Chapter 5

Winona's POV

At noon, River didn't come back. I received a text from him.

"Clara's wound is indeed a bit infected and needs treatment. I might be late getting back. Eat lunch yourself, don't wait for me."

I looked at that text, my finger hovering over the screen for a few seconds, then I turned off the screen without replying.

The day Clara was discharged happened to be my birthday.

River had mentioned it to me a few days in advance.

"Clara just lost her father not long ago, and she doesn't have any relatives or friends here. I want to throw her a birthday party, to lift her spirits and improve her mood."

I was organizing my equipment list for the Africa trip. Without looking up, I said, "Sure, do you need me to help arrange it?"

River paused. He'd expected me to be unhappy. "You don't mind?" he asked tentatively.

"Mind what?" I looked up. "Throwing a party for a friend is perfectly normal. Besides, Miss Clara's had it pretty rough-her father just died, and she had surgery and was hospitalized herself."

He didn't let me help arrange the birthday party.

On the day itself, everyone who attended were old classmates Clara and River had in common.

As River's girlfriend, I was naturally on the invitation list too.

After too much drinking, the atmosphere grew lively.

"I'm just saying," a tipsy guy stood up with his glass, "our director and Miss Clara were the best couple at medical school back in the day! I want to see them drink while gazing into each other's eyes!"

The private room instantly erupted with jeering.

River frowned. "Stop it. Winona's here."

"What about Winona?" another girl chimed in. "Winona's super chill! Right, Winona?"

Everyone looked at me.

I said casually, "Go ahead and play. It's a birthday-having fun is what matters most."

Amid the jeering, River and Clara picked up their glasses.

The two stood very close, close enough to smell each other's breath.

Clara's face was flushed, her eyes bright as she looked at River, while River's expression was complicated, his gaze involuntarily drifting toward me.

I held up my phone, taking photos.

After they finished drinking, the room filled with applause and whistles.

River set down his glass, his first reaction to look at me.

I'd already put away my phone and was chatting with someone nearby.

"Winona..." River walked to my side, lowering his voice. "Just now..."

"The photos came out really well."

I turned my phone screen toward him, showing the photo I'd just taken, the image frozen on the moment River and Clara drank their crossed toast.

"Look, the lighting and composition are both good. Miss Clara's white dress photographs beautifully."

River was speechless.

Halfway through the party, I got up to use the restroom.

Coming out of the restroom, I ran into Clara in the hallway.

"Miss Winona." Clara stopped me, an apologetic look on her face. "About earlier... I'm sorry. Everyone was just playing around. Please don't take it to heart."

I turned to look at her. "Why would I take it to heart?"

Clara was caught off guard, pausing before saying, "I mean... River and I really are just friends. Please don't misunderstand..."

"I haven't misunderstood." I smiled. "You're friends, old acquaintances, each other's youthful memories. I know all that."

I turned to leave.

"Wait!" Clara suddenly called out.

I stopped but didn't turn around.

"He has a hidden album on his phone. The password is my birthday. It contains all our memories." Clara's voice carried a hint of triumph. "Winona, you've been with him for four years. Has he ever created a dedicated album just for you?"

My body stiffened.

But I didn't turn around. "So what?"

"So..." Clara walked in front of me, looking at me. "So he's never forgotten me. Winona, these four years, you've just been keeping him company in my place."