---- Chapter 5 (Bianca, even if you want to get married, you shouldn't use a wedding dress to force him.] (Do you really think buying a dress means that Lars will marry you? Stop dreaming! ] (He promised me long ago. I'm the only one he'll ever marry!) At midnight, the streets of Riverton were still busy and bustling. I sat quietly in my car, watching Pearl's messages come in one after another. I didn't respond to any of them. It wasn't until one in the morning that I finally went home. To my surprise, the lights were on. When Lars heard the door, he couldn't hide his anxiety and got up. "Where were you? Why were you so late?" "Just went for a drive," I said as I took off my coat. He stepped closer, reaching out to hug me. I instinctively pulled away. ---- "Still angry at me? I was a little harsh today," he said before pausing for a moment. "If you don't want to work anymore, then don't. As long as you're happy." I lowered my head and said nothing. "By the way, your birthday's coming up." I looked at him. "Any plans?" He looked at me softly. "I'll stay home and celebrate with you, of course. Just the two of us." He tried to hug me again, and this time, I didn't refuse. He seemed relieved, holding me close in his arms and whispering, "Bianca... I feel like you've changed lately. " "You're overthinking it." I slipped out of his arms and headed for the bathroom. "I'm cold. I'm taking a shower." If this were in the past, he would have noticed right away and wrapped me in a coat before holding me tight. Now, he didn't notice my almost-frozen fingertips or hear the shudders in my breath. "Oh, right!" he said suddenly, and he followed me ---- into the bathroom. "Where are your toothbrush and cup? They're missing." I stopped. "Hygiene products should be replaced regularly. There are new ones in the cabinet." At that, Lars didn't say anything more. After my shower, I curled up in bed, ready to go to bed, but my phone started buzzing nonstop. It was Pearl again. She was sending one screenshot after another. This time, the timeline stretched way back. One year ago, two years ago...and even much earlier. Every message came from Lars. (Pearl, I listened to you and started dating. She's nice ... Her smile is just like yours.] (Being around her, I always feel like I'm back in those days with you when we were still young. } (Pearl, I dreamed about you. How have you been?]} It was only after Lars bought two key properties in Riverton that Pearl started replying more frequently. That was when they began sharing their daily lives. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!