Chapter 2

Serena's POV

"Serena!"

Xavier bolted out of the restaurant after me, anxiously grabbing me by the wrist and forcing me to stop in my tracks. "Why didn't you tell me you were leaving? This is a big city; it's unfamiliar territory for you, and you don't know anyone here. What if you'd gotten lost?"

So he was aware that this was a big, unfamiliar city and that I had no friends or family here. Why, then, did he brush me off with the excuse of work when I happily showed up here to surprise him for his birthday?

I ended up standing outside the train station that day, gobsmacked and helpless.

I'd taken three days off and taken an eight-hour train ride to surprise him, but I never even got a glimpse of him. I'd arrived in the city alone and left the same way.

Looking back, Xavier probably had someone else with him then.

As I snapped out of my daze, I freed myself from his grip and put some distance between us. "I don't want to get in your way. You're busy, after all."

"What are you playing at now?"

Xavier read my rejection as a sudden, unreasonable tantrum. "Fine, it was my mistake for not being clear about my boundaries with Tiffany. I apologize for that. But let's not fight anymore, okay?

"I'll give you a proper tour of the city and buy you anything you want. Lash out or blow off steam any way you like. I'll be there with you."

With that, he snaked his arms around me, hugging me from behind. He rested his chin atop my shoulder, nuzzling the crook in my neck. "Stop kicking up a fuss. You're the only woman for me, alright?"

I was silent for a heartbeat, then swallowed the bitter lump in my throat in the end. I muttered quietly, "Alright."

Xavier's face finally lit up with a smile. He took my hand and led me down the streets.

He seemed pleased.

No matter the gravity of the situation, I'd always cave under his small, placating gestures.

I'd chosen to forgive him without fail, even when he was too busy with work and deliberately ignored my calls after I was harassed at my workplace. I'd even forgiven him when he blew off our date for our anniversary after I'd washed my hair and done my makeup.

I loved him, so I willingly swallowed my resentment.

But now, I felt nothing but exhaustion. I couldn't be bothered to argue with him.

When we passed by a bridal shop, I instinctively stopped at the window. I fantasized about what my wedding with Xavier would be like.

"You're too chubby to fit in that dress." The sudden half-jest stabbed through my eardrums and shattered my thoughts. "Also, you're too short for long skirts like those."

I froze, recalling all the times Xavier and I met up and how he would greet me with, "You've gained weight and grown shorter."

"You're right. I'm not skinny like Tiffany, or as tall." My fantasies of a future with Xavier ground to a halt. I felt like he was deliberately getting on my nerves. "If you like her so much, go look for her. Why stay here and pick me apart?"

Xavier's smile faded. He looked at me like I was being obtuse. "Did I drag her into this conversation? Even if you don't want me to show you around, you don't have to start a fight.

"Work's tiring enough as it is. Now I have to let you torture me with your childish tantrums on my day off too?"

Torture? So, my being upset and uneasy was nothing more than torture for him.

"Yeah, that's it, I'm starting a fight. Let's wrap up this tour, then." With that, I stormed ahead and didn't look back.

Xavier was about to trail me when his phone rang. He stared at my retreating figure, looking torn.

After a moment's hesitation, he chose to answer the phone call.

"Don't be scared! I'm on my way!"

I knew Tiffany was on the other line just from his gentle tone. He didn't so much as blink before lashing out at me and using cruel words on me, but he couldn't even bother with formality when it came to Tiffany.

Were they superior and subordinate, or something more?

I didn't want to ask, nor did I have the energy to.

I found a hotel on a whim and checked in.

I'd just arrived at my room with my luggage when Xavier's text came through. "Get a room at a hotel and send me the address. I'll drop by later and bring you some disposable items."

For a moment, I felt like I'd been transported back to when Xavier and I first started dating. He remembered that I was fussy and didn't like using hotel amenities, so he would prepare essentials for me in advance.

But when my gaze fell on his cartoon avatar, a wave of disgust filled me.

The next second, I scrolled past Xavier's message, found my conversation with my superior, and typed, "I'll accept the outstation transfer, even if the post is abroad."