Chapter 2

"The day before yesterday, I heard you talking to Chloe on the phone while you were in the bathroom. You said you'd passed the exam and were celebrating at The Golden Terrace tonight, so I—"

"Who told you to come? Do you have any idea how awkward you made things for me?" Erin snapped.

I'd thought it would be a surprise for her if I showed up.

I'd figured she didn't tell me because she wanted to celebrate with me in private later.

All those things I'd thought were just a joke.

Watching her sway on her feet, barely able to walk straight, I instinctively reached out to steady her. Yet she shoved my hand away hard, her eyes full of irritation.

"Don't touch me! Don't let anyone know we're together! If they find out, we're done!"

I didn't understand. Why? Why had she suddenly turned into a completely different person?

"Erin, what's wrong with you? Did I do something to upset you?"

Maybe it was the alcohol, but there was something almost crazed about her.

"You didn't do anything wrong! I'm the one who messed up! I was an idiot for falling for a loser like you! Back then, I got blinded by your so-called thoughtfulness and those little favors you kept doing for me!

"Look at you! All you do is drag yourself to that crappy job every day! Does it even offer you a future or any status?

"Do you have any idea how little you make in a month? Do you know how many people want to set me up with guys? They're all either rich or have respectable jobs. Every single one of them is better than you!

"If you hadn't been willing to spend money on me, give in to me on everything, and handle all the housework so I could focus on studying, I would've dumped you a long time ago!"

When she finished, she collapsed onto the couch and fell asleep.

I, on the other hand, stayed awake the whole night, my heart aching too much for me to rest at all.

No matter how much it hurt, I still had my pride. After everything she'd said, staying any longer would've meant I had no dignity left.

I packed my bags in the middle of the night, planning to leave with my broken heart.

I was the one who'd misjudged her. That much I could admit.

Unexpectedly, after Erin woke up the following morning, she called out to me as sweetly as ever. "Honey, my head hurts so much. Can you make me some hangover remedy?"

It was like she'd blacked out. She didn't remember a single thing from last night.

I wanted to be honest and talk things through. If she didn't care about me anymore, there was no reason for us to keep going like this.

"Erin, do you still love me?" I asked, testing the waters.

"Honey, what are you talking about? You're the one I care about the most. Of course I love you!"

Then, she leaned over and kissed me on the cheek.

That completely threw me. If the gift I'd bought for her hadn't still been sitting there, I would've thought I'd dreamed the whole thing.

Just then, Erin's phone chimed.

She was washing her face in the bathroom, so I picked up her phone.

Her passcode was her favorite artist's birthday. I'd always known it, but this was the first time I'd actually unlocked her phone.

"Babe, let's have lunch together. We're already together now, and I still haven't introduced you to my childhood friend. Meet me at 11 o'clock at Hilltop Diner. I'll be waiting."

The moment I read that message, it felt like I'd been struck by lightning. I just stood there, frozen.

Only when I heard the tap in the bathroom turn off did I panic and quickly tap "mark as unread". Then, I put the phone back where it had been.

A moment later, I heard Erin's voice coming from the bedroom. "Honey, my mom just called and told me to go home for a bit. I won't be back tonight."

She put on flawless makeup and slipped into an expensive dress and a pair of black stilettos that clicked against the floor as she made her way out the door.

I thought about it for a long time and chose to follow her instead of breaking up with her right away.

After five whole years together, even if this was the end, I needed to know exactly how it ended.

I disguised myself in advance and waited in a booth tucked into the corner at Hilltop Diner.

Of all people, I never thought she'd be cheating with him.