The evening air was cool and gentle, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from the garden behind Ryan's grandmother's home.
Ryan stepped out for a breath of fresh air but paused when he saw Chloe sitting alone on the wooden swing near the far end of the garden. Her back was slightly hunched, her hands folded tightly in her lap, the swing swaying gently beneath her.
He stood still for a moment, watching her, when suddenly, a memory surfaced.
Two children running through this very garden. A boy sharing his candy with a girl who refused to let go of his sleeve. Their laughter had filled the air, carefree and sweet.
That little girl had been Chloe and the boy was him.
Ryan walked over quietly.
"You look like you're carrying the weight of the sky," he said softly.
Chloe looked up, surprised but not startled. "Just… thinking."
"Come on. Let's take a walk," he offered.
She nodded, and they strolled along the stone path in silence, side by side.
After a while, Chloe spoke, her voice low. "Ryan, are you really okay with marrying someone your family chose for you?"
He looked straight ahead. "Yes. I've accepted our engagement."
"I don't get it," she said, stopping to face him. "Why was this arranged when we were kids?"
"My mom arranged it," Ryan answered simply.
Chloe's brows furrowed. "So… you've never dated anyone because of your mom?"
"She told me that since she'd already found me a wife, I shouldn't waste time dating others," Ryan replied without hesitation.
Chloe's heart ached. Ryan had always followed what his family asked of him, being loyal and obedient.
"You're such a good person," she whispered. "Too good."
He turned to her, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I just…" she looked away, trying to blink back the tears. "You deserve to marry someone because you love her, not just because your mom chose her."
Ryan watched her closely. When he saw her eyes glistening, he instinctively reached out and gently touched her cheek.
Chloe looked up, startled, but didn't pull away.
Their eyes locked. He leaned in slowly, his hand still on her face, his breath close.
Her heart thundered in her chest.
And just as their lips were about to meet—
His phone rang..
Ryan exhaled and looked at the screen. "It's Lily," he said quietly. "She's calling us for dinner."
Chloe stepped back, nodding. "Of course."
They walked back silently. Chloe's heart still raced. That night, she tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Lily's words echoed in her head.
"He's only with you because he's fulfilling our mom's wish."
Ryan had never once said he has any feelings for her. She had nothing to hold onto but his kindness.
And maybe… that wasn't enough.
*****
The next morning, Ryan noticed how pale and tired Chloe looked. "Didn't sleep well last night? Not used to the bed?"
Chloe just smiled, avoiding the question.
He let it go.
On the way back to the city, Ryan drove in silence. Chloe sat quietly beside him, gazing out the window at the rolling hills they passed.
After two hours on the road, Ryan glanced over to find her finally asleep.
But when they arrived, she woke up just as he parked near her apartment.
Chloe sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Thanks for driving."
"Didn't sleep well last night?" Ryan asked again.
"Just had a lot on my mind," she said, her smile faint.
Another stretch of silence passed between them.
Then, Chloe turned to him, her voice soft but steady. "Ryan, I've been thinking… maybe we're not right for each other."
Ryan blinked, taken aback. "How ironic. My mom thought you and I were the perfect match."
"I know," she replied, lowering her gaze. "I don't know how you view this marriage, but I just want you to be happy. You've never even dated anyone before. Maybe you should try that. Figure out what you want. What you really feel."
Ryan opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Chloe pushed open the door.
"I just wanted to say that," she added, stepping out.
He watched as she walked toward her apartment building. She didn't look back.
And he didn't stop her.
*****
Days passed.
There were no calls, no messages and no contact between them.
Chloe buried herself in work, pouring her energy into every task Ms. Yuko gave her. But her smile didn't reach her eyes.
Ryan returned to his office routines, quiet as ever. But his thoughts often drifted to the passenger seat beside him… now empty.
Neither of them said goodbye.
But both felt the absence. And neither knew if that silence meant an end or a pause.