After the Deception: I Wanted to Break Up, But She Cried with Red Eyes

She avoided my gaze, pulled away from my embrace, and straightened her slightly wrinkled clothes before looking toward the door.

It wasn't until a car approached from the distance that she spoke again, her voice cold and distant. "If you still remember the times I helped you, don't let anyone know about our relationship.

"This way, it's better for both of us."

Sean leaned out of the car window, waving enthusiastically at me. "Leon! Leon! My brother-in-law's taking us out for king crab! It'll be my first time trying it!

"Come on, get in! Don't just stand there!"

I slid into the backseat while Sean, ever the chatterbox, kept up a steady stream of conversation the entire ride.

I glanced down at my phone, its reflection showing my somewhat pale face.

I felt empty inside.

Hollow, even.

It was a feeling I only got when visiting my parents' graves.

In the front seat, Julia chimed in to whatever Sean was saying, laughing along with the young man in the driver's seat. The warm, lively atmosphere made me feel even more out of place.

This must be what it feels like to be shut out of the world.

I remember feeling like this during the year after my parents passed away, which was why I visited their graves so often, just to talk to them.

Julia would always follow me, trying to coax me into going back. And when that didn't work, she'd sit with me by their graves, chatting.

"Mr. and Mrs. Scott, Leon just misses you both a lot. But don't worry, he won't be alone—I'll always be here with him."

I stubbornly avoided looking at her, only to get a smack on the head. The pain made me wince, and I had to give in, glancing up at her.

Only then did she smile. "If my little brother here doesn't behave, I'll take over and keep him in line for you."

"I don't need you to keep me in line."

No sooner had I said that than she gave me another smack on the head.

I could only pout and nod in defeat. "Fine, you win. You can keep me in line. You're already turning into my housekeeper."