Chapter 3

Ethan saw how pale I was and pulled me into his arms. "You haven't even recovered yet. Why would you check yourself out of the hospital?"

I caught the scent of Rachel's perfume on him and gently pushed him away. "The wedding's coming up. I just wanted to get my work wrapped up early, so I checked myself out."

Ethan looked a little uncomfortable. "I know I haven't been there for you much these past few days. Once the wedding's over, we'll go somewhere by the ocean for our honeymoon. I'll make it up to you then."

I smiled but said nothing.

Taking my silence as an opening, Ethan continued, "You saw how bad Rachel's stomach problems were today. I'm thinking of having her move in here for a while. That room gets plenty of sun, so it'd be good for her while she recovers. Can she stay there for now?"

This time, I didn't answer. I simply stood there and looked around the home we'd put so much care into.

From the refrigerator and sofa to the artwork and decorations, we'd chosen everything together.

My gaze finally settled on our wedding portrait and the gifts we'd exchanged, now sitting in the living room beside the workers.

Ethan hurried to explain. "Rachel just got divorced, and she's still in a really fragile place. I'm worried seeing all this will upset her, so I was going to have everything moved to your new apartment for now. Once she's feeling better and has gotten past the divorce, we can bring it all back."

So in his eyes, every memory we'd made together mattered less than Rachel's feelings.

I nodded. "Do whatever you think is best."

Ethan visibly relaxed, and a smile appeared on his face. "I knew you'd understand."

I went into the guest room, packed up the rest of my things, and was about to leave when I saw Ethan heading out while talking on the phone.

With my luggage in hand, I gave the house one last look and turned to the workers. "You may sell everything here that belongs to me, including the photos and gifts. Donate whatever you get for them."

Then I left Ethan's house without looking back and headed to the office to finish my handover and the paperwork for my overseas transfer.

My supervisor couldn't help praising me. "The overseas headquarters has kept this position open for you for three years. They're thrilled you're finally coming."

Every time headquarters had offered me a position, I'd turned it down so I could stay with Ethan.

Only now did I realize that in this relationship, I was the only one who had been left behind all along.

Other than my direct supervisor, no one at the company knew I was transferring overseas.

When I got back to my new apartment, I immediately noticed things inside that didn't belong to me.

Ethan stood there holding the spare key I'd given him, looking completely at ease.

"Rachel said the other house is full of memories of you and me, and she was worried you'd be upset if she stayed there. I remembered you gave me a spare key, so I brought her here instead."

I let out a cold laugh and lowered my head, continuing to pack the clothes I was taking with me.

My fingers tightened slightly around the shirt in my hands.

So when Rachel needed something, Ethan could remember everything just fine.

He frowned at me. "If you don't agree with this, just say so. Don't act so cold toward me."

I looked straight at him. "If I say no, will you actually make her leave?

"This is my home. You had no right to use my spare key to bring her in without asking."

Ethan immediately argued back. "Mia, how can you throw her out? Rachel just went through a divorce, and she's still not well. This is the only place she feels comfortable right now. Do you really have to make her leave?"

Rachel rushed out of the other room.

"Mia, don't leave. I'm the one who should go. Ethan, just take me back."

Ethan refused immediately. "No. You could pass out from the stomach pain at any time. You're not going anywhere.