The Only Muse

After Caleb Turner went deaf in both ears, his first love, Janessa Skriver, left the country immediately.

As I watched how desperate and hot-tempered he'd become, I could only sigh before choosing to stay with him.

Little did I know that I'd be staying for three years straight.

I became Caleb's muse throughout the years. Despite his deafness, he was still capable of playing the most touching musical piece.

There was a time when Caleb told me affectionately, "I'll die without you."

Three years later, Caleb's hearing is restored. While the Turner family celebrates the fact that he can hear once again, they are also making our wedding preparations at full throttle.

Everyone is elated, to say the least. But I'm the only one who notices the brimming love in Caleb's and the newly-returned Janessa's eyes as they hold hands with each other.

On the day of our wedding, I board the flight intended for another country with an invitation I've received three years ago.

When the hospital confirmed that Caleb Turner's hearing was gradually coming back, I was genuinely thrilled.

I signed to congratulate him. My movements were smooth and second nature.

For the first time in three years, the gloom on his face lifted, and he smiled as if he meant it. "Carolyn, you've had it rough for the past three years."

I smiled it off. He was the man I loved. What I had done for him didn't feel like a sacrifice at all.

I instinctively reached for his hand, only to grab nothing. It felt like something inside my chest had been hollowed out, leaving a space behind.

When I looked up, Caleb's expression was calm. "Carolyn, everyone's waiting for us. Let's not keep them."

I hesitated for a beat, but I quickly tamped down the momentary confusion and smiled politely. "You're right. Let's go."

We were all adults. It was better to keep things graceful.

My fingers brushed over the share transfer agreement tucked inside my bag. Caleb's father, Benedict Turner, had given it to me not long ago.

When I thought about it, my mood lifted a little.

At the doorway, Caleb lifted his hand slightly out of habit. I pretended not to notice and stepped out ahead of him.

Maybe he'd forgotten, but these past three years, the one who needed care and reassurance had always been him, not me.

When he first lost his hearing, I had been heartbroken. We had grown up together, and back then, I was already crushing on him.

I moved into his place without hesitation, taking the room next to his. From that point on, I stayed by his side whenever he needed me, even handling trivial things like opening doors for him.

Caleb seemed to realize it too. His hand curled awkwardly at his side as he followed behind me without a word.

The moment the private room door opened, I froze.

The place was already buzzing. No one had bothered waiting for us, and at