The victim thanked her, then stood up and moved to the side, her eyes looking a bit blank.
Soon, I drew the thief’s face based on what the victim described.
When he saw the finished drawing, he jumped with excitement. “Mr. Zorrick, thank you so much! This looks exactly like the person who took my bag! You’re amazing!”
I smiled softly. “You’re welcome.”
Azalea sat down once more.
I finished the sketching in one go and put it away.
Inside the drawing, she wore a circle of white lilies and a bright stone ring on the ring finger of her right hand.
She raised her hand and then suddenly spoke, “Zayden, do you remember this diamond ring came from that time…”
“No.”
I interrupted her, ended my drawing, took it away and passed it to her.
“Your painting, please keep it carefully.”
She softly took it, looking at the painting in silence.
Out of habit, I asked, “Is there anything you don’t like about it?”
She forced a smile. “No, it’s okay.”
“Then, take care.”
She paused, but still had to leave under my look.
When I shut the shop door, rain suddenly began to fall.
After forgetting my umbrella and being unable to go home for a while, I went to the beef shop across the road and ordered a bowl of beef soup to warm my body.
Just as I sat down, a known figure stood across from me.
It was Azalea.
“Do you mind if I sit here?”
I shook my head.
“The table belongs to the beef shop. Please make yourself at home.”
She paused, then stayed silent.
Soon after, the shop owner brought over two bowls of hot beef soup.
Azalea did not pick up her utensils, but only watched me quietly.
After a long time, she slowly said, “The car crash last time was an accident. Zekeiah Stormvale just posted it on his Instagram Story and he only happened to catch you in the photo.”
“It’s fine, it’s all behind us.”
Two weeks earlier, I went to give home service to a client with mobility problems.
On the way, I was hit by a fast Mercedes-Benz, broke through the guardrail, the car flipped over and I got injured.
After being saved, I learned that the driver who caused the crash was Azalea’s husband.
That childhood sweetheart, whom Azalea cheated on me with twice at my engagement party and wedding.
Only a few days after that event, many people added me as contacts and their messages all sounded the same.
“So the pathetic hasn’t quit, he’s back again?”
It was clear that Zekeiah had spread the story, trying to drag my name through the dirt.