This was almost one of the fiercest arguments between Harper and Joseph.
However, in truth, she did not go out to find that person.
Where could she even begin to search? Certainly not by aimlessly wandering the streets.
Harper sluggishly navigated through the day. On the following morning, she still couldn't muster any enthusiasm for work.
Joseph had slept in the hospital last night, rushing through a major surgery that had extended well into the afternoon.
A colleague approached him from behind and gave his shoulder a friendly pat. "Shall we go to dinner together later? We'll be back in the evening, won't we?"
Joseph raised his gaze to meet the colleague's eyes. "Not tonight. I have something to attend to. Can you keep an eye on the patient in Bed 301 for me?"
"Ah!" The colleague, wearing a look of curiosity, quipped, "Rare indeed! Is the workaholic Dr. Lucas shirking his duties? Just a hint, are you in love?"
Joseph glanced at him but remained silent.
"Alright! Spare me that look!"
"Thank you."
With that, Joseph rose and retreated to his office.
Shortly after he left, Olivia approached him, hoping to arrange a dinner together later.
After waiting for a while with no sign of him, she happened to run into a passing nurse and hurriedly inquired, "Have you seen Dr. Lucas?"
The nurse replied, "I saw him leaving just now. Seems like he has finished for the day."
He had already left?
Olivia glanced at her watch, and it was only four o'clock.
Why would he leave early? Was there something urgent?
Driving to a handmade dessert shop, Joseph intended to buy a birthday cake for Harper.
The display window showcased an array of cakes, but his eyes settled on a chocolate cake. Pointing at it, he requested, "Please pack up this cake for me."
"Is this flavor of cake still available?"
Suddenly, a magnetic male voice chimed in from beside him.
Joseph instinctively glanced sideways at the man. He was clad in a tailored Western suit and adorned with a costly timepiece on his wrist, exuding an undeniable air of sophistication.
As the server brought out the packaging, he expressed regret, "I'm sorry, sir, we have only one of these chocolate cakes."
Raising an eyebrow, Brian turned his gaze to the buyer of the cake and politely asked, "Hello, may I possibly acquire this cake from you? I am willing to pay a high price."
Joseph quirked a smile. "I'm sorry, this cake is priceless to me. It's my wife's favorite flavor."
Witnessing a fleeting expression of tenderness on Joseph's face, Brian thought it was hard to keep taking it away from him.
With a chuckle, he added, "It seems we both have a special someone."
Today happened to be her birthday.
He had intended to purchase her favorite cake to meet her on this special day. He even mentally rehearsed the address multiple times.
However, he'd run to two stores that were out of chocolate cakes, and this time, yet again, he came in late.
Joseph nodded politely and said no more.
Brian reluctantly glimpsed at the cake in Joseph's hands and proceeded to seek another bakery.
Little did both men realize, they were referring to the same person throughout their conversation.
Just as fate unintentionally joked.
At T-Shine Company,
"Harper, I'm off work, bye!"
Harper raised her head, and waved goodbye to her greeting colleague. "Goodbye!"
With everyone else having left, she glanced at her watch before sluggishly tidying up her belongings and rising from her seat.
Each year on this day, Harper wished she could just skip over it on the calendar.
Even though it was her birthday, she had no desire to celebrate.
Back home, she suddenly felt the day shouldn't end on such a bleak note and decided to do something.
After some contemplation in the living room, she had a sudden idea, darting into the storage room to fetch a canvas.
The weather was lovely today, with the sunset outside resembling bursts of burning fireworks, providing the perfect backdrop for her.
As she painted, Harper's thoughts still couldn't help but wander far away.
The night from three years ago was like a haunting nightmare. Every time she thought about it, she couldn't breathe as if she were drowning in water.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to focus on the present painting, coaxing herself to let go of the past.
No matter how much she pondered, the one she had lost would never return.
When Joseph returned bearing the cake, he encountered that scene.
A girl bathed in the glow of the sunset sat at the window, holding a palette knife with intense concentration as she worked on the canvas. Her delicate profile exuded elegance with a strand of hair cascading by her temple, adding a touch of languid grace.
Hearing his presence, she paused her hand briefly, not turning to look.
Placing the cake on the dining table, Joseph poured a glass of water and made his way to the balcony, silently watching Harper from the doorway.
After completing the painting with determination, Harper finally noticed Joseph's continued presence, surprised. "What are you doing standing here all this time?"
She had seen him heading toward her earlier but assumed Joseph would just glance and return to his room. Why had he remained unmoving beside her?
"Admiring the view."
Harper felt speechless. The evening glow had faded, and this spot wasn't even a vantage point for viewing the city lights. What was there to admire?
Nevertheless, if he found enjoyment in it, it was of no concern to her.
Without further words, she quietly gathered her tools to clean up.
Joseph felt a mix of emotions when he saw her acting as if nothing had happened.
He was present on that fateful night three years ago.
The downpour of rain and blood had once been an indelible shadow lingering in his memories.
He distinctly recalled how Harper, a young girl who had recently begun her college journey, had appeared when he saw her at the hospital.
Her eyes were swollen from crying, yet her face was a mask of numbness and detachment as she uttered, "Why did my father die, but you survived?"
Joseph had pondered over why he hadn't persuaded Benjamin Taylor.
Could the accident have been prevented if they hadn't recklessly rushed back through the rain that night?
However, all such musings held no significance now.
Regretful as it was, the events that occurred were irreversible even if Harper blamed him.
This anguish was not solely hers but also his burden to bear.