Marrying Without My Eight-Year Boyfriend Knowing
Chapter 57

After the drip was done, the room started spinning. I stumbled after taking just a few steps.

Nathan still hadn't shown up. No calls, no texts.

I bit my lip and called him, wanting to avoid any drama later.

When he heard I was still at the hospital, there was a pause.

"Sorry, Olivia. I was going to come right back after taking Sophie home, but her stomach started hurting, so..."

Before he could finish, I heard a waitress in the background. "Your entrees are served, sir. Enjoy your meal!"

He tried to cover the phone, but I'd heard enough.

"It's fine. I can manage."

I said it as much to convince myself as him.

Just as I was about to hang up, he called my name. "Olivia, just head home. I'l explain everything later."

Explain what? More lies to string me along?

I ended the call without another word and ordered a ride home.

He didn't come back that night.

Unable to sleep with the fireworks going off outside, I pulled out my tablet to work on some custom jewelry designs for a client.

While sketching, I accidentally tapped the social media app in the corner. A post from an hour ago popped up.

It was Sophie's: a stunning photo of fireworks lighting up the night sky. The caption read:

"After five years away, I'm finally back where I belong. These fireworks welcome me home in the most perfect way!"

I stared at the post for a long time, only realizing when I tried to log out that I was still signed into Nathan's account on my tablet.

No interest in seeing their flirting, I simply logged out.

The next morning, feeling somewhat better, I arrived at work on schedule.

My manager held my resignation letter, her face a mix of happiness and regret

when she heard about my marriage plans back home.

"Losing one of my best designers. What am I going to do?"

I hugged her, grateful for her support over the years.

After finishing the paperwork, my coworkers heard the news and insisted on

throwing me a farewell lunch to celebrate my engagement.

I agreed and booked a table at one of my usual spots with Nathan. It was one of the few restaurants I knew well, and the food was great.

Halfway through lunch, I excused myself to the restroom. That's where I ran into Sophie.

She greeted me warmly. "What a coincidence! You know, this is where Nathan first brought me in college. We've had so many memories here."

I gave her a polite smile and tried to leave, not feeling close enough for small talk.

But she wasn't done. As I turned to go, she stopped me again.

"I noticed last time that Nathan always rinses the shrimp for you before peeling it. Do you also avoid spicy food?"

That word "also" - made me pause.

Truth is, I love spicy food. But every time Nathan peeled shrimp for me, he'd insist on rinsing them.

He always said spicy food wasn't good for young women.

I'd thought he was being protective.

Now I understood - it was just habit.

The one who couldn't handle spice - the one he was thinking of - was Sophie.