While I was waiting for Leo, I watched the new secretary, Maya, wave goodbye with a smile.

She ran towards the boyfriend she always complained was making her angry.

His cheeks were flushed red from the cold, but he smiled and pulled a warm pretzel from inside his coat.

From what she'd told me, they were struggling financially, but it seemed love was never measured by wealth.

I remembered the years when Leo and I were at our poorest.

That was also when we were most in love.

Back then, when Leo came to pick me up, he'd always bring me a little treat.

Sometimes it was a hot dog from a street cart, other times a warm donut.

I'd scold him for wasting money.

He'd just grin foolishly and say, "I see these things and I just have to get them for you. I want to see you enjoying your favorite food every day."

Back then, sitting on the back of his bicycle, even with no money and after a hard day at work, I felt so happy.

Later, Leo's cars got fancier and fancier, but he never brought me those little treats again.

Maybe he forgot, or maybe he just didn't care anymore.

The drive from his office to mine only takes fifteen minutes.

But I stood there in the freezing wind for two whole hours.

When he finally arrived and saw me waiting by the door, his tone was sharp, his brow furrowed with irritation.

"It's freezing out here. Couldn't you have waited inside? Why did you come out?"

Was he worried about me?

Or was he just annoyed that I’d made him come get me, interrupting his fun?

I couldn't tell.

I said calmly, "I just thought you'd be here soon."

He froze, as if a memory had struck him.

He looked away, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.

"Sorry, the traffic was bad. I'm late. It won't happen again."

He reached out, opening his coat to pull me into an embrace.

I raised a hand to stop him.

The moment he got close, I smelled it—a mix of an unfamiliar shower gel and a cloyingly sweet perfume.

I said flatly, "Let's just get in the car. It's too cold."

I ignored his outstretched arms and got into the passenger seat.