Chapter 8
Jack had changed.
He hovered around me constantly, even going as far as learning to cook beef noodles, my favorite.
It was just one of the many small things I used to do for him.
But because of his utter disdain back then, it had become a painfully vivid memory.
It was a windy night when a company database went missing, forcing everyone to work overtime to investigate.
Worried about Jack’s stomach issues, I had excitedly prepared a spread of midnight snacks for the office. For him specifically, I made a special bento I had just learned.
I had been so eager to bring it to him, to take care of him.
But the moment I placed it on his desk, Zoe suddenly ran off crying to the bathroom.
Jack’s face immediately darkened.
“What is this disgusting crap?” he sneered, his voice laced with irritation. “Are you seriously this bored?”
Then, right in front of everyone, he grabbed the bento and tossed it into the trash.
He didn’t spare me a second glance.
His only concern was chasing after his precious Zoe.
I left without a word. As I walked home, the wind bit into my skin, colder than ever.
And now, years later, he stood in front of me, holding a bowl of beef noodles like it was some priceless treasure.
“Emily, I made this for you. It took me so many tries, but this is the best one yet.”
His eyes shone with anticipation, his expression almost… hopeful.
I smiled faintly.
His smile immediately followed.
Then, without hesitation, I flipped the bowl over.
Hot broth and noodles splattered all over him.
Jack yelped, stumbling back, his face twisting in shock.
I looked him dead in the eyes.
“What is this disgusting crap?” I asked coolly. “Are you seriously this bored?”
I tossed the chopsticks aside and turned to head back to my room.
But behind me, Jack hurriedly rolled up his shirt, revealing his reddened abs, his voice pitiful.
“Emily… I got burned…”
I glanced back, my expression unmoved.
“And why should I care?”
Jack swayed on his feet as if the words physically hit him, then collapsed onto the sofa.
I didn’t even spare him another glance.
I simply locked my bedroom door.
