Chapter 3

3.

Chloe stepped out of Justin's bedroom, a flicker of guilt crossing her face.

"I... I was just checking on him. He's feeling under the weather."

I gave a dull nod and started heading toward my own room.

In my last life, I would have started a shouting match over their constant, blurring boundaries.

In this life, I didn't want to waste the energy.

"Jeremy," she called out.

"Maybe we should go buy some gourmet chocolates or something to hand out to the neighbors? You know, for the announcement?"

I looked at her, surprised. She was likely trying to buy my silence with a peace offering.

"Don't bother. I'm not interested in the theatrics."

She blinked, stunned that I would turn down a chance to show her off.

"Is Jeremy mad because you were taking care of me, Chloe?"

Justin stepped out of the room, looking like a kicked puppy.

He was wearing the designer suit I had bought specifically for the wedding photos.

I had saved up for six months to buy that suit, and I hadn't even dared to try it on yet.

Seeing my eyes on the fabric, Justin began to stammer.

"I... I saw this on your bed and thought it looked cool. I just wanted to see if it fit. I forgot to take it off."

He looked down, fidgeting with the buttons like a caught child.

Chloe immediately opened her mouth. "Jeremy, don't start―"

"It looks better on you anyway," I interrupted, my voice flat. "Keep it. I've never worn it."

I could already smell his sweat and that cheap cologne he used on the fabric.

Thinking about wearing it now made my skin crawl.

Ignoring their stunned expressions, I went into my room and locked the door.