Love Has Become an Empty Memory

The sun rose early on the mountaintop.

Daphne didn't know when she had fallen asleep, but when she woke, Luke was already gone.

Stepping outside, she vaguely heard his voice in the distance, speaking into the phone.

"Don't be mad, okay? I promise I'll be there for your birthday. I already bought that limited-edition bag you love."

A pause. Then, in a quieter voice— "Stop calling me. If Daphne hears, it won't be good."

The moment he hung up and turned around, their eyes met.

His gaze flickered, unreadable. "Daphne, you're up. Did you hear me on the phone?"

"I just got here when you hung up. Why?" she said, her expression calm.

Something wavered in his eyes—guilt, maybe—before he quickly stepped forward, wrapping an arm around her. "I didn't wake you because the fog was too thick. I figured there wouldn't be a sunrise anyway, so I let you sleep in."

Daphne nodded.

Luke seemed to want to say more, but just then, his phone rang again.

Glancing at the caller ID, he immediately said, "Daphne, I need to rush back to take care of some work. It's freezing up here—let me drive you home first."

Without waiting for her reply, he rushed inside to gather his things.

He didn't even notice how pale she was.

Of course. What could possibly be more important than spending Seraphine's birthday with her?

Luke was in a hurry. He drove really fast all the way back. When they reached her apartment, he barely slowed down.

He didn't walk her in.

Didn't even look back.

The car disappeared down the road before she even had time to react.

Daphne ordered takeout and ate alone.

Then, her phone rang. It was her father.

"Daphne, the Kingston family called. They're starting to prepare for the engagement ceremony. This is a lifetime decision. Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure."

There was a time when she believed she and Luke were happy. But now, she realized—it had all been an illusion.

Maybe this relationship had been a mistake from the beginning.

Maybe he had never really let Seraphine go.

And maybe it was time to put an end to this fragile, crumbling thing between them.

Since Luke loved Seraphine that much, she'd give him back to her. Forever.

She hadn't slept at all the night before, and exhaustion soon crept up on her.

Just as she drifted off, half-awake, half-asleep, she heard Luke's voice.

"Sorry, Daphne, I probably won't be home tonight. There's still work to do at the company."

In an instant, her sleepiness vanished.

Before, when he told her he was working late, she never doubted him. But ever since she saw Seraphine's Instagram, she had realized just how many times he had used "work" as an excuse to lie to her.

This time was no different.

But strangely, her heart felt nothing. Just emptiness.

"Okay," she said. "Go ahead."

There was a brief silence.

Luke hesitated.

She used to question him and press him for answers. But now—now she just agreed, without a fight.

Something about that unsettled him.

He kissed her cheek, as if to reassure himself. "I won't be gone long. I'll be back before you know it. I know I've neglected you lately, Daphne. But we have a lifetime ahead of us."

Then, he turned and left.

Daphne watched him walk away, his silhouette growing smaller, until he was gone.

A quiet voice echoed in her mind, 'Luke, there is no "lifetime ahead of us". There won't be a "next time".'

When she woke the next morning, the sun was already high in the sky.

Luke had not come home.

Then, her phone rang.

It was one of his colleagues.

"Daphne, do you know why Luke didn't come to work today?"

Daphne froze. "He told me he was at the office all night."

Silence.

Then, hurriedly, Luke's colleague said, "Ah, never mind. Forget I said anything."

The call ended.

Daphne slowly opened her Instagram.

And there it was.

The first post on her feed.

[My boyfriend is the sweetest! I was scared of sleeping alone last night, so he came over to keep me company.]