Chapter 3

3.

When I woke up, Kian was staring at me with a bizarre expression.

I didn't ask what his problem was. I just checked the time and went to the bathroom to get ready.

Suddenly, I heard a loud crash. He had smashed a mug on the floor.

I looked at the shards and felt a strange sense of relief.

That mug was the first thing I ever made in a pottery class. I had been so proud of it.

When I gave it to him, he laughed at how ugly it was. He said it was a one-of-a-kind disaster.

I told him back then, "Just like my love for you. One of a kind."

Now that it was broken, it felt like the final seal on our relationship.

I didn't bother cleaning it up. I just walked out the door. Kian sat there, watching my back as if he couldn't believe I was actually leaving.

By the afternoon, I had signed a lease for a small, furnished studio. It was only a five-minute walk from my office.

The old apartment was chosen because it was close to Kian's firm. My commute had been a nightmare every single day.

I had sacrificed everything for his convenience. Never again.

I paid the deposit and decided to move in that very night. I could practically taste the freedom.

When I went back to the apartment to get my suitcase, Kian wasn't there.

I packed my life into one large bag and left without looking back.

Setting up my new studio took a few hours, but I felt more at peace than I had in years.

Then, Kian called.

I knew why. He probably wanted his hangover tea and a hot bath ready.

"Zoey? Did you move out?" His voice sounded shocked.

I wondered why he was home so early. Did Felicia kick him out?

"Yeah. We're done. It's better this way."

"I didn't agree to a breakup! Move back right now. Where are you? I'm coming to get you."

"Don't bother, Kian. I'm serious this time," I said firmly.

"Fine! Go ahead! Just don't come crying to me when you realize how much you messed up!" He screamed and hung up.

Regret? The only thing I regretted was not doing this sooner.

Now, I could eat whatever I wanted and watch whatever I wanted. I didn't have to live my life according to someone else's schedule.

I spent my extra time enrolling in online courses to sharpen my skills. I had fallen behind because I was too busy being a housewife for a man who didn't love me.

The first week was bliss. I thought it was over until Kian's friend called me.

"Kian's wasted. He's making a scene and demanding you come pick him up."

I paused. "I think you have the wrong number."

"You should call Felicia. If you don't have her number, I can text it to you."

The friend was silent for a long time. "Zoey, come on. You guys have been together forever. Don't be so petty."

"If you don't come, you're going to regret..."

I yawned. "Is there anything else? If not, I'm hanging up."

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