Chapter 3

Instead of replying, I simply deleted the message. Our relationship was already over, and there was no going back.

This time, I was truly leaving.

The next day, I had a nice farewell get-together with my coworkers. Once everything was wrapped up and the goodbyes were said, it was time for me to leave this place.

But while I was settling the bill at the front, I saw Preston walk in with his arm draped over Ashley's shoulder.

The doorway had a thick curtain over it, and Preston lifted it for her attentively like it was second nature.

Ashley ducked under it with a smile, murmuring, "Thanks."

The people around them immediately started cheering. "Dang, Preston. Look at you being all gentlemanly. You are definitely boyfriend of the year!"

Preston didn't bother explaining himself. He merely exchanged a glance with Ashley. But when he turned his head, his eyes met mine.

As if he suddenly felt guilty, he instinctively took a small step back, creating some distance between him and Ashley.

There was no expression on my face as I glanced at the group. Once I finished paying, I turned and headed back to the private room.

"Danielle!"

Preston caught up to me. He tried to sound casual, but there was this condescending, haughty edge to his voice.

"I'm just grabbing dinner with my friends. Don't overthink things. We haven't talked in a while. Are you still mad? How about I come over to your place tonight and make it up to you? Sound good? Remember to leave the door unlocked for me."

When he didn't get a response, he leaned in closer and spoke in a low voice. "Hey, that's enough. I said I was sorry. You've been ignoring me for days. At least don't make me look bad today."

I looked up at him. His face showed nothing but impatience, irritation, and embarrassment. There wasn't even a shred of remorse toward me.

"I already told you. We're no longer together," I said.

Preston's face contorted, and his voice shot up an octave. All he could think about was that I was embarrassing him in front of his friends, especially in front of Ashley.

"Fine! You've got some nerve. We're no longer together, right? Then I'll go confess to Ashley right now!"

He assumed I'd panic and back down like I always did, begging him not to leave me. But all I did was calmly say, "We're not together anymore. You're free to be with whoever you want."

Without another glance at his pale face or Ashley's barely concealed excitement, I turned and walked back into the private room.

…

Back at my apartment, when my landlady, Jessica Smith, heard I was moving out, she looked genuinely sad to see me leave.

"Dani, are you sure you want to leave?" she asked. "It's so hard to find a tenant as easygoing as you. It'd be a real shame to see you go."

I zipped up my suitcase, my tone calm but firm. "I've already made up my mind, Jessica. Thanks for taking such good care of me all these years."

Seeing my resolve, she didn't try to stop me anymore. She asked, "Then, when are you leaving?"

"In three days."

I'd just seen Jessica out when Preston slipped into my apartment. "What's in three days?"

He had a dark look on his face. Who knew how long he'd been standing out in the hall?

"What were you talking about with your landlady?" His tone revealed nothing but the irritation I was used to. "Danielle, what's your problem this time?"

I offered no response and simply continued packing with my head down.

Without warning, he flew into a rage and kicked my neatly packed suitcase over. "I'm talking to you! What exactly are you playing at?

"This has been going on long enough. Are you seriously not done yet? Ashley didn't even do anything to you. Do you really have to be so hostile toward her?"

I stayed silent. I was just about to tell him to get out when Ashley walked in.

She was taken aback by the mess on the floor. Then a look of realization mixed with helplessness crossed her face.

"Danielle, don't tell me you're breaking up with Preston because of me."