Chapter 3

3.

By midnight, Grant was still nowhere to be seen.

I checked my phone repeatedly, but Karina hadn't sent any more taunts.

There was only one explanation: they were busy with each other.

I gave a bitter laugh and got out of bed. I started gathering every gift Grant had ever given me.

Looking at the expensive jewelry and designer bags, I felt a sense of vertigo.

I remembered how Grant used to buy me anything I so much as glanced at.

I used to think I was the luckiest woman in the world.

But now... it all felt like trash.

I set up a scheduled delivery service. One week from now, all these things would be delivered to Karina.

Since he was so fond of her, she could have his old junk too.

I was using scissors to shred the suit I had custom-made for Grant when he finally walked in.

He called my name from the bedroom. I answered but didn't stop what I was doing.

When he walked into the walk-in closet and saw me, he nearly dropped the takeout bag in his hand.

"Leila..."

He rushed over and knelt beside me, grabbing my wrist. "What are you doing?"

I looked at him calmly.

Grant's face was pale. He looked horrified.

I smiled and gently pushed his hand away. "There are some stray cats in the garden. I thought I'd use this fabric to make them a bed."

Grant bit his lip. "But honey... that's the only gift you ever bought me. I barely even wear it because I'm afraid of ruining it."

I looked down and kept cutting.

I knew exactly what it was. That was the point.

Grant watched me for a long time. Finally, he spoke. "Leila, since you destroyed my gift, you owe me a new one."

I looked up, my eyes bright with a fake smile. "Sure. I actually have two gifts prepared for you."

His eyes lit up. He pulled me into a tight hug. "Really? Where are they?"

Hearing his excitement made a chill run through me.

I didn't push him away. I looked past him at the takeout bag.

I could smell the seafood chowder inside.

I have a weak stomach. Every time he felt guilty or made me upset, he would drive across town to get my favorite soup.

It was obvious Karina had made him very happy tonight.

He was so satisfied that he actually went out of his way to buy me a treat at midnight.

I laughed quietly to myself. "Wait a week. You'll find out then."

Grant didn't push it. He led me to the dining room.

He opened the soup and placed it in front of me. "You didn't eat much at dinner. You must be hungry."

I stirred the soup with a spoon. When he turned his back to get some water, I tipped the bowl over.

Grant spun around and rushed to see if I was burnt.

I watched him with cold eyes. When he looked up, he saw how detached I was.

His fingers twitched. He stared at me without blinking. "It's okay, Leila. If you still want some, I'll get you fresh soup tomorrow morning."

I could feel him trembling. In the past, I would have hugged him and told him it was okay.

But now, I just stood up.

"Don't bother. My taste has changed. I don't like that soup anymore."

And I don't like you anymore either.