After I

Chapter 5

As the workday drew to a close. Nicolas sent me another voice message, his tone considerably softer than before.

Ella. I’ll pick up your favorite little cake on my way home. Wait for me, and we’ll have a proper talk.”

I trailed behind him, shaking my head.

There was no need for that; I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the cake, and there was nothing left to disenss between us. I ponted, longing for one last glimpse of my parents and brother.

Over the years, I had neglected them to support Nicolas, missing family gatherings like the Mid–Autumn Festival. Yet. for some inexplicable reason, my soul couldn’t stray more than ten meters from him; an invisible force always drew me back.

Reluctantly. I had no choice but to continue following Nicolas.

As I got into the car. I noticed a cushion on the passenger seat and froze. It was custom–made by Lishe learly emblazoned with the words:

“Exclusive Seat for the Fairy Girl”

The first time I saw this cushion was the day after Lisbeth joined the company.

At the end of the workday, she had stopped Nicolas and me, saying she wanted to treat us to dinner.

In the underground garage, as I reached for the passenger door. Lisbeth stepped in front of me.

“Eleanor. I’m sorry, but I get car sick, so I can’t sit in the back.”

I didn’t mind the front seul.

But I hadn’t expected Lisbeth to pull out a cushion from her bag and place it on the seat,

I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.

-Sweetheart, it’s fine for you to sit in the front, but this is a bit much, don’t you think?”

She blinked innocently at Nicolas.

“But yesterday, when we went to the supermarket for supplies, Nicky said I could put my things anywhere in his car.”

Her words revealed to me that Nicolas had lied. He had claimed he was busy with social engagements, but he had actually been out shopping with Lisbeth.

I couldn’t fathom why he felt the need to lie about something so trivial.

I turned to Nicolas, waiting for an explanation.

Instead, he simply opened the back door and urged me to get in.

“I did say that to Liz. but it’s just a cushion. Nothing to worry about.”

Lisbeth nodded eagerly. “Yes, Eleanor, Nicky and I grew up together. If anything was going to happen. it would have by

Nicolas added. “Eleanor, don’t be so sensitive.”

He blamed me for overreacting. forgetting that this car was a birthday gift I had scrimped and saved to buy, finally managing the down payment after mich sacrifice.

Ilis just criticism left me feeling, disheartened for the rest of the evening.

Eventually. Nicolas noticed my mood, and after Lisbeth left, he tossed the cushion into the trunk, promising never to let anyone else sit in the front seat again.

But when I saw the cushion reappear, clean and pristine, I knew he had lied once more.

Chapter 5

I no longer cared to argue. I pouted and settled into the back seat.

Nicolas first drove to the bakery where I often went, buying a small cake. Just as we were about to head home, his phone-

rang.

It was Lisbeth, her voice trembling with a sob.

“Nicky, they’re changing my bandages, and it hurts so much…”

Nicolas’s expression shifted instantly, his concern evident. “Liz, don’t be scared. I’m on my way!”

In his agitation, he completely forgot about the cake he’d promised me.

I watched his worried profile in silence. feeling a pang of self–mockery.

I had always known it: in Nicolas’s heart, I was truly insignificant compared to Lisbeth.