Chapter 3

I sent my resignation letter to HR's email.

Reminding her to check it after the team building ended in three days when we returned.

Before long, I suddenly received a message from Sherry.

It was a photo of Frederick's back as he busily cooked chicken soup in the kitchen.

"The baby's been fussy. As soon as daddy arrived, it calmed down."

"Don't you think this is the legendary bond?"

I ignored Sherry's provocation and blocked her directly.

I looked down and laughed at myself, then started packing my luggage.

Early the next morning, everyone had free time.

I planned to explore this town I'd always wanted to visit.

Walking on picturesque roads...

Surrounded by flowers, I felt it was just so-so.

I smiled bitterly, feeling somewhat relieved.

I didn't understand why I'd been so obsessed with coming here before.

After shopping, I bought a large bouquet and was about to return to the hotel.

From a restaurant ahead came the sound of someone playing piano and singing.

I lifted my foot to keep walking but was rooted to the spot the next moment.

I recognized that voice—it was Frederick.

At the end, his tone carried a lazy quality as he finished.

"Live with the one you love in a happy town."

Frederick usually wore suits and rarely dressed casually.

But today, he was dressed as youthfully as a college student.

Looking with deep affection at the woman he'd loved for years.

My fingernails dug deeply into my palms.

I stared at Frederick without blinking, remembering he hated singing.

Once, when I went to a friend's birthday party with him...

At the karaoke, I invited him to sing a duet.

He lost his temper on the spot, threw the microphone, and scolded me.

"Can you stop being so childish? I hate singing!"

Yet now, in front of everyone, he was singing affectionately for Sherry.

The atmosphere reached a climax, and warm applause erupted.

I clapped along, watching them kiss.

My eyes reddened involuntarily as I walked toward the crowd, step by step, with a smile.

Seeing me appear, Frederick's expression instantly changed.

"Iris, aren't you annoying? I go somewhere and you have to follow!"

He thought I was stalking him, not hiding his disgust.

I smiled. "Didn't you say there was a problem with the partnership?"

I pointed at the lipstick remaining on his mouth.

"What's this? Does your 'partnership' involve kissing someone else?"

Hearing my sarcasm, Frederick's brow furrowed tightly.

"Iris, can you stop being so unreasonable?!"

"Sherry was in a bad mood and wanted to hear a song. Stop making a scene."

Sherry behind him stuck out her tongue and hummed lightly.

"Sorry, Iris. Don't blame Frederick."

"I just gave him a kiss as a reward for singing so beautifully!"

At her words, Frederick affectionately patted her head.

Then turned to me, his tone softening.

"I was planning to find you. I didn't expect you to come here."

"There's a fireworks show tonight. I'll take you to see it later."

His deep black eyes seemed to still hold some affection.

Just like before, when he said he'd take me anywhere I wanted to go.

I thought about it and decided to fulfill my old wish.

The town square was full of people waiting to watch the fireworks.

At eight o'clock, fireworks bloomed across the entire sky.

In the happy atmosphere, many couples were kissing and cheering.

I turned my head but didn't see Frederick and Sherry.

Suddenly, something happened in the crowd.

The noisy square instantly descended into chaos.

Everyone fled in panic.

When I came to my senses, I tried to head somewhere safe.

A figure beside me suddenly crashed into me.

In the chaos, I was hit in the face by someone's bag chain.

The pain nearly made me lose my footing. I stumbled backward.

But I heard that familiar anxious voice in my ear.

"Sherry, don't be scared. I'll take you back right now."

Frederick didn't stop, protecting the frightened Sherry as he left.

Watching his retreating figure, I clearly realized...

The Frederick who said he'd always protect me had changed long ago.