In my previous timeline, I'd only bought this apartment eight years later. After graduation, Hazel had followed my arrangements to meet her future husband. Even though his family was well-off, I'd secretly used leftover dowry money for a down payment—wanting her to have property of her own.
That's how I'd met Jason, my neighbor, while single-handedly managing renovations behind her back. This time, I'd moved in early, hoping fate would reconnect us.
I'd expected Hazel to stay away longer, but she returned in under two weeks. By then, I'd already moved my belongings out. Unhurried, I went back to the old apartment after hearing the news.
"Mom, look what I brought you from my trip!" Hazel gushed the moment she entered, her smile overly sweet. She produced a wrinkled scarf from her bag, no
