2
In my last life, I felt like I was always looking up to Blake, spending my whole life chasing his shadow.
In high school, he excelled at painting, sweeping almost every art award.
His voice always echoed from the school radio station, deep and clear.
His figure was always on the school awards stage, tall and upright, his youthful back always straight and strong.
I just looked up at him and his paintings, harboring a single thought to earn tons and tons of money, to host countless exhibitions for him so his brilliant art could be seen by the
world.
Later, he went to a top art university to hone his painting skills, and I chose finance.
To earn money, to forge more connections, I attended eight business dinners a day,
holding my breath and chugging down cheap bottled liquor, only to spend hours in the restroom, throwing up until I was dizzy and disoriented.
I did all this to make myself excellent enough, to be capable of standing
shoulder–to–shoulder with Blake.
I spared no expense, investing heavily in Blake’s exhibitions, securing better resources
for him, and introducing him to influential people in the art world.
Looking back now, my last life felt like I lived entirely for Blake. I was like a pathetic dog begging for scraps; all he had to do was crook a finger, and I’d eagerly rush to him.
It was time for me to be myself again, to start a new life.
I turned and walked away, heading home to put on exquisite makeup and a stunning dress, ready for the evening’s cocktail party.
Just as I opened the door, about to head downstairs to hail a cab, I saw Blake standing at
the entrance.
<
Sat,
He wore a white suit, sleek gold–rimmed glasses, his hair meticulously combed back.
Refined and incredibly handsome, this image had made my heart flutter countless times.
But seeing him again, my heart was calm as still water, without a ripple.
Seeing my lack of reaction, Blake spoke first, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.
“I promised to take you to the business dinner tonight. Let’s go.”
He subtly glanced at my high heels, then extended his hand towards me.
“Be careful on the stairs with those heels. Don’t fall.”
I once thought these small gestures, hidden within his actions, were signs of his care, his love and protection for me.
Only after years of being together did I realize that his meticulousness, his adherence to
promises, his good manners, and so on, were simply because that’s who he was.
He inherently possessed these qualities; he didn’t become this way *because of* me.
Blake opened the car door for me, shielding my head as I slipped into the back seat.
A female voice drifted from the front, clear and delicate.
“Hello, ma’am, I’m Blake’s junior, Daisy. I’d love to learn more about the world. Could you take me along to see what a business party is like?”
Daisy looked at me with crescent–shaped eyes, but there was no real smile in them, only a hint of challenge.
Having spent so many years in the finance world, I’d seen all kinds of people. For a girl like her, I wasn’t going to stoop to her level.
To my surprise, before I could even speak, Blake interjected, trying to smooth things over for her.
for her.
“You know, your heavy makeup really does make you look older. Just bring her along. Your business dinners aren’t exactly high society, are they?”
I scoffed, then closed my eyes to rest, ignoring both of them.
