The message from Ulysses Grant came through.

Just past ten.

Three hours late for our dinner date.

The dishes on the table were all made by me.

All of Ulysses's favorites.

But he didn't come home.

The food turned cold.

I was hungry.

But there was too much food; I couldn't finish it alone.

After years of hardship.

I couldn't bring myself to waste food.

So I reheated everything in the microwave.

Packed it all up.

Outside the community, many sanitation workers were cleaning the streets at this hour.

They might not get to eat a hot meal.

Cold water and bread might be all they have.

So I took the packed meals to them.

"Clean and untouched."

One of the grandmothers stood up.

She thanked me repeatedly.

She hunched over, took the container from my hands, and called her husband to eat.

I didn't leave immediately.

I sat on a stone block nearby.

The wind was strong tonight.

And cold.

But it felt refreshing.

Mrs. Harrison cradled the food.

She smiled at me, "Dear, aren't you going home this late?"

Home?

I turned to look at the high-end community behind me.

A villa here would cost at least a million.

Ulysses bought it for me.

Paid in full after he made his fortune.

It's a mansion.

A residence.

But not a home.

Because—

It's too empty.

But before I could speak, a familiar luxury car suddenly caught my eye.

Ulysses was back?

The realization made me instantly happy.

I ran back immediately.

As soon as I entered the community, I saw the car turn and head to the villa opposite.

I paused, looking over.

The car stopped, and the engine turned off.

Ulysses got out, then moved to the passenger side and opened the door.

A young, vibrant girl entered my view.

They stood side by side.

Ulysses looked down at her with a relaxed and easy expression.

Unlike when he's with me.

Cold and distant.

They entered the villa, closed the door, and the lights inside turned on, warm and bright.

And I stood alone in the shadows.

Such a stark contrast.

So—

He didn't come home for dinner because he already had another home.