Losing Memory, Losing Love

However, Harley had to complete her father's mission. Three years was enough. Now, she had to cherish this last month. She pulled out her phone and made a call. Her eyes lingered on the billboard, where the picture of James and Quincy looked like the perfect match. When the call connected, she smiled faintly and asked, "What are you doing? Can you have dinner with me tonight?"

The other end of the line was silent for a long time. Harley tightened her grip on her phone, feeling uneasy. She had been hoping for a different answer, one that would affirm what she already knew because there weren't many chances left. "I'm busy tonight. Eat by yourself." A cold voice came through the phone.

Her hopes shattered in an instant, but she didn't complain. Instead, she replied calmly, "Okay, I'll eat alone." Before she could hang up, the call had already ended. After three years of marriage, she had grown used to his indifference. It was almost as if she had forgotten that there was once a time when James had been gentle, only to her.

Harley knocked herself lightly on the head. No, she couldn't forget. If she forgot, what would she have left? Even the last bit of happiness would be gone. The reason she had wanted James to have dinner with her tonight was simple, it was her birthday and possibly her last.

She just wanted to leave behind a beautiful memory, but that was clearly impossible. Harley refused to feel sorry for herself, so she made a reservation at an upscale restaurant. She put on the prettiest dress she owned, carefully did her makeup, and stepped out in style. She ordered her favorite steak, sat back as the waiter poured her a glass of red wine, and waited.

When the steak arrived, she stared at it, lost in thought. It had been so long since she last had one. She had even forgotten how to cut it properly. For the past few years, she had been avoiding everything related to James, all their memories, and everything they had shared. If she never touched them, it was as if they had never happened.

She used to frequent this restaurant. Back then, James would always cut her steak for her, never letting her do it herself. Her nose tingled as she held back the emotions threatening to surface. Living on memories felt unbearably pathetic.

"Mr. Franklin, Miss Lawrence, this way, please." A waiter's voice snapped her out of her daze.

She turned her head and saw Quincy walking in, arm-in-arm with James. The staff welcomed them warmly. James' face was as cold and unreadable as ever, his deep eyes carrying an icy distance. Even with Quincy beside him, he still gave off an untouchable air."

He never used to be like this, but the moment he looked at Quincy, something changed. His gaze softened. It was as if all his tenderness was reserved only for her. They didn't notice Harley. She sat there in silence, watching them, feeling like a pathetic clown peeking into someone else's happiness.

They had booked a private dining room. From where Harley sat, she had a clear view inside. The moment they took their seats, a waiter pushed in a cart and stopped at the door. It looked like James had planned a surprise for Quincy. Cake, flowers, a gift. Quincy gasped in surprise, her eyes welling up with emotion as she covered her mouth.