The living room lights were dimmed to the lowest setting, casting a somewhat yellow hue over the space.

I poured myself a glass of peach wine and downed it in one gulp. "We're both in the same boat, Rebecca. You're not so carefree either. You and that guy have been in contact, don't think I don't know."

I sighed, feeling a sense of melancholy.

"It's been ten years, and you're still entangled. Love unrequited, and hate has taken root. Rebecca, do you think we'll end up like you?"

Rebecca remained silent.

I received an audio message from Zach.

In the audio, Megan's voice carried a hint of sarcasm: "What are these? Sand fruits? Aren't those crabapples? Why such a rustic name?"

"What does it matter what she calls them? Get out, and don't come in without my permission in the future."

"Mr. Wilson, I..."

"Get out!"

I closed the audio and took a sip of water.

I couldn't quite figure out what Kaden's feelings for me were, but I realized that I didn't seem to love him as much as I once did.

What remained was just a sense of reluctance to give up.

Later in the evening, Kaden returned. He fell silent for a moment before standing in front of me, blocking my view of the TV.

"Rachel, there's really nothing between Megan and me. From start to finish, it's only been you. Those harsh words I said before, there was some pettiness in them..." He tried to explain, appearing as awkward as he had been in the beginning.

Despite the warm atmosphere, I couldn't help but ask probing questions.

"You're mine, but is your heart also mine, and mine only?"

Kaden's smile faded visibly.

"Kaden, will you always be with me?" I pressed.

I'd always been this way, needing a definite answer from everyone.

I had to ask repeatedly to feel a little sense of security.

"Maybe not," Kaden looked at me.

"Why can't you just lie to me?"

"The truth might be hard to hear, but it's real."

"But I want to be with you until the end."

"It's time for bed."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Kaden, you say you love me, but why are you so ambiguous with your relationship with other women?"

Kaden leaned down to kiss me. "Rachel, just drop it."

My heart was filled with bitterness.

"You say you love me, but why can't you just have me?"

Kaden smiled. "Rachel, you know I don't like it when people harp on the same topic."

I laughed until tears came to my eyes.

I thought, What is Kaden thinking now?

He is probably thinking about his first love.