Chapter 3

That evening, I started packing my suitcase.

The money Evelyn had lost to me through our wagers had been trickling steadily into my account.

Seven lovers meant seven massive payouts, plus the extra compensation package for the mansion at Crestwood Park.

The balance in my bank account was more than enough for me to start an entirely new life in a place where Vanessa didn't exist.

I folded a few everyday clothes and packed them neatly into the suitcase.

Not a single item she had bought me made it in there.

Just then, the bedroom door was pushed open.

Vanessa walked into the room, her eyes falling on the open suitcase on the floor.

"Look at you, all packed up and ready to go. And here I thought I was going to surprise you. Don't pack too much. It gets cold over in Iridia. I'll take you shopping for new clothes once we land."

She came up behind me, wrapped her arms around my waist, and rested her chin on my shoulder. She even reached for a sweater nearby and tossed it into my suitcase for me.

"Oh, by the way, Dylan mentioned he really wants to see the Northern Lights. I figured we'd let him tag along on this trip."

Her voice deepened.

"There's plenty of room in my private jet. He won't be in your way at all. Don't be petty about this. It'll just make things awkward for everyone."

My hands paused over the clothes I was folding.

It was our third wedding anniversary, and Vanessa was planning to take another man with us to watch the Northern Lights in Iridia.

That was the same attitude she had when she first brought someone home, and it had happened right here in this very room.

Back then, Vanessa had come home reeking of perfume.

With bloodshot eyes, I hurled her clothes onto the floor and demanded that she explain herself at the top of my lungs.

However, she had simply tugged at her collar in frustration.

"It's just harmless fun. What's the big deal if I mess around a little? I'm still standing right here with you, aren't I? No one else is ever going to take your place as my husband. Can you stop throwing a tantrum and ruining things for everybody?"

That night, I cried all night long and shredded every single photo we had taken together at Crestwood Park.

After that, there was a second incident, then a third.

Until six months ago, when Evelyn approached me.

For the sake of those growing payouts, I forced myself to keep playing the role of her emotionless, forgiving husband.

But now, she wanted to take this absurd farce tens of thousands of feet into the air.

Vanessa's arms tightened slightly around me.

"How long are you going to keep sulking? I've already pushed back two major meetings just to take you to Iridia for our anniversary. I'm giving you plenty of respect here. If you keep being so petty, you're just being ungrateful."

When I spoke, there wasn't a hint of resentment in my voice.

"I never said I wouldn't go. I was just thinking about how cold it gets over there."

Vanessa loosened her arms slightly. She walked around to face me and frowned as she studied my face.

"Still throwing a fit, are we?"

Just then, Dylan's voice drifted in from the hallway, calling Vanessa's name in a sweet, cloying tone.

She straightened her clothes and prepared to check on him.

As she reached the doorway, she turned back around, strode over to me, and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Be good. Get your passport and documents ready. Dylan and I are staying at a hotel tonight. The flight is scheduled for 3:00 pm tomorrow. I'll meet you at the airport. Don't be late."

Her tone softened just a fraction as her fingers slid through my hair.

With that, she turned on her heel and headed toward the room next door.

I quietly watched her disappear through the doorway.

"I hope the two of you have a wonderful time," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Then, I pulled out my phone and sent Evelyn one final message.

"Mom, this is the last time. Our bet ends here. I've received all the money, so thank you. I'm leaving tomorrow."

My phone buzzed twice in response.

"Alright. I've got a private jet all set up for you. You can board immediately. Mason, take good care of yourself from now on."

I set the phone down and stared out the window at the darkening sky.

At 3:00 pm the next day, Vanessa would be waiting for me on the tarmac.

But I would make sure that long before that, I would vanish from this house entirely.

"Goodbye forever."