Chapter 3 I’m Planning A Comeback

Timothy froze mid-motion. After only a split second of hesitation, he said apologetically to Mia, “I’ll be right back.”

With that, he let go of her and hurried out the door without a single glance back.

Watching his retreating figure, Mia’s body went limp and slid slowly down the wall until she crumpled onto the cold floor. She felt no pain from the impact. Her heart had already frozen solid.

Soon, Maya’s whimpering voice soon drifted from the next room. She had had a nightmare, and Timothy was soothing her with tenderness.

Mia could faintly make out their murmured words, then even those faint sounds faded away.

The night was deathly quiet.

Mia did not turn on the light. The room was swallowed in darkness.

She just curled up numbly on the floor, repeating the same words over and over in her mind—it would be over soon.

She only had to endure seven more days. Then everything between her and Timothy would be over.

That night, Timothy did not return.

Mia had expected it, so when she opened her eyes at dawn on the freezing floor, she felt no heartache.

She checked the alarm clock: not yet seven. Still early. She climbed back into bed to rest a little longer.

But this bed was freezing, the mattress rock-hard—nothing like the comfortable king bed she was used to in the master bedroom. After a few minutes, the stiffness ached all over her bones. She gave up and got out of bed to continue packing.

She had moved in a hurry the day before, tossing things haphazardly into her suitcase. Now she intended to sort everything properly, making sure she left nothing behind—so she would never have to step foot in this house again.

She was in the middle of organizing when Timothy pushed the door open and walked in.

Since only Mia, Timothy, and the maid lived there before, they never bothered locking the doors.

Timothy used to knock before entering her room, which had felt too formal and distant. To bring them closer, she’d insisted he come in anytime without knocking.

Now that casual access had become a problem. Mia saw his gaze land on the stack of documents she was sorting.

Timothy’s brow tightened with faint displeasure. “Why are you packing? Going somewhere?”

Mia quickly stuffed the papers under her clothes. “Just organizing my things. I’m checking if I left anything in the master bedroom—better take it now so I don’t have to bother Maya later.”

Timothy’s tone softened. “She won’t be staying long.”

Mia smiled, but didn’t believe him for a second.

It was always like this. Whenever Maya made a request, Timothy agreed without question.

Mia was tired of it. This time, she would not let his betrayal break her again.

She stood up to take the aromatherapy diffuser from the nightstand. The bed here was too hard to sleep on anyway, so the diffuser was useless here. It was a gift from her best friend Gina Palmer, and she treasured it.

Just as Mia turned around, Timothy wrapped his arms around her from behind.

He rested his chin against her neck, his warm breath brushing her skin. His voice was thick with guilt. “I’m sorry I didn’t keep my word last night.”

He explained, “Maya had a nightmare. She can’t sleep alone, and the doctor said it’s dangerous to leave her by herself. So I...”

“I understand,” Mia cut him off.

It was the first time he’d ever explained himself so thoroughly, yet she didn’t care at all. The scent of Maya’s perfume on him was suffocating.

Her stomach twisted violently. Acid surged from her stomach into her throat. She swallowed hard, trying to hold it back, but failed.

She shoved Timothy away and ran to the bathroom, retching uncontrollably.

Mia bent over the toilet, heaving, feeling like her stomach might fall out along with the bile.

What was wrong with her?

She’d felt nauseous before, but never this badly. Was Maya's perfume really that overpowering? Or was Timothy's betrayal causing her such pain that her body was literally rejecting him?

She retched again and again, her mind spinning with confusion and tension.

Timothy stood behind her, rubbing her back worriedly, but the closer he got, the worse she felt. The strong perfume made her want to scream.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call the doctor.”

“No, don’t,” Mia gasped, shaking her hand. “Don’t bother. I just… ate something bad last night.”

She grabbed a towel to wipe her mouth and forcibly pushed him out of the bathroom.

Timothy stood in the hallway as Mia slammed the door shut.

He shook his head. Mia had always been strong, so he dismissed it as nothing serious.

Once he was gone, Mia retched a few more times. Only after opening the window to air out the room did she finally feel better.

Just then, Gina called and invited her shopping. Mia had been dreading spending the day under the same roof with Maya and her provocations, thinking of excuses to escape. The invitation was perfect, and she agreed immediately.

She took a quick shower, sat at the tiny vanity, and did her makeup. She curled her soft golden hair into loose, sexy waves and slipped into a figure-hugging red dress that highlighted every curve—her full chest, slender waist, and rounded hips. Then she grabbed an elegant leather clutch and left.

She didn’t notice Timothy’s gaze following her.

Mia met Gina at the Golden Age Mall downtown. Gina was also stunning today—her soft flaxen hair complemented her tanned skin perfectly, and her tight jeans and backless halter top looked effortlessly sexy.

Gina practically pounced on Mia the moment she saw her. She hugged her friend so tightly that Mia could barely breathe.

Mia laughed and pulled away, suggesting they get coffee first.

“I haven’t eaten anything today. I’m starving,” she whined playfully.

Gina was always kind and generous. She led Mia to an upscale café and ordered two chocolate muffins and two cappuccinos. “Their scones are incredible—my treat,” she said.

Mia didn’t argue. Her stomach was growling.

After finishing one muffin, she felt a little stronger. She wanted to tell Gina everything that had happened, but the whole situation felt so complicated. It would be simpler to just share her final decision.

“I’m planning a comeback,” Mia said, taking a sip of coffee, confidence bright in her blue eyes. “Back to the interior design industry. Time to carve out my own path with my own hands.”

Gina froze mid-sip, then lit up with pure, shocked delight. “Really? Mia—oh my dear—do you have any idea how huge this is? The top interior designer who chose to step away is finally going to shine again!”