Chapter 3

I calmly said, "I just don't understand. If a teacher at my school had been there for over six months and was still terrible at their job, they would have been fired."

Jennifer let out a long sigh.

"Okay, okay. I'll make sure he gets up to speed. I'll try not to help him anymore. If you have any student work that you need help with, you can give it to me. I'll take care of it. Is that enough?"

Her tone softened. "Anyway, I'm hungry now. Why don't you make me something to eat? It's been so long since we've had a meal together."

She was trying to coax me into giving in. She must still remember what happened before.

"Let's not. You were right before. Everyone should handle their own responsibilities. Besides, I already ate before I came home. Just order something for yourself."

Her expression immediately hardened. She fell silent, then turned and slammed the door behind her.

…

After that, Jennifer and I were back to giving each other the silent treatment.

Unlike before, when I'd been anxious and unable to concentrate on anything during our fights, I'd spent the past few days happier than I'd been in a long time.

And I certainly wasn't going to swallow my pride and beg her to make up with me the next day.

A week later, at 9:00 pm, Jennifer's best friend, Quincy Sanders, called me. "William, come to the bar near the office. Jennifer's—"

I hung up before she could finish speaking.

Jennifer's employees—who were also her friends—had never liked me. They thought a junior high school teacher like me wasn't good enough for someone as young, successful, and independent as Jennifer.

Whenever she brought me along to company gatherings, they mostly left me off to the side. Even when they talked to me, they would usually make some kind of pointed remark.

I couldn't even stop smiling without Jennifer accusing me of not being able to take a joke.

Looking back, I really was pathetic. But honestly, I had brought it on myself.

Quincy kept calling me, but I declined her calls and blocked her number.

Then, I started calling real estate agents to arrange viewings. After spending the past week looking for a new place, I finally found one.

For one thing, the house we were living in belonged to Jennifer. Moreover, it was close to her office but far from my school.

Having to get up early every morning left me bleary-eyed, and I was running on empty most of the time. Some of the teachers at school had even suggested I see a doctor because I looked so worn out every day.

With a schedule like that, it was no wonder I never felt well.

After I blocked Quincy, Jennifer's friends started calling me one after another. I'd barely finished speaking to the real estate agent when another call came in.

I was about to block that number too, but when I saw the name "Jasmine Yardley" on the screen, I answered.

Of all of them, Jasmine had always been the nicest to me. She never joined in when her friends made snide remarks about me, so I figured I'd return the favor.

She sounded hesitant as she said, "William, Jennifer's really drunk. She keeps calling your name. Can you please come over?"

"Have Felix pick her up. I'm really busy."

After all, packing was no small task.

"But it's Saturday… And honestly, nothing's going on between her and Felix…"

A loud crash suddenly came through the phone, followed by Jennifer's angry voice. "Hang up! Why did you call him? Why did you even explain anything to him?"

I hung up before Jasmine could be put in an awkward position.

After I finished packing, I collapsed onto the couch and idly scrolled through my feed.

As expected, Felix had posted something.

"I really feel for her. She's so drunk, and her boyfriend won't even get her. I guess this poor little employee has to deal with her instead."

The photo showed Jennifer asleep.

I felt completely calm. I put my phone down, then on a whim, I decided to go back and like the post.

Packing had worn me out. By the time I picked up my phone again, I couldn't find the post anymore.

Just then, I heard a key turn in the lock.

Jennifer, who was supposedly drunk out of her mind, stood there with a gloomy look on her face as the door opened.