Chapter 3

3.

The moment I got home, my phone rang. It was Chloe.

Her voice was sharp with interrogation. “Dustin, what is that dark photo supposed to mean?”

“Are you trying to tell everyone that I did not spend the anniversary with you?”

In past years, she had always made time for me no matter what.

This year was the only exception.

I replied in a flat voice, “I am not as petty as you think.”

“Fine, I know you are upset,” she sighed.

“I told you I was swamped with work. Can you not be a little understanding?”

Her tone softened slightly, yet it was laced with impatience.

“Delete that post right now. I have to get back to work.”

She hung up immediately, leaving me with a cold dial tone.

I let out a self-deprecating laugh and sank onto the couch.

Exhaustion washed over me like a tidal wave, pulling me under.

Chloe stayed out all night, which did not surprise me at all.

I pulled a suitcase out of the closet and began tossing my clothes inside.

Years ago, when her mother passed away and her father fled with massive debts, she was desperate.

I stayed by her side without hesitation.

I lived on pennies, using every cent from my side gigs to help pay off her debts.

I gave up my dream of graduate school out of state, staying local just to be her rock.

Later, she confessed her love to me, swearing she would never let me down.

She promised she would treat me right for the rest of our lives.

I believed every single word and poured my whole soul into loving her.

I worked relentlessly to provide startup capital for her company.

I bought her the designer clothes and luxury bags she had always dreamed of.

I genuinely thought total devotion would earn me the same genuine love in return.

Yet, once her business took off and she began making seven figures, everything changed.

She started looking down on my income, calling me unmotivated.

She even refused to make our relationship public on social media.

I constantly made excuses for her, telling myself she was a CEO who needed to protect her image.

I told myself I should be understanding and supportive.

Then Gavin showed up and shattered every last illusion I had left.