Chapter 3

3

I had everything packed into suitcases by midnight.

Caleb still wasn't home.

The only notification on my phone was a news alert.

He hadn't called or texted once.

I smiled bitterly and opened my laptop to apply for an overseas transfer.

Six months ago, the company planned to open a branch in Europe.

They wanted to expand the market there.

Because the initial conditions were tough and the work was messy, no one wanted to go.

My boss had come to me first.

He trusted my skills and wanted to groom me for a leadership role.

"If you go, you'll be running the entire overseas line in less than six months."

"I know you can handle it and take this company to a new level."

But back then, Caleb and I were planning our wedding.

I thought marrying him was the most important thing in my life.

Now, I could see I had lost that bet completely.

After I hit submit, I sat on the balcony in the cold air.

My boss approved the application almost instantly and even called me.

"Our early business is doing great. With you there, it'll be unstoppable. I'm looking forward to calling you Director Vance."

My departure was set for the end of the month. I thanked him sincerely.

I poured myself a glass of red wine.

I sat there until the sun came up.

The next day, Caleb pushed the door open, wearing a wrinkled suit.

He saw the mess on the floor and smelled the stale wine, and he immediately frowned.

"Lyra, have you lost your mind?"

I didn't answer. He kicked the trash can over in frustration.

"You're turning our home into a dump over a tiny disagreement?"

"Does this even feel like a home anymore? I'm glad I didn't come back last night."

I opened my eyes groalily, and the wine bottle in my lap thudded to the floor.

I didn't even look at it. I just turned my back to him. "Okay."

Caleb froze for a second before exploding into a louder rage.

I didn't understand why he was so angry.

Was it the messy house? Or the fact that I didn't call him while he was with Nina?

Maybe he was mad that I wasn't screaming at him.

What a psycho.

I kept staring into space until he finally forced an explanation through his teeth.

"We stayed out too late, so we just grabbed a few hotel rooms. The whole group was there."

"You don't need to throw a fit like this."

"I got it."

I stood up and poured myself a glass of water.

"Nina knows she messed up. Her joke went too far yesterday."

"Stop being mad. We can go back to City Hall today..."

I was annoyed, so I raised my voice.

"You've said that a thousand times. Just drop it."

Caleb was instantly triggered.

"Then what do you want from us? Nina already apologized. Isn't that enough?"