Chapter 2

The photo showed twenty-four flawless sapphires, gleaming inside a custom velvet jewelry box.

Simone's slender fingers rested on the lid. On her ring finger was a designer diamond ring.

[Compared to red, blue is way classier. And since someone gave me his one-and-only, lifetime custom slot… I guess I can forgive you.]

Scott liked the post.

[Thank you for your mercy, Simone.]

Beneath it, their mutual friends had lined up in the likes section.

In the past, I probably would have cried, made a scene, and demanded an explanation from Scott.

But this time, I just tapped "like," then deleted Simone's contact.

I deleted all those so-called mutual friends, too.

The account using my half of the couple picture suddenly sent a message.

[Fiona, when I switched to the matching profile pic with you… it wasn't just to help you vent. I actually…

[You know what I mean, right?]

I sighed.

[Thank you, Tommy. I understand, and I really appreciate you having my back.

[I'm just not looking for a relationship right now. I've decided to take the overseas assignment. For the next few years, I want to focus on my career and nothing else.]

There was a long pause on the other end.

Finally, a reply came.

[I support your decision. But if you ever need anything, I'm here.]

I sent a "thank you" sticker, feeling a quiet warmth spreading in my chest.

We'd still be working together overseas. I could find a way to repay his kindness properly then.

That same night, I packed my bags.

I didn't have much.

The apartment was Scott's. The renovations were paid for by Scott. Even the appliances were bought by Scott.

Aside from some personal items, there was nothing of mine to take.

Maybe that was why, after a hundred betrayals over five years, all I felt was a hollow kind of calm.

I left the little home we'd shared for five years and checked into a temporary hotel arranged by the company, waiting for my overseas transfer the following week.

Just as I grabbed my swimsuit and towel, headed for the hotel pool, someone grabbed me from behind.

"Hey! Look who decided to show up!"

"Scott just finished smoothing things over with Simone and threw a party to celebrate. We even texted you—why'd you delete us?"

"Fiona, if you're fighting with Scott, don't take it out on us!"

"Good thing you were just sulking. See? You came after all. Come on, everyone's inside waiting!"

I slapped away the hands reaching for me.

"Sorry. I've broken up with Scott."

The elevator doors opened. I'd just stepped one foot in when a hand slammed against the doorframe.

"Come on, Fiona. Simone's waiting for you inside. Don't make this harder than it has to be—"

I slapped him across his face.

"She's waiting, so I have to go? Who the hell do you think you are?!"

"You—!"

"Get lost!" I cut him off. "Don't make this ugly."

"Why so tense?"

A familiar voice drifted over.

I turned. Scott was walking toward us, smiling, one arm draped around Simone's shoulders.

Simone wore a custom evening gown studded with scattered diamonds.

The most eye-catching things were the twenty-four sapphires sewn into it.

"I'm not upset anymore," she said sweetly. "Why is Fiona still making a fuss? Here, let me take you inside myself."

Simone grabbed my hand and squeezed hard.

The sharp edge of the gemstone on her ring dug into my palm. I winced and yanked my hand back.

"Don't touch me!"

The sudden movement stunned everyone.

Even Scott's expression flickered. Then he smiled again and stepped forward to pull me to his side.

"Babe, don't be mad. I'll take you in myself. Simone's in a good mood today—give me some face, okay? Be good."

"Get off me!"

I shoved him hard, sending him stumbling back two steps.