Chapter 3The Butterfly Effect of Loving Myself

New Year's Day.

No food delivery available. I found a pack of dry noodles and cooked them.

The phone rang. Julian's voice was apologetic.

"Still busy. Eat something first, I'll be back soon."

Next to him, a woman's voice, full of joy. "Julian, let's eat at that place."

Julian's voice was helpless but indulgent: "Don't rush, let me park first."

The woman whispered, "Forgot you were on the phone. Is it Leah?"

Julian hummed a yes.

And then.

His voice was cut off, as if someone sealed his lips. A muffled groan.

The breathing on the other end quickened.

I was silent for a moment, then reminded him flatly: "If you're going to hook up in the car, please hang up first."

A few seconds later, the sound of a car door closing.

Julian spoke again. "Leah, don't talk nonsense."

On the other end, Chloe's cheerful voice: "Julian hurry up~"

Shop staff yelled: "Happy New Year, welcome!"

I didn't speak. Silently hung up. I didn't want to hear their happiness.

At that moment, I smelled something burning in the living room. The pot of noodles had boiled dry and stuck to the bottom.

I exhaled gently.

Turned off the stove and called the Professor again.

"Not ready yet?"

The man on the phone sighed. "The technology isn't perfect. Once it starts, I have zero guarantee I can bring you back. Leah, have you really decided?"

"Yes." I was incredibly serious. "I've decided."