Chapter 2

2.

Ethan looked at me in disbelief.

Just last week, when he suggested moving to Silver Creek Estates, a luxury villa complex closer to the business district, I had firmly refused―this old apartment held all our memories.

But now, I was the one who had called the movers.

He was quiet for a moment, then mumbled to himself, "Good. The new house is all ready anyway. The designer followed your preferences exactly."

He naturally assumed I was moving into the new house he had so carefully prepared for us. It was closer to his office, and even closer to Chloe, who lived nearby.

So I didn't correct him.

It wasn't we who were moving. It was me who was leaving.

As the last piece of furniture was loaded onto the truck, Ethan looked around the empty living room, a flicker of discomfort on his face.

He pulled a delicate photo frame from his briefcase. "New home, new beginning. I bought this for our picture."

I glanced at it. A wooden frame, with French words carved at the bottom: Jardin Secret.

The Secret Garden. The trendy cafe where he had celebrated Chloe's birthday last night.

He must have spent a fortune. The restaurant even gave out custom gifts.

I tossed the frame onto the coffee table. "Thanks."

He froze. "That's it? No other reaction?"

I paused, Chloe's Instagram post flashing in my mind―the way her hand rested protectively over her slightly rounded belly.

My throat tightened. "Just... don't take her to restaurants with raw food anymore," I said softly. "It's not good for the baby."

My doctor had told me pregnant women should avoid Listeria. Raw food was off-limits.

Since Chloe was pregnant, Ethan should be more careful. Not as careless as he had been with me.

I didn't say that last part out loud.

Ethan's face darkened instantly. "God, Emily. Can you stop being so paranoid?"