Rockwell had never been into art. Solenne used to think he was just trying to share an interest with her, trying to understand the things she loved.
That used to move her deeply.
But now she realized, ‘He… He’s never doing it for me. It’s just because the artist… is the woman he can’t have.’
“I just came back to grab my wristwatch,” she heard him say, snapping her back to the present. “It’s a gift from Chesca—her first one to me. I can’t possibly lose it. I want to wear it when I see her.”
“Fine. Just hurry up. I’m hanging up.”
Hearing that, Solenne quietly turned and headed back to the bedroom.
Not long after, Rockwell walked in. He picked up the wristwatch, grabbed a new outfit, and went into the bathroom.
He was quick—clearly rushing to get to the airport.
Before heading out, he even styled his hair with wax and sprayed on cologne—the kind meant to attract women.
Watching him carefully groom himself like a teenage boy going on his first date, Solenne’s chest tightened with jealousy.
‘So this is what he looks like when he’s in love… Like an innocent, hopeful boy. He probably doesn’t even realize he’s like that.’
Once he was ready, he turned to her with a grin. “Babe, come take a look. Do I look good?”
Standing in front of the mirror, spinning slightly as he asked, he looked… happy.
Solenne forced a smile. “Very handsome.”
“But usually,” she added, “when you go to work, you don’t go all out like this. Something special going on today?”
She asked casually, though she already knew.
He paused for a beat, then smirked. “Aside from the usual meetings, I’ve got to discuss a contract with a female client today. Figured I’d dress up a bit—who knows, maybe if she thinks I’m charming enough, she’ll sign.”
He said it like a joke.
“Makes sense,” Solenne replied in a flat voice. “Go ahead then.”
Noticing something off in her tone, he furrowed his brows, about to say something—when a message notification popped up on his phone.
From the corner of her eye, Solenne saw the contact name: [Chesca]
[Rockwell, I just landed. Brooklyn’s changed a lot—I barely recognize the roads. Can you come pick me up?]
The moment he saw the message, Rockwell completely forgot whatever was going on with Solenne. He ruffled her hair gently and said, “I’ve got to go. Be good, okay? I’ll bring you your favorite cake when I get back.”
Before the words even fully left his mouth, he was already out the door.