Chapter 2

Joel explained, "I got soaked, so…"

"Evan, don't interrogate him like he's some criminal." Queenie stood up, shielding Joel behind her. "I barely managed to calm him down. You have no idea what happened. When I got to him, he was sobbing his eyes out over a movie—"

"What did you say?" Evan stared at her, his chest suddenly feeling as if something were jammed in it. "You ditched my parents and me to rush back here… just because he was crying over a movie?"

Queenie faltered. "Yes, I did. Evan, you don't get it…"

"Damn right I don't." Evan nodded. "I don't get anything. You two are soulmates who are perfectly in sync, and everything between you is pure and innocent, right? So it's perfectly fine that he's wearing my pajamas and holding my girlfriend in his arms!"

He turned to Joel. "But has it ever crossed your mind that what you're doing is no different from being a homewrecker?"

As soon as the words left Evan's mouth, Joel broke down.

"Enough! Just stop! Evan, why are you saying that about me? I've only ever seen Queenie as a friend, someone who really gets me! Am I not even allowed to have one friend I can turn to for help?

"Just because you two are dating, I'm not allowed to talk to her anymore? Fine, then! I'll leave! Queenie, I'll never come to you again. From now on, we're no longer friends!"

He turned to charge into the bedroom to change out of the borrowed clothes, but Queenie grabbed his arm. "Don't go. It's so late, and it's pouring outside. Where are you even gonna go?"

Joel let out a bitter laugh. "Anywhere's better than here. I'm not staying just to be called a homewrecker. Just leave me alone, Queenie. I don't wanna ruin things between you and Evan. As for our promise… just forget about it."

"Calm down, okay? I'll handle this." Queenie's voice was unbearably gentle when she faced him. But the second she looked at Evan, her tone turned ice-cold. "Evan, apologize."

"What for?"

"For calling Joel a homewrecker. Don't you think you owe him an apology?"

Evan stared at her, his gaze frosty. "I'm not wrong. I'm not apologizing. Queenie, we're over."

He turned to go back to the bedroom, but Queenie grabbed his wrist, her eyes devoid of warmth. "We can talk about breaking up later. Right now, I want you to apologize to Joel."

Her grip on his wrist hurt. Evan asked, "And what if I don't?"

"Then get the hell out! Don't stand here and make things worse for Joel. Can you live with yourself if he spirals and hurts himself?"

Outside, the rain beat down, and thunder rumbled overhead. Queenie knew Evan hated thunderstorms more than anything, yet she told him to get out.

They'd been together for five years and had lived together for three. Even now, he remembered the day they moved in as if it were yesterday. She'd keyed in the new lock code on the door and said, "The code's your birthday. This will always be your home. I love you, Evan. I'll love you for the rest of my life."

"What if we fight someday? Will you kick me out?"

"Of course not. We'll be together forever."

Evan's thoughts were shattered by another crack of thunder. He nodded. "Fine. I'll get lost."

He went into the bedroom, quickly packed his things, and dragged the suitcase toward the door. Just as he was about to shut the door behind him, he heard Joel's small, guilty voice drift from the living room. "Queenie, isn't this kinda harsh? Evan's gonna be really hurt."

"It's fine. He'll work through it on his own. Your feelings matter more. Are you still feeling bad?"

"A little. My chest feels tight."

"Then let me hold you a bit longer. Didn't you say my hugs help you calm down?"

Evan turned back and saw Queenie and Joel wrapped in each other's arms again. In that moment, something inside him died for good.

After the door closed, he pulled out his phone and called his boss.

"Mr. Wood, do you remember the overseas assignment you wanted to send me on? I've made up my mind. I'll go."

"Seriously? Aren't you worried your hotshot CEO girlfriend won't let you go?"

"We broke up. I only have one condition—I'm taking my parents with me."

"Alright. Consider it done. Get ready to leave in three days."