The next day, August opened the door with a furrowed brow. "Where were you last night?"
I looked at the untouched cake at the doorway. "I couldn't get in, so I spent the night in the hospital duty room."
"Do you really think I'd believe that?" He squinted his eyes. "If you don't want to come home, then don't come back at all. Wanda likes the master bedroom anyway, so you can move out today."
"Okay," I answered decisively.
August's frown deepened almost imperceptibly. After a pause, he picked up the cake from the floor and shoved it into my hands. "Wanda and I are going out. You can have this."
After they left, I threw the cake into the trash bin.
Walking into the master bedroom, my gaze swept over the wedding photo on the wall.
Six years ago, August had pointed at a mermaid-style wedding dress in a shop window and said, "Baby, you'll look so beautiful in that I can't take my eyes off you."
So, when we took our wedding photos, I deliberately chose that style. Sadly, the groom didn't look at me once.
I took a deep breath and put down the photo frame. Since I had decided to leave, I wouldn't leave a single trace behind.
After packing up, I went out with the divorce papers.
When I returned in the evening, August kicked the trash bin right in front of me. "What do you mean by this?" he demanded coldly.
I glanced at the cake, spilt all over the floor and said calmly, "I'm allergic to mango."
"How would I not kn … " August's words cut off abruptly and his pupils widened sharply.
At this point, he suddenly remembered.
Once, when I accidentally ate a mango, he had carried me on his back, rushing through the rainy night for three blocks.
While waiting for me to get my stomach pumped, his face was more frightening than mine, the patient's.
It's just that he hadn't cared for so long that he had forgotten.
August took a deep breath and asked again, "Where's the wedding photo?"
"I took it down."
"Why?"
"Doesn't Wanda want to sleep in the master bedroom?" I retorted calmly. "Wouldn't she feel uncomfortable seeing it?"
His expression grew complicated. "You didn't need to go that far."
The corner of my lips couldn't help but curl into a mocking smile. What things hadn't he forced me to do that were far worse than taking down a wedding photo?
Just then, the TV suddenly broadcast an entertainment news segment. "The president of the Carter Enterprise has booked the cross-sea bridge to host a grand fashion show celebrating the birthday of an unknown model, sparking speculation about their relationship."
He stood up abruptly. "Don't listen to that nonsense. It was just Wanda's birthday wish."
"Birthday wish?" I questioned, my eyelashes trembling slightly. "Then do you still remember the wish you made on my birthday?"
Six years ago, on my birthday, we could only afford a discounted cake nearing its expiration date.
When I blew out the candles, he borrowed a wish from me. "From now on, every year, August Carter will throw Eleanor Yager the grandest birthday party ever!"
But for the next five years, he never celebrated my birthday with me again.
Hence, birthday wishes really don't come true if you say them aloud.
"What?"
Looking into his bewildered eyes, I suddenly felt utterly exhausted. "Nothing."
I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist. "You should come tomorrow too. Consider it a chance to relax."
I found it bitterly ironic. August had forgotten the promise he made to me, yet he wanted me to witness him fulfill it for someone else.
I smiled wryly and pulled my hand back forcefully. "That's unnecessary."
Alas, he wouldn't accept my refusal. "It's settled."
The next afternoon, the stylists arrived right on time. I let them doll me up like a puppet.
After all, once tonight was over, everything would end.
When I arrived at the cross-sea bridge, it was already dark, yet the bridge was as bright as day.
My phone vibrated, so I moved away from the crowd to a quiet corner.
"Your information and traces have all been wiped clean," Dr. Lockhe said, his voice was deep and sharp. "Come directly to the south parking lot when you're done."
"Thank you." I suddenly felt a long-lost sense of excitement.
"You're welcome," Adrian Lockhe chuckled lightly. "See you there."
Just as I hung up the phone, August's cold voice suddenly rang out behind me. "Who are you agreeing to 'see there' with?"
