Chapter 2

Julian only came out of the bathroom when the alarm set at 11:00 pm sounded. Drying his hair with one hand, he picked up his phone with the other before he headed into the study. Noticing that he wasn't planning to rest yet, Saoirse frowned slightly. Julian was a disciplined man who never stayed up late. That alarm was his reminder to sleep. As Saoirse stood up, she couldn't help but ask, "It's late; aren't you going to rest?" Julian's fingers rapidly glided over the phone screen. He continued to focus on it without sparing Saoirse a glance. "I have some projects to finish. I'll rest later." This was the first time in their three years together that Saoirse had ever seen Julian behaving this way. He came home at 10:30 pm because he went to pick up Georgina. Now, even at this late hour, he was making excuses without a second thought. Saoirse didn't call out his clumsy lie. She turned to go back to her room without a word. Since the study was diagonally across from the bedroom, she could clearly see what was happening in the study. The man who claimed to be busy with his projects had his gaze fixed on his phone with a faint smile playing on his lips. Saoirse couldn't help feeling somewhat stupefied. After all, this was the first time in their years of dating that she had ever seen him so happy. It turned out that even the coldest heart would melt when it involved the person they loved… Julian wasn't incapable of love; he just didn't love Saoirse. With a faint smile, Saoirse closed the door to her room. Anyway, after she left in 30 days, Julian would be free to pursue the one he truly loved. Since she had already decided to let go, why torment herself unnecessarily? The following day was a beautiful day. Saoirse went out early to buy breakfast and returned just as Julian was getting up. After they sat down and finished breakfast together, Julian picked up his coat and prepared to leave. Recalling their agreement from last week, Saoirse called out to him. "It's Saturday. It's our day off. We're supposed to watch the sunset at Luna Hill, right?" Julian's hurried footsteps paused. "I'm afraid I can't go. The professor assigned us some last-minute tasks," he replied. Saoirse silently swallowed her bread and nodded. At her silence, Julian added, I'll take you there next time. I should be free next month." If Saoirse had heard him say that in the past, she would have jumped with joy. But the current her showed no emotion. She merely responded with a soft hum. The stark contrast made Julian feel something was off. Glancing at the calendar on the table, he casually asked, "When did you get that countdown calendar? Is something important going on in 30 days?" Looking at the red "30" on the calendar, Saoirse reached up and tore off a sheet, changing the number to "29" instantly. "I bought it this morning. I have some important matters to handle in a month. It's just a daily reminder," she briefly mentioned. Not detecting anything strange in her tone, Julian didn't press further. He went to the entryway, changed his shoes, and opened the door. "I'll bring you an apple tart when I come back later. Rest well at home." His words were muffled by the sound of the door closing. Saoirse chuckled softly, her eyes reddening slightly. After breakfast, she pulled out a large bag and began clearing out things she no longer needed at the apartment. She was going to dispose of them later. The matching mugs she had bought a long time ago but never used, various styles of razors, and empty photo frames bought for displaying pictures… Each of these were things she had carefully selected. However, Julian had never used any of them. Just like how she had arranged and decorated this apartment as if it were her home, Julian had always treated it as just a dorm or a hotel. He never cared. But it was fine; he wouldn't be needing any of these anymore. After she left, he would surely move out, and the apartment would be left empty. All the memories they had between them would be erased.