Out With the Old, In With the New

I could only comfort myself and tell myself Morgan was just unromantic and didn’t understand these things. He didn't like replying to messages when he was at home, too.But a year ago, he'd changed. The moment his phone pinged, he would drop everything to reply immediately. I'd been filled with jealousy at this sight. "Who's that? Why are they texting you so late?"He would frown, impatient at my question. He wouldn't even bother looking up. "She's a junior who wants to get a job at my college. I need to reply to her quickly so she doesn't get anxious."My heart sank at those words. So, he knew the other party wouldn't feel good if their messages weren't replied to. He just didn't care whether I, Willow Grant, would feel bad.I'd always immediately replied to Morgan's messages. This time, however, I hadn't checked my phone at all. I shrugged nonchalantly and said, "I was busy. I didn't look at my phone."It was what he always said to brush me off. Now, it was my turn to use it on

I didn't respond to Morgan's words. After a while, he asked, "Why didn't you call me when I didn't go home?"In the past, he was always cooped up in the lab because he needed something to show to get promoted. I would always call him at 10:00 pm to urge him to return out of concern for his health.He would impatiently tell me off each time and say that I was interrupting him. I'd finally stopped asking now, but he wasn't used to it.I shut my eyes stoically. I was sleepy. "I'm hanging up."Just then, the doctor on the night shift came to check on me. He lowered his voice and asked, "Are you okay sleeping in my territory?"He was half-teasing and half-serious. I looked up at him. His face was familiar, but I couldn't remember where I'd seen him. I forgot to hang up amidst my daze, so Morgan heard him. He snapped, "Where are you, Willow? Where the heck are you?"He was so noisy. I hung up and blocked his number.The doctor checked my temperature. "You have a low fever."He ad

To drive home the point and make Morgan feel worse, I took a leaf out of Iris' book and tucked my arm into Damien's. "Let's just part amicably and lead separate lives from now on."I'd loved Morgan since my school days. Even when he'd swayed between Isabel and me and favored Isabel, I'd never thought about giving up on him. I would always be his girlfriend if he didn't ask for a breakup.I'd thought my love would get to him over time, but there was just so much disappointment a person could handle."Don't act rashly!" Morgan cried. Until now, he still thought I was just throwing a tantrum.He said, "When you were 23 years old, you wanted to further your studies abroad but decided to stay and marry me just because I said I wanted to settle down. At 24 years old, you burned yourself time and time again while learning to cook. Despite that, you still wanted to cook all my meals. "When you were 25—"His gaze softened. He was seemingly reminiscing about the past and everything I'd do

I felt a little embarrassed. Upon learning that I was affiliated with the law firm and taking on cases, Damien had enthusiastically introduced a client to me. It wouldn't be nice to keep a client waiting, right?I pried Morgan's fingers off my sleeve and looked at him calmly. "You have a job, so you should understand I can't be late for my appointment. Also, you're the one who bought the house and car, so I don't want any of it. As for the furniture and electrical appliances, think of them as my donation to you."If you insist on pestering me and making it impossible for me to continue living here, I'll buy a flight ticket and leave this place tomorrow."After that, I turned and left with Damien, not giving Morgan the chance to speak. This time, he didn't come after me. I heard the sound of something falling to the ground and Iris crying out in shock. I faltered but didn't turn around.…From that day on, Morgan didn't show up anymore. Thanks to Damien, I kept busy after accepti