Chapter 2

2.

In the past, no matter how late Janelle stayed out, I'd be waiting on the couch. I'd jump up the second she walked in, ready to serve her or massage her feet.

Now, my basic politeness felt like an insult to her. She couldn't handle the lack of worship.

Honestly, I wasn't even angry anymore. The fire had simply turned to ash.

I was just exhausted from the humiliation of the day.

"I'm just tired, Janelle. Don't overthink it."

She looked away, sounding defensive. "I'm not the one overthinking！"

"Just stop being so suspicious all the time."

"Anyway, I have a business trip tomorrow. I have an early flight, so make sure you wake up early to cook me breakfast."

I had spent years being her personal maid. I cooked, I cleaned, I did her laundry.

I had turned down roles in other cities just to stay here and take care of her. My whole world revolved around Janelle Vance.

I guess that's why she felt so entitled to demand a meal.

I didn't answer. I just dried my hair and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, she literally shook me awake.

"Sebastian！ Look at the time！"

She was rushing around, throwing things into a suitcase. She started complaining that I hadn't set an alarm or made her eggs.

"What is wrong with you？ I told you last night I had a flight to catch..."

"Whatever. Just make me something quick while I finish getting ready."

I didn't say a word. I got up and went into the guest bathroom to wash my face.

When she realized I wasn't in the kitchen, she lost it.

"Sebastian, are you deaf？"

She slammed the bathroom door open, screaming at me.

I looked at her in the mirror, my voice completely calm.

"Doesn't Hudson bring you a romantic breakfast every single morning？ Making another one would just be a waste of food."

I wasn't supposed to know about the breakfasts. I had overheard her coworkers talking when I went to pick her up from work once.

"Janelle has a boyfriend, Hudson. Why do you keep bringing her pastries？" one had asked.

"He's just a boyfriend. It's not like they're married，" Hudson had replied with a smirk.

Back then, I had been so furious I almost punched him.

Now, looking back, the kid was right. Being a boyfriend didn't mean a damn thing.

"So this is all just a petty tantrum？"

Janelle rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin.

"Sebastian, how many times do I have to tell you？ Hudson is just a junior from my college. I'm just helping him out at the office. It's normal to be close to colleagues."

So she admitted they were close.

"And by the way, I haven't even brought up that ridiculous comment you left on his post yet."

"Was it ridiculous？" I asked, meeting her eyes.

"I was just stating the facts."

I should have seen the truth a long time ago. Like on our anniversary, when she ditched our dinner to go help Hudson with a flat tire.

"Facts, my ass！"

Janelle checked her watch, her face darkening. She grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door.

"You stay here and think about your attitude while I'm gone."

She probably thought I'd be moping for two days. She expected me to call her, crying and begging for her to come home.

But she was wrong. This time, I was done.