Not the One at the End of the Path

Caspian took me back home and treated me like something fragile.

He became extremely sensitive, almost paranoid, to the point that every corner of the house was planted with bodyguards and surveillance cameras.

As for him, he barely left my side. It was as if I would disappear again the moment he looked away.

"Sweet barbecue ribs, your favorite. I made them myself, Seraphine."

At the dining table, his eyes were full of anticipation as he placed a piece on my plate. He had never stepped into the kitchen for me before.

Back then, when I ran through the rain to deliver a contract for him and ended up with a fever, all I got in return was the takeout he'd ordered. He had changed so much after I left.

But why was it that when I gave him everything, he never cared?

"It's delicious. Thank you," I said, setting my cutlery down and giving him a soft smile.

Caspian stared at me for a long moment. The lights in his eyes dimmed a little. "Seraphine, do you still… blame me?"

I shook my head and told the truth. "No."

I didn't blame him because I neither loved nor hated him. How could I blame him when he felt no different from a stranger?

"Then, why are you…"

He trailed off, unable to finish the question.

Maybe he wanted to ask why I was so calm, why I wasn't like before, when even the tiniest thing he did for me could move me to tears. Now, I was as polite as a guest in his home.

Just then, the person who had pushed us to this point walked in.

Thalia Lloyd was Caspian's so-called best buddy, the very thorn that had wedged itself between us two years ago. She still looked as delicate and charming as ever, but when her gaze fell on me, I caught the flicker of poorly concealed jealousy.

"Oh, you're back."

She lounged on the couch, holding the cushion that had been mine, her eyes brimming with provocation. "These past two years have been so hard on Caspian. It was heartless of you to just bolt like that, Seraphine."

Caspian was peeling fruit for me. When he heard that, the knife in his hand stilled for a second, but he said nothing. He was watching me, studying my reaction.

I could guess what he wanted to see. He wanted anger, jealousy—for me to cause a scene. He wanted me to care enough to clash with Thalia like I did two years ago.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel triggered anymore. I only glanced at her as if I were looking at yet another stranger.

"It was pretty heartless of me," I said, going along with her. My tone was mild, as if we were just chatting about the weather. "Good thing you two have such a tight bond. Thanks for looking out for him all this time."

Thalia froze. Her provocation fell flat.

Caspian's expression darkened. He set the sliced apple down on the table with a heavy thud. "What do you mean by that, Seraphine? You don't mind?"

I turned to look at him. His eyes held suppressed anger, which only confused me.

I was being generous and sensible and wasn't even making a fuss. Wasn't that exactly what men claimed they wanted?

"Why would I mind?" I asked softly. "She's your best buddy. Looking out for you is only natural. Anyway, I just got back, and I'm a little tired. I'll head upstairs to rest."

I stood and left, my steps steady and unhurried. Behind me came Caspian's suppressed growl, followed by the sharp crash of glasses shattering.