Chapter 3

3.

I didn't reply. I just deleted the message.

If it was over, it was over. I wasn't looking back.

This time, I was truly done.

The next day, my colleagues threw me a small farewell party.

We toasted, said our goodbyes, and it was time for me to move on.

As I was at the front counter paying for some extra drinks, the door opened. Jasper walked in with his arm draped over Tessa's shoulder.

The restaurant had heavy velvet curtains at the entrance. Jasper held them open for her with a natural, practiced grace.

Tessa looked up at him and smiled, whispering a quiet "Thank you. "

The group of friends behind them started teasing them immediately.

"Damn, Jasper. So attentive. You're definitely winning the Best Boyfriend award! "

Jasper didn't correct them. He just shared a look with Tessa.

Then he turned his head and locked eyes with me.

He looked like he'd been caught doing something illegal. He reflexively stepped back, creating a gap between him and Tessa.

My face remained blank. I looked past them, finished paying, and headed back toward the private room.

"Rosie! "

Jasper chased after me. He tried to sound casual, but he had that arrogant edge to his voice again.

"I'm just out with the guys. Don't overthink it. "

"It's been a few days. Are you still pouting? Tell you what, I'll come over to your place tonight and make it up to you. Okay? "

"Make sure you leave the door unlocked for me. "

When I didn't respond, he leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"That's enough, Rosie. I basically just apologized. Give me some credit in front of my friends. "

I looked up at him.

His face was a mixture of impatience, annoyance, and embarrassment. There wasn't a hint of genuine regret.

"I told you. We are finished. "

Jasper's face contorted. His voice got louder.

He felt like I was humiliating him in front of his friends―especially in front of Tessa.

"Fine! You want to be like that? I'll just go and ask Tessa out right now! "

He expected me to panic. He expected me to beg him to stay, just like I used to.

But I just looked at him calmly.

"We broke up. You're free to be with whoever you want. "

I didn't wait to see the color drain from his face. I ignored the flash of triumph in Tessa's eyes and walked back to the party.

...

Back at my apartment.

My landlady, Mrs. Miller, looked sad when I told her I was moving out.

"Rosie, are you sure? You've been such a wonderful tenant. It's a shame to see you go. "

I zipped up my suitcase, my voice firm.

"I've made up my mind, Mrs. Miller. Thank you for everything these past few years. "

She didn't push further. "When are you leaving? "

"In three days. "

"Three days until what? "

I had just seen the landlady out when Jasper burst into the room.

His expression was dark. I had no idea how long he'd been standing outside.

"What were you telling the landlady? " he demanded, his voice laced with his usual irritation. "Rosie, what kind of game are you playing now? "

I didn't answer. I just kept packing.

He suddenly snapped and kicked the suitcase I had just finished organizing. "I'm talking to you! How much longer is this going to go on? "

"How long are you going to keep this act up? "

"Tessa didn't even do anything to you. Why are you so obsessed with pushing her away? "

I stayed silent.

I was about to tell him to leave when Tessa walked through the open door.

She saw the mess on the floor and put on a look of fake realization and pity.

"Rosie, you aren't actually breaking up with Jasper because of me, are you? "