Chapter 3

Calvin went quiet for a second, then let out a sigh.

"It was just a game. Why couldn't you just go along with it?"

I answered casually.

"The second thing—clear your schedule tomorrow and spend the day with me."

His face instantly darkened.

"I've been way too nice to you, haven't I? You're really pushing it."

He slammed the door on his way out.

Bitterness filled my mouth.

I already knew this was how it'd end.

The next morning, Calvin still showed up. He knocked on my door with a sour look on his face.

"I lost a hundred grand because of you today. Whatever you want, make it quick."

Because of me?

More like because he couldn't wait to marry Molly.

The System told me the date itself didn't matter. I just had to keep Calvin with me for six straight hours.

So I took him to the mall to kill time.

The whole time, his eyes never left his phone.

Every so often, he'd stop outside a clothing store or luxury shop and casually buy a few things.

All for Molly.

Seven years of marriage, and he'd never bought me anything.

The dress I was wearing had been washed so many times it was pilling.

Just to get back at me, he'd gone after my family's business too. My dad called me a traitor, and I got blacklisted across the industry.

No one knew that behind the polished front, I was barely getting by on side gigs online.

By noon, Calvin was already getting impatient, so I quickly took him to a restaurant.

We'd barely ordered when his expression changed at whatever popped up on his phone.

He immediately made a call, worry all over his face. "How are you skipping meals? You can't eat without me? Fine. I'm coming right now."

He grabbed his coat. "Something came up at the company. I have to go."

I knew Molly was behind it.

"Are you coming back?"

My task still wasn't finished.

He paused, then nodded. "Yeah."

But when he came back, Molly was with him.

Calvin fussed over Molly the whole time—feeding her, wiping her mouth, acting like she couldn't do anything herself.

They looked like a happy couple.

I was just the extra person at the table.

Every time I tried to order something, Molly would point at it first.

My appetite disappeared, and I set my fork down.

She looked way too pleased with herself.

"Calvin, food tastes so much better when you feed me..."

Under the table, her foot came down hard on mine.

I sucked in a breath from the pain.

Calvin acted like he didn't notice.

Thankfully, I only needed to get through a movie to hit the six-hour mark. I forced myself to put up with her.

But when we got to the theater, only two tickets were left.

Molly spoke first, her eyes already turning red.

"Calvin, you and Rhea should go. I know she's using the divorce as an excuse to spend time with you. It's okay. I won't be the third wheel. I'll leave."

Calvin instantly panicked and grabbed her.

"What are you talking about? Forget the movie. I'll spend the whole afternoon with you instead, okay?"

I kept my voice calm. "Calvin, just watch one movie with me. After that, I'll let you go. I won't bother you again."

Instead, he shoved me.

The popcorn slipped from my hands and exploded across the floor.

"Rhea, cut the act. I've already told you—I could never like someone as selfish and self-righteous as you. Molly's kind. She's generous. Just because she doesn't blame you doesn't mean I'll keep giving in to you. I already did more than enough by shopping with you today."

Then he took Molly's hand and walked away.

[Warning. Passive task behavior detected. Electric shock penalty. Persuade Calvin to return within one minute.]

The next second, a brutal surge ripped through my body.

I dropped instantly.

My knees slammed into the floor with a sharp crack as my whole body started convulsing.