When they returned, their fingers were interlocked as they strolled to the center of the
festival grounds.
Willow’s mouth was swollen and red, while Ryan bore several conspicuous kiss marks on his neck.
The crowd’s gazes were laced with amusement, waiting to see my reaction. In the past, whenever I saw another woman acting intimately with Ryan, I’d inevitably throw a fit, clinging to him and demanding his attention.
But this time, I merely stood in the corner, quietly watching them while savoring a delicious raspberry tart.
Ryan positioned Willow protectively behind him, his gaze briefly flicking to me. A trace of confusion flashed in his eyes, but it was soon replaced by a mocking smirk.
“Looks like you’ve grown up this time,” he sneered. “At least you’re not throwing a tantrum like before.”
I didn’t bother to respond. Instead, I casually finished the last bite of my tart and turned to leave.
Every year during the Full Moon Festival, I’d make it a point to ride the Ferris wheel. It had always been my favorite attraction since I was little. In the past, I’d drag Ryan along with me, but this year, I didn’t.
To my surprise, after the celebration ended, Ryan intercepted me. “Don’t you ride the Ferris wheel every year? Let’s go. I’ll go with you.”
I glanced at him but said nothing, turning on my heel to leave.
At that moment, Willow clung to Ryan’s arm with a bright smile, her voice syrupy and coy. “Ryan, I want to ride the Ferris wheel too! The moon is so full tonight—it’ll be so romantic.”
Ryan hesitated, his eyes lingering on me as though waiting for my reaction.
Ignoring them both, I walked toward the Ferris wheel alone. Just as I was about to board, Ryan and Willow caught up, insisting on sharing the same gondola.
Inside the small cabin, an awkward silence settled over us. Willow, however, soon broke it with a laugh.
She deliberately sat close to Ryan, leaning against him as she spoke in a sugary tone, “Ryan, this Ferris wheel is so high up—it’s making me nervous.”
Without a word, I remained seated across from them, my gaze fixed on the star-studded night sky beyond the window.
“Don’t be scared. I’m here,” Ryan reassured her, his voice so tender it grated on my nerves.
Emboldened, Willow giggled and grabbed his wrist, pressing herself even closer. “Ryan, your hands are so warm. Could you help me apply my lipstick? I want to look good for pictures later.”
Ryan took the lipstick she handed him. The two leaned in so close that their breaths mingled. Willow tilted her head, slightly opening her mouth, her tongue darting out to wet them in a way that was undeniably provocative.
“Ryan, you’re so bad—don’t mess it up…” she teased, her voice cloyingly sweet.
Their eyes locked, the space between them shrinking until their breaths grew uneven.
Then, suddenly, Ryan’s gaze snapped to me, as if he’d just remembered I was sitting across from them.
When he saw me calmly gazing out the window, his expression faltered, darkening inexplicably. He rapped his knuckles sharply against the glass, as though trying to draw my attention.
