The ring finger of the right hand. An engagement.

Landon had already proposed to Lila Monroe? And she had accepted?

In that instant, I felt as if my insides had been hollowed out.

The next second, a real cramp seized my stomach.

The pain was so intense I couldn't help but bend over, retching against the trunk of a nearby tree.

Seeing this, Caden’s face changed, and he reached out to steady me.

I waved his hand away, refusing his help. "I'm fine. It's just my stomach acting up. I'll be okay after I take some medicine."

With that, I walked away and went back to Renee to take my pills.

The charity concert that followed was a great success.

But when it was over, I couldn't find Landon anywhere.

I sat in the quiet office, a hollow ache in my chest, tears streaming down my face.

I desperately wanted to ask Landon, if he was engaged to Lila, then what was I?

Had we broken up?

Had Landon already told me we were over, and I just couldn't remember?

The more I thought, the more my head began to throb.

I pressed my temples, knowing my depression was flaring up again.

Every time it happened, I couldn't remember so many things...

Just then, Renee pushed the door open.

Seeing my pale face and trembling body, she quickly closed the door and rushed to my side.

"Elara, are you okay?"

I took a moment to steady myself and shook my head. "I'm fine."

But Renee was still worried. "Commander Peterson invited you to dinner the day after tomorrow. Landon will definitely be there; after all, the Commander is his mentor."

"But in your current state... you shouldn't go. Any more stress and you'll really be pushed over the edge."

I took a deep breath. "Commander Peterson was my father's friend. After my father died a hero, he always looked out for me."

I couldn't bring myself to decline an elder's invitation.

...

On Tuesday evening, I arrived at the restaurant early.

Funnily enough, it was Commander Peterson who had introduced me to Landon.

After chatting with the Commander for a while, Landon finally arrived, fashionably late.

I found this very strange and couldn't help but frown. In all the years I'd known him, Landon had never been late. The discipline of a soldier was ingrained in his soul.

Especially for an invitation from a respected elder.

I stood up, about to ask him if something had happened.

The next second, I saw Lila Monroe trailing behind him.

I froze instantly.

Commander Peterson had invited Landon and me, clearly seeing that something was wrong between us and creating this dinner to let us reminisce.

What did Landon mean by bringing Lila?

Lila was shy, only daring to greet the Commander after Landon introduced her.

Commander Peterson narrowed his eyes and didn't respond.

Landon didn't even glance at me, as if we were complete strangers.

He just led Lila to a seat.

A sharp pain pierced my heart, and I sat down, filled with a sense of desolation.

We were supposed to be the closest of lovers. When had we become such strangers?

The rest of the meal was incredibly awkward.

Commander Peterson chatted with me and with Landon, but pointedly ignored Lila.

Halfway through dinner, the Commander suddenly said calmly, "Landon, go buy me a box of donuts."

"Elara knows where the shop is. You two go together."

He didn't ask Lila, so she had to stay put.

The street below was the one Landon and I used to walk down most often.

Back then, I wasn't a huge star, and he wasn't a captain.

Neither of us had much money. Every time Landon gave me flowers, he would pick them from the side of the road, wash them, and tie them into a bouquet for me.

As we passed by that patch of flowers, I couldn't help but stop.

"Landon, do you remember the flowers here?"

I was lost in memories, unable to pull myself out.

When I turned my head, I saw Landon frowning. "These? They're just wildflowers."

I looked up, bewildered.

*Really? They were just insignificant wildflowers?*

Did that mean our memories had also become insignificant?

I wasn't ready to give up. I tried to jog his memory. "They might be wildflowers, but they're still beautiful."

"Can you pick some for me?"

Landon's frown deepened. "With your fame, don't you have tons of people sending you flowers every day?"

"Let's go. The Commander is waiting."

With that, he strode forward.

I watched his back, my heart being torn to shreds.

Was it the Commander waiting, or was it Lila?

Did he still remember?

That very first bouquet... he gave it to me.

The words reached my lips but I couldn't say them.

Back at the restaurant.

As we pushed the door open, we saw Lila raising a glass. "Commander, this is to you..."

She was about to drink.

But Landon rushed forward and snatched the glass from her hand. "Commander, Ms. Monroe can't drink. If you want to drink..."

He turned to look at me. "Ms. Vance can hold her liquor well, and she's practically your goddaughter."

"Ms. Monroe is a bit delicate. I'm afraid we'll have to trouble you to keep the Commander company."

My heart seized, and I stood there, stunned.

Landon knew. He knew my stomach had been a wreck for the past two years, that I couldn't drink...