When We Meet Again As Strangers novel Chapter 3

I washed my face and numbly left the psychiatry department.

At the corner on the first floor of the hospital, I unexpectedly ran into Victor.

Beside him was a bright, sun-like girl, the one I guessed had called him earlier, playfully coaxing him.

She was holding onto his arm, hopping ahead with a cheerful, carefree energy.

Victor lowered his head, letting her guide him, his reprimands laced with tenderness.

"I told you not to stand so high, but you wouldn’t listen. The room was being cleaned, what were you trying to prove? Serves you right for getting hurt."

The girl stuck out her tongue and pouted in mock grievance. "Okay, okay, stop scolding me. I'm already in pain. I promise I won't be reckless again, alright?"

The scene was too perfect, too cruel, because it mirrored exactly how Victor used to speak to me.

I remembered once when I burned my hand while cooking. He had helped me wash it, his face full of concern as he scolded me gently, "Look at you, always getting me worried over the smallest things. From now on, I’ll take care of everything. I can’t stand seeing you hurt."

But now, neither his tenderness nor his reprimands would be shared with me, not even a little bit.

I stood frozen, as if cursed, unable to move or even look away.

They were getting closer, and Victor looked up, meeting my eyes.

He paused for a second, his brows knitting slightly.

"Victor, do you two know each other?" the girl asked with a confused look.

I shook my head. "No, I'm just here to visit a friend."

"Good," she nodded. "Victor, I’m really tired, can you carry me?"

Her playful tone was sweet, and without a second thought, Victor picked her up and began walking past me.

At that moment, I couldn’t bring myself to look at them anymore.

Our story had ended.

Victor no longer belonged to me.