Chapter 3

Curtis thought for a moment, then nodded with his usual good-natured smile. "Alright, let’s open our surprises for each other together. It’ll be more meaningful that way." Louise suddenly found herself wondering what Curtis’s expression would be when he learned of her death and saw the divorce papers. Shock, disbelief... or perhaps relief? Curtis coaxed her with a gentle tone. "I heard there’s a good movie playing recently. Want me to take you?" She didn’t want to go. But the theater he mentioned was right next to their old high school—the place where Curtis had confessed to her for the first time. Back in their school days, they had spent countless romantic and sweet moments on the street behind the school. It was where their love had truly begun. Since it started there, it might as well end there too. The theater was crowded when they arrived. Curtis semi-circled his arm around her, holding her protectively to shield her from the bustling crowd. Among the throng of people, a few girls recognized them. "Isn’t that Mr. Irwin? And the woman he’s holding must be his wife. She’s so beautiful!" "Ugh, how can someone like Mr. Irwin even exist? Handsome, loyal… he’s perfect." "They’re such a perfect couple. Just look at them…" Curtis kept Louise safe in his arms until they reached their seats. He helped her take off her coat, holding it in his hands. The theater manager approached obsequiously, carrying a hand warmer and a cup of ginger tea. "Mr. Irwin, we heard Mrs. Irwin is feeling unwell these past few days. As per your instructions, we’ve prepared these for her. Is there anything else you might need?" Curtis took the items, placing the hand warmer gently on her stomach and handing her the tea. "The temperature is just right. Have a sip, Louise." Louise accepted his care mechanically, remaining silent the entire time. Curtis frowned slightly and instructed the manager, "Prepare some snacks, but nothing too oily, spicy, or sweet. Louise doesn’t like those." "Understood, I’ll take care of it right away." The manager jogged off. The movie started, its opening scenes flashing across the screen. At that moment, a woman approached Louise and softly said, "Excuse me, my seat is inside. Could you let me through?" The theater lights were dimmed, and Louise instinctively made way for her without much thought. It wasn’t until the woman passed her, then Curtis, and finally sat down beside him, that Louise realized why her voice had seemed so familiar. She was the woman from the video—the one tangled up with Curtis. Zoe Roach. The next second, Zoe’s soda cup tilted in her hand, spilling its contents all over Curtis’s chest. "Oh no, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!" Zoe exclaimed, pulling tissues from her bag to help him wipe it off. But as she dabbed at him, her hands began to wander to places they shouldn’t. Though Curtis’s chest was wet, Zoe’s hand moved down and further down, her gestures playful and mischievous. Louise could feel Curtis’s arm around her tightening, his entire body growing tense. Out of the corner of her eye, Louise caught a glimpse of Zoe’s hand resting on his abdomen, with Curtis’s hand on top of hers, gripping it firmly as if to warn her to stop. But Zoe didn’t stop. Smirking, she continued wiping and teasing. "Should I buy you a new pair of pants, sir?" "That won’t be necessary," Curtis’s voice rasped. The movie playing on the screen was a lighthearted animated film. The animals were adorable, and the plot was funny, but Louise couldn’t focus on any of it. Ten minutes into the movie, Curtis suddenly stood up. "Louise, the manager didn’t know what kind of snacks you’d like. I’ll go check." He picked up her coat, draping it over his forearm to conceal the changes in his lower body. Not long after Curtis left, Zoe stood up as well and followed him. As she passed Louise, she shot her a smug glance, curling her lips in a mocking smile. Her expression seemed to say: See? He chose me. Five minutes later, Louise received a text message: Come to the restroom. She quickly left the theater, heading for the restroom at the end of the hallway. From the first stall in the women’s restroom came muffled groans and a woman’s soft, pleading voice. The woman was undoubtedly Zoe Roach. And the man—his voice was all too familiar to Louise. She froze, rooted to the spot, unable to move. The sounds from the stall grew louder. Zoe let out a sharp cry, followed by Curtis’s voice, tinged with derision. "Is that all you’ve got? You followed me all the way to the theater, and this is the best you can do?" Zoe whimpered, her tone unclear whether she was laughing or crying. "I just missed you. I can’t stand seeing you with her." Curtis’s voice turned cold. "I can tolerate a lot from you, but you crossed a line today. Don’t let this happen in front of Louise again." "Okay, okay, I get it. But don’t you think it’s thrilling in a dark theater like this?" Curtis chuckled lightly. "It is, a little." "Then tonight… let’s continue?" His voice became hoarse. "I’ll buy tickets for the midnight showing." "Make sure it’s the last row, so we won’t need to hide in the restroom next time…" Not far away, the theater manager hurried over, holding a small square box. Standing outside the women’s restroom, he whispered, "Mr. Irwin, here are the condoms you asked for." The noises inside paused briefly before Curtis appeared at the door. Louise quickly ducked behind a pillar, her heart pounding wildly. Curtis chuckled. "You’re fast." "Of course, sir. Time is limited—can’t let it cut into your night, right?" Curtis sounded pleased. "Take good care of Louise. Don’t let her suspect anything. Got it?" "Don’t worry, Mr. Irwin. Mrs. Irwin seems like a very naïve girl. She’ll believe anything you tell her." Louise fled back to her seat in the theater, tears streaming down her face. She allowed herself to cry for a few minutes before forcing herself to stop. This is the last time, she told herself. It was the last time she would cry for Curtis. It wasn’t even for Curtis now, but for the boy he used to be—the boy who once looked at her with nothing but love. That boy no longer existed. And if he didn’t, then she no longer wanted him.