When Love Ceases

"Mm." I gave a slight nod, showing no objection.

Leon's shoulders eased slightly as he stepped closer and took my hand. "Let's go home."

"Rachel?" Just as he finished speaking, a woman's voice called from behind.

It was Phoebe, dressed in a flowing white dress. She smiled brightly when she saw me and came over to take my hand.

"What a surprise to run into you here! We're having a celebration later. Would you like to come?" she asked.

Before I could respond, Leon turned her down for me. "She's not going."

The slight furrow in his brow showed that he didn't want me to have much interaction with Phoebe.

I didn't want to cause trouble, either. I was just about to politely decline when the department head, Neil Shapemen, came over. He had just finished speaking to reporters.

He greeted me warmly. "Rachel, you're here? We're heading off to celebrate, join us with Leon!"

As he spoke, he motioned for Leon and me to get into the car. Leon seemed a bit reluctant, but out of respect for Neil, he got in.

Through the window, I saw Phoebe biting her lip, staring at us with an unhappy expression.

…

At the celebration, everyone naturally arranged for me to sit next to Leon.

Before long, Phoebe pushed the door open and entered the room. She sat down at the seat farthest from him.

She had barely taken a seat when a guy recognized her. "Aren't you Phoebe Jones, the dancer? My sister loves you. She watches you on TV all the time!"

Phoebe smiled sweetly, showing her dimples. "Yes, that's me. Leon and I were classmates in high school."

"Wow! I thought Mr. Burton was impressive, but I didn't expect his high school classmate to be just as amazing!" the guy said excitedly.

"By the way," he added curiously, "I heard that you recently got divorced. My sister was so upset. Is it true?"

The question was blunt, but Phoebe wasn't offended. Instead, she admitted it and said, "Yes, I got divorced."

She gave the person a playful wink as she continued, "I came today to see if I might meet someone who's a good match. Everyone here is a scientist serving the country. You're all undoubtedly exceptional."

At her words, Leon looked away silently. His lips pressed into a thin line, and veins bulged on the hand gripping his glass.

I could tell that he was angry.

Phoebe wasn't just beautiful. She had a way with words. Before long, she started drinking with Leon's male colleagues. One glass after another, her cheeks turned red, but she kept drinking and chatting.

Finally, Leon couldn't stay quiet any longer. He stood and walked toward her. Taking the glass from her hand, he said firmly, "That's enough! You can't drink anymore."

Phoebe placed her chin on her hand, her gaze soft and slightly distant as she looked at him.

"What's wrong?" she asked.