4
I grabbed the corner of his jacket and pulled. The instant my fingers touched the fabric, he yielded, following me obediently.
Like a dog that had found its master.
In the coffee shop, I ordered a black coffee and tried to keep my voice even. “What do you really want? Can you just tell me?”
“I just want to know what kind of bubble tea you like.” He had thrown the other one away and was now wiping his sweaty palms with a napkin. His expression was almost.. mournful. “All these years, I’ve never once done anything that made you happy. I just wanted to buy you a drink you like. To see you smile.”
“Why do you want me to be happy?”
“Because I’m in love with you,” he said, without a flicker of hesitation
I stared at him, my mind racing It was too strange. All of it. This deeply–in–love act was completely out of character for the proud, untouchable man I knew.
Did something happen to you?” I asked, probing “I remember you being different.”
“People change,” he said quietly “Besides, you never really knew me that well to begin with ”
Mell silent. I wanted to tell him to leave, but I knew the words were useless. The silence between us was heavy, suffocating.
He broke it first “Give me one month. Let me try “His voice was pleading. “If you don’t give me a chance to try, I’ll never be able to let this go. Just let me try to win you over. Please?”
I still didn’t speak
He clenched his fists. “I know seeing me disgusts you so I bought the apartment you’re renting. After one month, no matter what you decide, I’ll sign the deed over to you. As an apology for disgusting you. Okay?”
I blinked, more confused than ever. “What are you trying to get out of this? What could I possibly have that’s worth all of this?”
“I told you, I love you But you’ve always hated me. It’s… become an obsession.” He met my eyes. “Stella, I’m begging you. Give me a chance to resolve this. For my own peace of mind. Can you do that?”
The reason still felt wrong, flimsy, but I couldn’t articulate why. A fully paid–for apartment in the heart of the city was worth a fortune. He was either insane or incredibly generous.
I studied his face for a long time, then sighed.
Whatever What did his motives have to do with me?
“Just one month. Are you sure?”
He nodded eagerly.
“Fine” I said. “But after one month, you disappear from my life. Completely.”
That evening, Gervase followed me home and let himself into the apartment directly across from mine. So that’s where he’d been staying.
As he was about to close his door, I stopped him. “Can I call you something else?”
He turned, confused.
“A different name,” I explained. “Something other than Gervase. When i was a kid, every time my mom yelled at me, she used you as the gold standard. Hearing your name…. it just brings all of that back. It’s… unplea- sant.”
His face paled “They always compared you to me when they scolded you?”
“What else?”
He bit his lip. “Call me whatever you want. Anything that makes you happy.”
Then I’ll call you Number Three.” I saw the flicker of pain in his eyes but pressed on. “My ex before my last was Number One. My last ex was Number Two. You fit right in. You don’t mind, do you?”
He bit his lip so hard I thought he might draw blood. I pretended not to notice.
“Silence means you agree,” I said, turning and closing my door without another word.
Gervase had been brought in on the recommendation of a renowned academic, so to keep him happy, my boss gave me a month of paid leave. I didn’t argue. It was the perfect opportunity to deep clean my apartm-
ent.
I was on my hands and knees, scrubbing the floor under a baseball cap, when he came over. Seeing me covered in grime, he frowned and pulled me to my feet. “Don’t do this. I’ll hire a cleaner for you.” I decided to press my advantage. “I also want one of those robot vacuums.”
“Done.”
