehow revolting. That was why I stayed in the office preparing documents until late.

"My colleague had something urgent coming up and had to switch shifts with me. Takeout's probably your best bet tonight," I said, casually found an excuse.

"Takeout?" Adrian sounded surprised.

Back then, eating out was not even an option for us. I practically catered to every meal, three times a day.

"Is there anything wrong?" I asked him.

"No." Adrian hesitated before continuing, "Just take care of yourself and don't get too tired."

"Thank you," I replied flatly.

Adrian was silent for a while, then asked again, "Madeline, are you angry?"

The question, so slow to come, sparked a flicker of something akin to anger. But mostly, it was a disappointment. Was he truly this oblivious, or simply did not care about my feelings? However, it did not matter. I would not be angry anymore.

Part 3