Chapter 3

3

I didn't want to fight with him. I tried to pull my arm away so I could leave.

But as soon as I pulled back, he let out a dramatic scream.

He threw himself backward toward the stairs.

I instinctively reached out to catch him, but he grabbed my hand and pulled hard.

We both lost our balance and tumbled down the stairs together.

Sharp pain shot through me. I felt something warm trickling down my forehead.

Before I could clear my head, a voice screamed in fury.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

I looked up with difficulty. Chloe was rushing toward us, her face distorted with rage.

Zane immediately put on a mask of pure agony.

"Chloe, don't blame Jace. He's just upset. It's normal that he'd take it out on me."

"I was just trying to help him up, but then..." He groaned in fake pain.

Chloe's eyes turned cold as she looked at me.

"Jace, apologize to Zane right now!"

I let out a bitter laugh at her blind accusations.

"Apologize? Why don't you check the security cameras and see who actually owes who an apology!"

My tone was defiant, which only made her angrier.

"You can't do anything right! You're completely useless!"

"Zane is a sweet, innocent guy. Why would he hurt himself just to frame a loser like you?"

My voice returned to a flat, calm state. "Check the cameras."

Zane's eyes flickered with panic. He quickly clutched his arm and claimed he was dizzy.

Chloe's anger instantly turned into frantic worry. She helped him out the door to see a doctor.

I watched them leave, feeling a deep bitterness in my chest.

Five years of living together, and I didn't even have a shred of her trust.

Just then, my phone rang. It was my senior from the university lab.

"Jace, the Professor wanted me to confirm if you're joining the research project. The team is set. We're just waiting for you."

My mind was suddenly very clear.

Back when I graduated, my mentor had invited me to join a major bio-tech development project.

He always thought I was wasting my talent. He had kept a spot open for me all this time.

"I'll be there on time," I said.

For the next two days, Chloe didn't come home.

On social media, she posted photos of her and Zane on a trip.

Zane was being "thoughtful" too. He kept sending me private messages with their itinerary.

He sent photos of the hotel beds, the views from their balcony, and how much fun they were having.

Looking at those provocative photos, I felt absolutely nothing.

I mailed most of my belongings to the lab. I only kept one backpack.

On my last night, Chloe came home late. She smelled like she'd been drinking heavily.

"Make me some detox tea," she demanded, swaying as she walked.

Since it was my final night, I didn't refuse her.

After she drank the tea, she looked at me with a confused expression.

Her eyes landed on the bandage on my forehead. "Is that still not healed?"

"No," I replied shortly.

She shook her head with a look of disgust. "You're getting old. Your body can't even heal itself anymore."

"Look at Zane. His arm was almost dislocated, and he's already back to normal."

I didn't say a word.

She seemed to lose interest. She showered and headed to the bedroom.

Before closing the door, she poked her head out.

"Make sure you pick up the wedding photos and the rings tomorrow. And remember to move out in the morning."

The door slammed shut. The house became silent again.

Only the ticking of the wall clock remained.

I sat in the living room from midnight until the sun began to rise.

My phone buzzed with a notification.

My flight was in three hours.

I went into the small bedroom and took out the agreement from five years ago.

I also placed the divorce papers I had signed on the table.

I left them in the most obvious spot. Then, I put on my backpack and called a cab for the airport.

Goodbye, Chloe.