Chapter 5

Justine's expression turned cold. Noah really had a way of ruining the moment.

As Noah's footsteps echoed down the hallway, he reached the door to the walk-in closet. The moment he saw how empty it was inside, his sharp words were caught in his throat.

Then, he scoffed, his voice dripping with mockery. "Wow, this again? So now, you're pulling a new stunt? You got discharged without telling me. Was that on purpose? Trying to guilt-trip me?

"And now what? You're clearing out the house like you're staging some dramatic runaway? What are you, five? I gave you a chance. Can you stop acting like a child for once?"

Justine hadn't said or done anything, yet somehow, she was already being scolded. She stared at Noah, her voice calm and even. "Are you done?"

Those three words shut Noah up completely. He looked at her in disbelief, suddenly realizing she wasn't the same woman anymore.

She wasn't asking about Hazel after he carried her out of the hospital. In fact, she hadn't said a word. That was unlike her.

Justine used to ask about every woman who got near him. She had even fought with him over Hazel more than once.

Noah wondered why she had suddenly become so calm. This had to be another manipulative act.

His expression twisted with disgust as he snapped, "You've changed, Justine! You used to be annoying, sure, but at least you had some charm. Now, there's nothing left."

Justine held his gaze, her tone even as she asked, "By charm, do you mean the way I used to tolerate all your cheating?"

"So, you're still mad? It's been over a week. Are you seriously holding a grudge for this long?" Noah's voice lifted like he had caught her red-handed. He sounded almost triumphant.

But Justine didn't respond. She just turned away and continued organizing her design sketches.

Noah thought he had hit a nerve and smirked, thinking he still had control. He scoffed. "Fine. Stay mad. I'm not coming back here for the next few days."

And he meant it. He didn't return home for an entire week.

Justine enjoyed the peace. She took her time, clearing out every last thing that belonged to her.

A few days later, the once-full home was reduced to a single couch and a hanging chair. Ironically, both were identical to the ones Hazel had posted online in the past.

Justine hadn't bothered buying a new phone after her old one broke. She figured she could make it through the next few days without one and then start over completely.

She boxed up some small items and took them to a charity sale. To avoid anyone she knew, she deliberately chose parks far away from her neighborhood.

Business was doing well—until she spotted three very familiar silhouettes heading her way.

Hazel's voice dripped with feigned surprise. "Justine? What are you doing out here? Selling... stuff?"

Noah had been frowning, already assuming Justine was pulling some new stunt. But when his eyes landed on the items displayed at her stall, his expression shifted instantly. His pupils constricted as he snapped, "Justine, these are our things! You're seriously selling them?"

Gavin recognized a few items too. He rushed forward and reached out. "That's my model car!"

Before he could grab it, Justine calmly pressed down on his hand and said with a sweet smile, "Let me correct you. That's not your model car. It's the one I bought. This kaleidoscope? A souvenir I paid for. This diamond-studded frame? Also mine."

She listed off the things effortlessly, then looked at Noah. Her tone turned soft, almost sounding amused. "All of these were things you both used to mock, calling my taste tacky. So, why can't I sell them at a charity sale?"

Noah stared at her like she was a stranger. Then, his eyes caught sight of a large empty frame on the side. His breath hitched. "This was for our wedding photo. Where is it?"

Justine followed his gaze, then blinked as if she was genuinely surprised. "Was it? I'm pretty sure it's always been empty."

"Justine, don't push it!" Noah snapped.

Hazel noticed Noah's attention was completely on Justine, and it irritated her. She coyly looped her arm through his on purpose and said sweetly, "Justine, don't get the wrong idea. Noah's just trying to keep the marriage from falling apart."

Justine almost admired her shamelessness. She didn't know how someone could play the mistress and still sound so righteous.

"A man who truly doesn’t want his marriage to fall apart wouldn't let another woman hold his arm right in front of his wife."

Her words landed hard. As if he had been stung, Noah instantly pulled his arm away from Hazel.

But Justine had already started packing up her things. She gave the two of them a cold, disdainful glance. "Thanks to you both, you've ruined all my business for today. Enjoy your little romantic stroll. I'll go find somewhere else to sell these."