Chapter 4

For the next three days, I pulled out the facial recognition flashcards I used during therapy.

I covered the names and only looked at the faces.

Lucas, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Miller, the doctor, the nurse.

The last card was Ethan.

For three consecutive days, I got every single one right.

Later, I stood on the balcony and watched the people walking below. I could easily identify who they were.

I was truly cured.

At seven in the morning, my parents were already dressed up. My mom had even put on makeup, which was rare for her.

When I came down from the third floor, she was adjusting her earrings.

"Just stay home today. We’re going out with Lily to take care of some things."

My dad urged her, "Hurry up, they're waiting."

Before walking out the door, my mom didn't forget to remind me:

"When the doctor comes today, make sure you do your therapy properly. Don't slack off."

"Okay."

Once the door closed, the house fell completely silent.

I began to pack the last of my belongings into my suitcase.

There really wasn't much to take.

I didn't touch any of the designer bags, jewelry, or clothes Ethan had bought me over the years.

At the very bottom of my drawer, I found a hand-knitted patchwork quilt.

My mom had made it by hand years ago.

Back then, we were still very poor. She sat by the window sewing and told me:

"When you get married in the future, take this with you. Whenever you look at it, you’ll think of me."

I had laughed at her. "I don't even have a boyfriend. What's the rush?"

My dad chimed in, "Our girl will get married eventually. We just want you to be happy."

Later, when I started dating Ethan, they were even happier than I was.

My dad would sometimes get a bit tipsy and tell Ethan:

"My daughter has trouble recognizing faces. You must never take advantage of her."

I stared at the quilt for a long time. In the end, I put it back in the closet.

I wouldn't be needing it anymore.

Before heading to the airport, my mom FaceTimed me.

"Lily finally got married today!"

Lily was holding up a marriage certificate from City Hall, her eyes curved with joy.

When my mom brought the camera closer, Lily’s finger was pressing firmly over the groom's name.

But even if the name was covered, the photo wasn't.

I could see the man's face in the photo with absolute clarity.

Ethan.

"See? Don't Lily and her husband look so perfect together?"

"Ah, if only you could recognize faces..."

I remembered how years ago, my mom told me that the most important trait in a man was loyalty.

"When the time comes, your father and I will walk you down the aisle. We have to make sure you marry a good man who only loves you."

They probably hadn't forgotten.

They just figured Lily only had three months left.

And since Ethan and I hadn't officially married yet, it didn't matter.

Once she was gone, that marriage registration wouldn't matter anymore.

I still had a long life ahead of me. Ethan would have plenty of time to be fully devoted to me later.

My wedding could wait. My boyfriend could be borrowed.

And now, even the position of his wife could be lent out for three months.

"Have fun. Remember to congratulate Lily on her marriage for me."

I hung up the phone.

The Uber arrived, and I got in.

Ethan believed that once he helped Lily fulfill her final wish, he would still have plenty of time to come back and make things up to me.

My parents believed I would still obediently wait at home for them to return.

But while they were celebrating at City Hall with Lily, I was already boarding a flight to Seattle.

The plane took off, leaving the city behind.

This time, the real Ethan didn't show up, and neither did the fake one.

But I didn't need either of them anymore.