I stared at the picture on my phone, and my body went rigid for a good three or four seconds. It felt as if there had never been such an intimate picture of us before. This was the first and only one. We didn''t even kiss in our wedding photos.


    My fingers hovered over the two tiny figures on the screen. The image zoomed out, and I came back to my senses. My phone was still buzzing incessantly. Zachary''s fans were demanding that I go live.


    My brows were knitted together as there was no way I was going to admit that was me. I certainly wasn''t foolish enough to put myself on disy for their scrutiny.


    I denied it vehemently, but the rumors about me and Nichs getting back together still became a hot topic.


    After the


    first episode of my show aired, people started digging through my Facebook, sharing screenshots of posts from over ten years ago.


    "Surprisingly, I didn''t cry while watching the main story, but the legal education section made me tear up," eximedizens.


    "I don''t want to grow up if it means I have to forget about you."


    "This is insane! His ex-wife and current girlfriend are together on stage. Do you guys think Mr. Hawk might be sitting in the audience?"


    Netizens screenshotted my face and zoomed in, hoping to catch any sign of Nichs in a fleeting nce. All of a sudden, the old rumor blew up again, and everyone was talking about their desire to experience that same sense of helplessness and dull pain...


    In the blink of an eye, it was time for Pete to leave. I went to the airport to see him off. He was wearing a mask and a ck hoodie, attempting to keep a low profile.


    "If people recognize me, it''d be bad for you."


    se than chucket, wry. "I was there that day too."


    Let us as passerated. The inte was shipping me and Nichs non sut. Netzants were digging up our past, from our appearances to our family bestrands


    to just a temporary foc. I''m sure they


    get bored of us soon and move on or the next thing." I wasnt sure if was attempting to reassure him or myself Over that had my fired one episode of the variety show.


    "Meat." He reused before continuing wistfully, Tm starting to think fate has a hand in this. Desate growing up with you. I had never really been part of your wond


    tre you still leaving then? I''ve heard about your deal with your father. Things could work out better for you if you stay," I inquired.


    Pate stored. "Nichs told you didn''t he? That bastard always talks bem dele''s backs. I bet he doesn''t think much of me."


    modder. He took my hand and gave


    it a reassuring squeeze. "He just can''t stand seeing me seed! You just wait When I return, even Nichs will have to take me


    vel


    sercusy. I won''t let him pick on you ever again!*


    marowed my eyes and pinched his pain. "I have faith in you, but remember, you''re doing this for yourself, okay?"


    We didn''t have much time to talk as


    the airport announcements kept urging passengers toard his flight. Worried, he kept looking back


    at me and asking. You will wait for


    me, right?" N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.


    I nodded repeatedly reassuring him each time. He smiled and took a few steps forward before turning around to wave at me.


    "Don''t forget to wait for me!" He acted as if he was going on vacation, not a challenging mission.


    There was no way someone as energetic and optimistic as him could possibly marry into a foreig