Ten Years of Old Love, March of New Love

Even the strongest feelings couldn't withstand the arrival of someone new. I let out a bitter laugh, only to see Peter walking toward me.

"What are you doing here?" He brushed past the moving truck, his expression tense, as if something troubled him. A hint of unease lingered between his brows.

"Nothing, I just got off work," I said, making up an excuse to brush him off before heading back inside.

In the living room, Peter opened a bag he was holding. He placed a bowl of soup on the table.

"I passed by a seafood shop and thought of your favorite fish soup, so I got some for you," he said and handing them to me. He'd long forgotten that I was allergic to seafood.

I stared at the soup, unsure how to even start. Peter didn't notice and continued speaking, "HR told me you submitted your resignation," he said. "Was it because of Regina?" His voice was low and his lips pressed into a tight line, as if probing for the truth.

"What, are you afraid I'll storm off in a fit of rage?" I joked, trying to sound casual.

Peter's eyes flickered and a spark of anger flared, "I've told you before, there's nothing between me and Regina," he said. "Can you stop overthinking everything? It's exhausting."

I forced a smile and changed the subject, "Didn't you always say I don't earn enough? A friend introduced me to a new job that pays better," I replied calmly.

Peter's expression stiffened. He probably remembered the measly five thousand salary he paid me each month.

"So you think what I give you isn't enough?" he snapped. "Fine, I'll add five hundred a month, but don't quit. The company still needs you."

I said nothing. Peter assumed I agreed and sighed in relief, heading to get some water.

He soon noticed the usual decorations on the table were gone, "Where's our nesting doll set?" he asked, referring to the DIY watercolor figurines we made together three years ago.

"It's outdated, so I put it away," I lied effortlessly, picking out the scarce vegetables from the overly spicy fish soup.

I was exhausted from a long day and aside from the bland toast and scrambled egg I had that morning, I hadn't eaten anything else.

Peter seemed puzzled but reached into his bag and handed me a card.

"Is this severance pay?" I joked, fiddling with the bank card.

He frowned, "It's for you to buy some clothes. There's a banquet and I need you to come with me," he said. "Make sure to get a new gown. Don't embarrass me," he added, glancing at my outfit with visible disdain.

I looked at him, surprised. Wasn't he planning to take Regina?

The question formed in my mind, but before I could voice it, his phone rang. Regina's name flashed on the screen.

Peter didn't hesitate to answer right in front of me, "Regina, what's wrong? I'm busy right now," he said.

"Peter, you said you were just handling something at the office. Why aren't you back yet?" she whined playfully.

Startled by her sudden sweetness, Peter glanced at me. Seeing that I appeared unfazed, he relaxed and stepped into the bedroom to continue his call.

The room had good soundproofing, but I could still make out his gentle murmurs through the door.

The fish soup had barely any vegetables, so I had to make another new meal in the kitchen.

My cooking skills weren't great. The gnocchi was tasteless, but it was the only thing I could eat.