He Cries When I Stop Being Jealous

Chapter 4

After Lucas left, he didn't come home for days.

I didn't ask where he was.

On the third day, I got a message from him saying he was on a business trip, along with a location tag.

I replied, Okay, take care.

Just as I sent the message, I saw Jessica had posted something on Instagram.

Jessica: "First time in the north, loving these candied haws. Someone insisted on buying them for me."

In the photo, Lucas's hand was visible, and the wedding ring was still on his finger.

Jessica's location matched the one Lucas had sent me.

I took off my wedding ring and tossed it into a drawer.

Too wrapped up in work, I didn't bother thinking about when Lucas would come back.

Then, out of nowhere, Lucas showed up at the hospital to pick me up after my shift.

"Why are you here?" I asked, surprised.

He got out of the car and opened the door. "Did you forget? It's our anniversary today."

I froze for a second, then realized, "Sorry, I've been so busy lately. I completely forgot."

Lucas seemed genuinely shocked. "Olivia, you always cared so much about these things. How could you forget?"

Back in the day, I never missed an anniversary or his birthday. I made it a point to celebrate, just the two of us.

But whenever I tried to make a big deal out of it, he found it annoying, even embarrassing. "Olivia, do you realize how awkward it is when you make a big fuss? Everyone's staring."

I always thought he'd appreciate it, but instead, he'd pull me away like it wasn't worth celebrating.

"Let's go. We'll have dinner," he said, helping me into the car.

On the way there, Lucas kept glancing at me. "Olivia, what's wrong? You seem off."

I shook my head. "I'm fine."

"I'm the one who made the effort to pick you up. Shouldn't that be enough for you to let go of whatever's bothering you?" he asked, his voice a bit pleading.

"I'm not bothered," I said, still not looking at him.

He sighed, exasperated. "Fine. I promise, I won't contact Jessica anymore. Is that what you want?"

I looked at him without responding.

He glanced at me while driving. "Are you happy now?"

I still didn't answer.

When we arrived at the restaurant, it was all set up, flowers, gifts, a few people applauding as if everything was perfect.

But just as I was about to open the gift, Lucas's phone rang.

"A fever? No medicine? I can't take you to the hospital today, I have something... Wait, that high? Okay, I'm on my way."

He ended the call and looked at me, awkward. "Olivia, Jessica's kid is really sick. I have to go…"

I didn't look up from the small cake I was eating. "It's fine. Go ahead. The kid's important."

He paused for a moment, then stood up. "I'll come back to pick you up. Just wait for me, okay?"

He hurriedly grabbed his jacket and rushed out.

I finished my cake alone and decided to leave.

It was raining when I stepped outside. I didn't have an umbrella. I grabbed a taxi, but still had to walk a bit to get into the building. The cold, fine rain hit my face as I walked.

Once I was home, I saw Jessica's new post.

Another picture of Lucas, her, and her kid.

Alright.