Chapter 2The Silence of the Strings

Once I calmed down, I signed the transfer papers for the new job.

My boss hesitated.

"Transferring means moving to another city! You should consult your boyfriend about something this big. You're a person with a partner; don't be so reckless."

I signed my name briskly.

"No need."

The last time I changed jobs, I held two offers and asked for his opinion.

Caleb just glanced at them.

"This is your career. You shouldn't let me decide."

Yet, he patiently helped Lydia fill out her internship applications, helping her get into the best hospital program in the country.

Caleb always said I wasn't independent enough and complained about me being too "needy."

He would put on headphones to listen to medical podcasts while I was excitedly sharing my day, acting as if I didn't exist.

He would refuse to drive me when I was running late, emphasizing that his schedule couldn't be disrupted for me.

I wanted to join his gatherings with friends, but he said I should establish my own social life.

I used to think Caleb was just naturally distant.

And that I, through enough patience, could be the exception.

Until Lydia appeared.

She was the daughter of Caleb’s parents' old friends, and he was entrusted with looking after her.

I thought he would find it a chore, but he agreed readily.

I didn't expect that she would be the exception.

Caleb responded to every single one of her complaints about her neighbors.

When she wanted a trendy dessert for her birthday, he drove across town to get it.

During her residency at the hospital, he actively introduced her to his colleagues:

"This is my junior; take care of her."

Whenever I fought with Caleb about this, he would frown with disappointment.

"She's a kid. Are you a kid too?"

"I'm looking after her out of responsibility. You're actually jealous of this?"

"How old is she, and how old are you? Why don't you just compare yourself to a newborn?"

But his "kid" was only three years younger than me.

All the excuses I had made for him—it's just his personality, he’s too busy, he hates clingy people...

They all shattered in the face of the patience he showed another woman.

That’s fine.

After I have my surgery and leave tomorrow, Caleb will have nothing to do with me anymore.