Chapter 2

The next day, Gabrielle went to work at the nail salon as usual. The salon was located near Frederick's school, and she had chosen this location solely to see him more often. Later, when he had money, he tried to persuade her several times to quit her job and stay home, but she refused. He was always busy at school, and if she lost this job, she would see him even less. Today, she had originally planned to resign, but the manager held her hand and said, “Gabrielle, please help me for a few more days. You can leave once we find a new employee.” Gabrielle looked into her earnest eyes, thinking of all the care she had shown her over the years, then eventually nodded in agreement. Soon after, she received an order for an in-home service at the women’s dormitory of Northwest M. University. As she opened the door, she immediately noticed the photo frame on the desk—a picture of Frederick and Jacqueline. He was wearing a white shirt, his expression as cool as ever, but the slight curve of his lips was a rare sign of relaxation. Jacqueline leaned against his shoulder, her smile as bright as a little sun. “You think they’re a good match too, right?”A girl followed her gaze and said excitedly, “They're the famous couple at our school! The aloof professor and the lively campus beauty—the whole school is shipping them!" She lowered her head, opened her manicure toolbox, and asked softly, “Are they... very close?” “Of course!” Several girls gathered around and chattered about Frederick's special treatment of Jacqueline. “Professor Grant is usually unapproachable, but he’s especially patient with Jacqueline!” “Last time Jacqueline fell asleep in the lab, Professor Grant even covered her with his coat!” “I heard that the pen Jacqueline gave him, he wears it every day!” Gabrielle listened to their words, her fingers trembling slightly, almost unable to hold the nail file steady. Frederick had never done any of these things for her. “They're perfect for each other!” one girl suddenly sighed. “The only problem is that Professor Grant doesn't come from a family of good background, and I heard he has a savior he needs to repay...” “You mean that woman?” another girl sneered. “I heard she didn't even go to college, doesn't have a proper job, and just does odd jobs all day. She's not worthy of Professor Grant!” “Exactly! Clinging to him like that, she’s so shameless!” “We even asked Professor Grant about it, saying maybe he should just give her some money to get rid of her, so she doesn’t ruin his happiness…” Gabrielle’s heart felt like it was being torn apart, the pain almost suffocating her. “Why are your hands shaking?” one of the girls suddenly looked at her. “Are you okay?” She forced a smile. “I’m fine. I just think… you’re right.” After getting her nails done, she hurriedly left the dormitory. But when she reached the school gate, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Frederick and Jacqueline were walking toward her side by side . Jacqueline had a red scarf around her neck. As she spoke, she suddenly took it off and tiptoed to put it on Frederick. She held her breath, watching Frederick, who was usually so particular about cleanliness, not refuse it. “Last night’s meteor shower was beautiful,” Jacqueline said with a smile. Frederick nodded, “Yes, we can go see it again next time.” Passing students glanced over, and someone whispered, “They’re together! They’re together!” They chatted about experiments, research projects, academic conferences… a bunch of things she didn’t understand. Standing in the corner, she suddenly realized that an insurmountable chasm had already formed between her and Frederick. When she returned home, Frederick was pouring water in the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and saw the uneaten cake inside, pausing for a moment: “Was yesterday your birthday?” She nodded silently. “I've been too busy lately and forgot.” He rubbed his temples, “I'll make it up to you with a gift in a couple of days.” “It's okay.” She said softly, “You're busy with your own things; don't worry about these little matters.” He looked at her but didn't insist, only asking, “What wish did you make?” Just as she was about to speak, his phone rang. It was Jacqueline again. “Frederick, I twisted my ankle…” Her voice trembled with tears on the other end of the line. Frederick immediately stood up: “Send me your location, I’ll be right there.” He hurried out, not even taking the time to look at her again. She sat at the dining table and finished the remaining cake alone. The cream had grown cold, sweet yet bitter.