The Fire That Burned Our Love Chapter 1

The night I was supposed to introduce Chris to my parents, he disappeared.

He rejected every single one of my calls.

But in the dead of night, I saw a video posted by Chris’s stepsister, Lila.

【My heart’s been acting up today, but thank goodness for the fish soup big brother made me~】

【Brother watched the fireworks with me. So beautiful.】

Her camera panned over the creamy white fish soup in a thermos on the table.

Then to the fireworks blooming outside the window.

It finally settled on the hospital bedsheet, on a man's hand—all sharp knuckles and long fingers—gripping the girl’s delicate wrist.

Chris’s hand.

* * *

When Chris finally walked through the door, he paused, frowning as he waved a hand in front of his face.

His voice was cold, a world away from the gentle tone that had called out “Lila” in the video.

"Aubrey, you promised you wouldn't smoke."

I watched the smoke curl around my fingertips. "And you know a thing or two about keeping promises?"

Chris flinched. The look on his face told me he’d only just remembered what day it was.

Our families were worlds apart. I had poured my heart and soul into convincing my parents to accept him, and yet, he had always refused to meet them.

He had finally agreed this time, and I was so ecstatic I could have set off fireworks across the entire city.

But after my countless calls went unanswered, I was forced to feed my mother the same excuse I’d used a dozen times before.

She listened quietly, not calling me out on the lie, just sighing. "Aubrey, is he worth it?"

Was he worth it?

I didn't know anymore.

Chris's tone softened a little, his apology stiff. "Aubrey, today was my fault. We'll go see your parents another time."

I said nothing.

He was used to my endless forgiveness. To him, that "it was my fault" was a monumental concession.

When I remained silent, he rubbed his temples, a flicker of impatience in his voice. "You know how fragile Lila is. Can you stop being so dramatic?"

"Oh," I said. "So your concern for her clouds your judgment."

His lips thinned, a clear sign he was suppressing his anger. "I've told you a hundred times, even if Lila and I aren't related by blood, I'm the only family she has left. Can you stop being so sordid?"

He took a sharp breath. "Aubrey, not everyone is like you, unable to live without a man in their life."

The ash from my cigarette fell onto my fingers. I didn't feel the burn.

All I heard was a faint ringing in my ears.

Slowly, I lifted my head and looked at him.

"What did you just say?"