Walk 10,000 Steps to See You

When I heard her question, I just smoothly displayed the Julian-style smile. "Melia, I've always liked you."

"How boring." Melia instantly lost interest, holding the umbrella by herself as she quickly walked away, leaving me alone in the heavy rain.

Now, as my thoughts came together, I stared blankly at the Spring River Villa, where I had lived for three years, feeling a mix of emotions.

This place never truly belonged to me. Now that the contract had ended, it's time for me to return to where I truly belong.

The pain in my temples was intense. I took off my coat and went to the bathroom to shower, also removing the makeup on my face.

For the past three years as a substitute, whenever I appeared in front of Melia, I had to maintain a flawless appearance. Because only with makeup that was exactly like Julian’s could I resemble him completely.

Once I took it off, I no longer looked like him.

Fortunately, Melia wouldn’t be coming back tonight, so I could briefly be myself.

I had just finished drying my hair and was about to go to bed when suddenly, I heard the sound of a car parking downstairs.

I quickly sat up, startled.

Why was Melia back?

It was still raining outside and every time Melia got out of the car and walked to the villa, there was quite a distance, so I needed to bring her an umbrella.

I almost instinctively grabbed the umbrella and ran out.

Just as I reached the living room, I made eye contact with Melia.

Her gaze lingered on my face for a few seconds.

Suddenly, she spoke softly, "Why are you standing there like that? Come over and help me with these."

I immediately bent down to help her with the bags and when I saw what she was carrying, my eyes lit up.

"Melia, didn’t you say you weren’t coming back tonight? And you bought so many cakes and candied fruit. When did you start having such a sweet tooth?"

Without lifting her head, she replied, "The cooperation was canceled, there was no need to stay on the business trip, so I came back to keep you company."

She raised her hand and pointed to the pile of candied hawthorns and various mousse cakes.

"All of these are for you."

My eyes brightened. "How did you know I like these?"

I immediately covered my mouth after saying that.

Julian was an expert at body management and he hated consuming carbs. He wouldn't touch anything sweet like cake or candied fruit snacks.

But I, on the other hand, like them.

I silently prayed that Melia hadn't heard what I just said, but the next moment, she spoke up, "I saw you sneakily running to the stall to buy candied hawthorns last time as if you were stealing something."

Melia's face showed no expression, but her hands skillfully opened the cake box, peeled off the wrapping of the candied fruit snacks and handed them to me.

"If you want to eat them in the future, just tell Ingrid and have her go buy some. The stall outside isn't clean."

I felt my heart skip a beat.

I recalled that time when Melia was taking a nap in the bedroom and the sound of the candied fruit snacks seller calling out could be heard from outside the villa.

I had lived a difficult life and had a sweet tooth since I was little. I would secretly sneak out to buy them, never expecting that Melia had seen me.

No wonder, ever since then, there seemed to be more sweets and cakes in the house for no apparent reason.

I even felt a little pleased with myself. Melia didn't eat sweets, so in the end, they all ended up in my stomach.

It turned out, Melia had already noticed. Unfortunately, in six days, I would be leaving.

I took a bite of the candied fruit snacks, only to find it a bit bitter, sour and astringent.

Melia had propped her head up with one hand, watching with interest as I stuffed the candied fruit snacks into my mouth, a faint smile playing at the corner of her lips.

"Rafael."

"Mm?"

"I finally saw you without makeup. So, this is what you looked like."

There was a hint of amusement in Melia’s voice, but I instantly froze.

Oh no, I had forgotten to put on makeup.