The restaurant where David and I agreed to meet wasn’t particularly crowded. Still, I couldn’t shake off the discomfort I felt about this meeting.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone about your secret,” David said with a serious tone.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t convinced. For some reason, I just didn’t trust his words.

“What’s with the silence? Don’t believe me? You think I can’t keep a secret or stay true to my word?” He smirked, clearly trying to read my mind again.

“To be honest, yeah. I don’t believe you can,” I replied flatly, unapologetically.

David looked down for a second, then lifted his eyes to meet mine with a sharp gaze. “That’s not fair, El. You’re being completely unfair.”

“Unfair?” I snapped, offended. “You think you have the right to say that? Who are you to judge me?”

He chuckled bitterly. “Well then, who are *you* to judge *me* like I’m some shameless jerk? Or have you forgotten? You judged me without ever hearing my side.”

I clenched my hands into fists. He was clearly upset, and his emotions were spilling out with every word.

“Why would you so easily label me as someone who plays around with women? Did you ever ask any of them how things really were? Did I ever *say* anything that hurt you directly? Or are you just mad over what you think I did?”

I had no energy to argue. The truth was, everything he said made sense.

I’d judged him unfairly. Hated him based on my own assumptions, likely fueled by my anger and sympathy for what he did to Amelie.

“El? Did I do something to upset you? Why won’t you say anything?”

I took a deep breath, trying to fill my lungs with air that suddenly felt too heavy. I scrambled to form a response.

“Sorry...”
Wait. That’s all? *Seriously*? I mentally cursed my stupidity.

“For what?” he asked with a frown. “Sorry for *what*, El?”

I gathered my courage and looked him straight in the eye.
“You’re right. I was unfair to you. I judged you without really knowing you.”

David let out a bitter laugh and clicked his tongue. “Ah, so that’s what the apology’s for. Then tell me, why are you so quiet? You’re uncomfortable being here with me, aren’t you?”

“I’ve felt uncomfortable since the moment we met,” I admitted, bluntly.

David shut his eyes briefly and sighed.
“El, honestly… from the moment we met, I felt a strange connection with you. I don’t know why.”

I gave him a dry smile. “Oh, come on. Don’t start with your cheesy lines. That stuff doesn’t work on me.”

He chuckled again. “See? That’s what I mean. You’ve made up your mind about me, haven’t you? I’m not trying to flirt, El. I’m just telling you what’s on my mind.” His smile faded, replaced by a hint of sadness. “I just thought… maybe we could at least be friends. But I guess even that’s off the table. You already decided I’m someone you don’t want to be around.”

He slid his phone toward me across the table.
“Go ahead. Delete the photo I sent you yesterday. And don’t worry—I won’t share any of this with anyone.”

I bit my lip, anxiety creeping in.

“Do it, El. You delete it yourself. That way, you’ll know I mean what I say.”
He nudged the phone again, and I took it with trembling hands.

He had discovered my past—through that photo he sent to my number yesterday.
Apparently, after getting it from his ex—who also happened to be a friend of Sylvia’s—he became curious and started digging into my history. I didn’t know why, but one thing was certain: David’s curiosity had led him straight to the past I had worked so hard to bury.

“I’m not that much of an asshole, El. You don’t need to worry. Your secret’s safe.”
He was dead serious.
“Delete the photo, and I promise—I won’t ever ask to see you again.”
I handed his phone back after I deleted the photo. His eyes met mine briefly.

“Um, El… one last thing before you go,” he said, hesitating a little.

“I just wanted to say sorry. For pushing you to have lunch with me. And if you could, try not to see me in such a negative light. If we ever bump into each other on campus, I’ll pretend I don’t know you. You won’t have to feel uncomfortable.”

He gave me a small, tired smile.

---

After meeting David, I didn’t want to head straight home. Instead, I wandered around the mall near the restaurant. It had been a while since I went out just to unwind.

Back when I was single, shopping was my escape. But after marrying Sebastian, I never needed that kind of distraction anymore. He became the calm I’d always looked for. So what was the point of retail therapy when I already had peace?

My steps halted in front of a shop window filled with adorable trinkets and baby essentials.
What’s happening to me? Before I knew it, I was stepping into the store.

“Welcome! Can I help you with anything?” a cheerful shop assistant greeted me. I returned her smile.

“Just browsing for now, thanks,” I replied politely.

She nodded and smiled. “Sure, take your time. Let me know if you need anything.” Then she stepped aside to let me explore.

My eyes widened at the tiny items displayed all around. Everything was so small, so cute. I reached for a little yellow box tied with a ribbon—it was a pair of mini baby boots. My heart melted.

God, they’re adorable.
Everything’s so tiny!
It felt like I had stepped into another world.

I picked up a pair of baby socks from a rack and wandered further into the store. Cribs of all shapes and sizes were neatly arranged, each one more charming than the last.
The soft blankets, colorful towels… everything looked magical. It was like discovering a universe I had never noticed before. And of course, I hadn’t. I’d never stepped into a store like this before—why would I?

“Looking for a baby shower gift, or is it for yourself?” a voice asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I jumped, startled by the shop assistant who had returned.

---