Chapter 3: The End of Anger

He clearly hadn’t expected me to agree so easily. He pressed his lips together and said, "It’s good you can be reasonable."

Be reasonable.

I sneered inwardly. My jaw tightened, but I kept my expression blank—years of practice. If I showed even a flicker of anger, he’d just call me dramatic.

This was my first mission, and I had stumbled through it from the start. I didn’t know any strategies; all I knew was to trade sincerity for sincerity. Five years of pouring my heart out, and all I got in return was a single sentence: "Be reasonable."

After dinner, Derek, as usual, was about to go out—to check on Lillian and make sure she was safe at home. Maybe he was afraid I’d get angry, like before. For once, he offered an explanation: "Lillian lost her family. It’s only natural I take more care of her..."

Lillian’s father had embezzled disaster relief funds, and the entire Snow family was sent to prison. A loyal housekeeper had switched her own daughter for Lillian, allowing her to escape to her hometown, Silver Hollow. That town always seemed to produce more stories than jobs.

As a child, Lillian had known Derek—a delicate young lady and a poor kid from a working-class family. To Derek, Lillian was his untouchable first love.

When he spoke of her, there was always a flash of pain in his eyes. Maybe he himself didn’t realize how gentle his tone became whenever he mentioned her. The room seemed to go quiet for him, like the world paused at her name.

Fortunately, I had already let it go. Who hasn’t had a failed romance in their youth? I admit I had poor judgment. Lord knows, everyone in Silver Hollow carried a heartbreak or two.

Derek said, "I’ll be right back..."

Before he finished, I was already yawning and heading back to my room. "If it’s really late, just stay at her place." My voice trailed off as I closed the door behind me.

This time, Derek was completely stunned. He hovered in the hallway, the click of the door loud in the quiet house.