Chapter 2

It was only at that moment that I realized Angela wasn't being kind-hearted at all. She had simply fallen in love with someone else.

"I understand," I said.

Out of her line of sight, I held my phone and sent a message to the CEO of an overseas company. "I accept the job."

The reply came instantly. "Perfect. I've already arranged your accommodation. Just let me know when you're coming, and I'll pick you up at the airport."

"Tomorrow," I replied.

To stay by Angela's side, I had given up my own future. Now I was tired and no longer wanted to do it. From this moment on, I would live the rest of my life for myself.

Seeing me silent with my phone in hand, Angela frowned and scoffed. "Sam's having an attack, and you're still in the mood to chat?"

"The VIP ward has already been reserved," I said.

Without turning back, I went ahead and bought the plane ticket. I casually tossed the ring onto the seat, where it lay alone like a pathetic clown.

The car fell into sudden silence. Angela was momentarily speechless, thinking she had misunderstood me, and awkwardly said she would reimburse the cost.

"Let's wait until Sam feels better before going public, so we don't upset him."

My phone vibrated. When I checked it, Angela had transferred 100 thousand dollars to me.

"Okay," I said.

I couldn't even be bothered to accept the money, especially since there was never going to be a next time between us.

…

I returned home alone. The enormous house was engulfed in complete silence, but I had long since grown used to it.

I quietly packed my belongings and called Dad. I told him to get ready as well, since we were leaving the next day.

The jewelry box was filled with dazzling pieces, yet the only thing that belonged to me was a worn-out watch.

Ten years ago, when Angela and I were still dating, she had bought me that watch with the only hundred dollars she had. I had been deeply moved and decisively turned down job offers from major companies, choosing instead to build a business from scratch with her and work as her assistant by choice.

Since then, I had never received another gift from her. Every important occasion, I was the one buying presents for her, including this wedding anniversary. The luxury cosmetics I bought for her were tossed into a corner, the bag never opened.

An elegant gift box sat on the table, containing a tailored suit and a bank card. I had thought it was Angela's belated gift for our ninth anniversary, but the moment I opened the greeting card, I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

It read, "Congratulations on Samuel Hayden's 100th day with the company."

Angela's handwriting had always been messy. When she suddenly said she wanted to practice calligraphy some time ago, I had foolishly thought my years of persuasion had worked. When I opened the drawer, the thick stack of practice sheets filled with repeated words seemed to mock my stupidity.

I threw the watch I had cherished for ten years into the trash, along with the unopened cosmetics.

By the time I finished, it was already 12:00 am. Knowing that she wouldn't be coming back this time either, I washed up and went to rest in the guest room.

I didn't expect to be woken up in the middle of the night.

"Ronald, I'm back!" Angela shouted loudly.

No matter how late it used to be, I would wait for her to come home. Then I would bring warm water for her feet and prepare a late-night meal for her. Now I shot out of bed and locked the door before she could get there.

It was strange. Whenever she went to care for Samuel, she usually stayed out all night. So why was she back already at 3:00 am today?

"Ronald, if you're awake, why are you ignoring me?" Angela asked.

Every time Samuel got sick before, Angela would stay up all night taking care of him and wouldn't come home. At first, I thought something had happened to her. I couldn't reach her by phone, so I called the police.

But it turned out Angela was perfectly fine, staying at Samuel's house and taking care of him. I had been drenched in sweat from anxiety, yet she chastised me for wasting the police's time.

She had once complained that I was annoying, and now she complained that I ignored her. She was unbelievable. Speechless, I turned over and went back to sleep.

Outside the room, Angela kept knocking. Her tone eventually carried a hint of grievance. "I'm tired and hungry. Stop sulking and hurry up to make me something to eat."