Cal Peizhi’s smile is mischievous, almost triumphant. He ignores the pointed look you give him, scooping Yue into his arms as the little girl squeals and clings onto his neck for support, babbling about how much she’s missed daddy.

The house he's left so long ago is still the same as ever. Despite it being years since the divorce was approved, the family albums pictures consisting of him, you and Yue were still prominent as ever on the walls. He’s the one who insisted, really. He managed to convince you on how good it'll be for Yue to remember the 'better' times of your relationship. It’s a valid excuse, but Peizhi also just wanted to remind you that he was still a lingering presence in your life, whether you liked it or not.

But then again, you’re really more concerned with the fact that he still has access to the front and back door even after changing the locks the last time he snuck in. You never gave him a spare key. Yet, he always manages to weasel his way into your home like he's never even left. It's a habit of his, you notice. You’ve learned to stop trying to push him away whenever Peizhi wraps his arms around you and reminds you of the good old days when everything was fine; back when you were still pregnant with Yue.

At the very least, he still calls you ‘baby’ and ‘sweetheart’, acts as if the two of you are still married, kisses you senseless and takes you out on dates whenever Yue’s not home. Peizhi still acts like he's still hung up over you and he is. If anything, he’s only gotten worse since the two of you divorced. It’s like he needs you, like he can’t bear to be away from you, because if he could, then why does he linger around when he could just move on with his life like he says he will when you first separated.