Mason returned with congee, placing the items on a small round table. He was about to lift Zoe to eat when she, leaning against the headboard, spoke softly, "It's different."

Mason was puzzled for a moment.

After a while, he realized what she meant.

Zoe looked at him, her voice softer than before, "You're different. In the past, I loved you, so even if I didn't want to, I would endure because I wanted to make you happy."

"And now?"

In the gentle light, Mason gazed at her delicate face, sp