Chapter 4

"That's just how she is. She'll get over it in a couple days."

Ethan's words blew into my ears on the wind. I didn't look back. I kept walking along the cobblestone street.

When I got back to the apartment, a WhatsApp voice message from the landlord was waiting.

"Lily, when are you paying rent? You're three days late."

"If you don't pay today, you'll have to move out tomorrow. I won't have any trouble renting this place out."

I listened to the message and replied: "Mrs. Green, I won't be renewing. I'll move out tomorrow."

After sending that message, I pulled out the dust-covered suitcase from under the bed.

After five years, I didn't actually have much.

A few seasonal clothes, some old books, and various odds and ends.

I folded them one by one and packed them into the suitcase.

At seven that evening, Ethan came home.

He was carrying two large pink storage bins.

When he saw the suitcase in the living room, he paused.

"What are you doing?" He set the bins on the floor and frowned.

I was putting my last few books into a cardboard box.

"Packing," I said without looking up.

Ethan walked over and kicked my suitcase.

"Lily, are you seriously throwing a tantrum? Running away from home over a broken ring?"

"I already said I'd buy you a new one. What more do you want?"

I straightened up and looked at him.

"The landlord's demanding rent. I can't afford it."

Ethan relaxed, his tone softening.

"That's all?"

He walked over to the sofa and lit a cigarette.

"Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you about something."

"Vivian's roommate plays video games until the middle of the night. It's seriously affecting her rest."

"The doctor said with her heart condition, she can't handle late nights and noise."

He exhaled a puff of smoke, looking at me through the blue-white haze.

"I'm planning to have her move in here for a while."

I looked at him quietly, saying nothing.

Ethan thought I was hesitating and continued: "You can move into the small room and give her the master bedroom."

"Vivian's health is fragile. The master gets better light."

This apartment only had one bedroom and a living room. The so-called "small room" was actually a storage closet less than fifty square feet. It could barely fit a single bed and didn't even have a window.

"Don't worry, I'll cover the rent from now on."

"Once Vivian's feeling better, I'll have her move out."

He spoke in a consultative tone while issuing a non-negotiable order.

In his view, since I couldn't pay rent, I had to accept his charity and arrangements.

I looked at his self-assured face.

"Okay." I nodded.

Ethan clearly hadn't expected me to agree so readily.

The hand holding his cigarette paused. Surprise flickered in his eyes.

"You're okay with it?"

"Yeah." I sealed the cardboard box with tape.

Ethan smiled.

He walked over and reached out to hug me.

"I knew you were the most understanding."

"I know this is hard on you for a while. Next month when I get my bonus, I'll take you to the Maldives."

I stepped back, avoiding his embrace.

"I'm a little tired. Going to sleep."

I turned and walked into the master bedroom, closing the door.

Through the door, I heard Ethan on the phone with Vivian.

"Vivian, it's all arranged. You can move in tomorrow."

"Yeah, the master bedroom's yours."

His voice was tender enough to drip honey.

I sat on the edge of the bed, took out my phone, and bought a ticket home for tomorrow afternoon.