Chapter 3

The lone light in the alley flickered weakly in the darkness.

The snow slowly climbed past my knees until every step became a struggle.

This was supposed to be the most romantic time of year, filled with family and celebration.

Yet all I felt was a cold that sank into my bones.

The wind cut across my face like tiny blades.

By the time I reached home, I could barely feel my arms or legs.

But there was no heat inside.

The month before, Gracie had come over.

She had wrinkled her nose and complained to Felix.

"Every time the heat comes on, this place smells weird."

Just like that, Felix had the heating system removed from the house where I spent most of the year alone.

The house was supposed to make up for all the time he couldn't spend with me. But it was in his name, which meant every decision was his to make.

I slid down the wall and sat there all night, unable to sleep.

The only light came from Felix's laptop. He had left it open.

So was his entire chat with Gracie.

Gracie demanded, "I want strawberry cake. Get me some. I'm waiting for you at home."

Her final message was a photo of herself covered in hickeys.

I closed my eyes and closed the page.

Gracie had always been emotionally unstable. Whenever anyone got too close, she would scream, shake, and throw things.

Felix was the only person she allowed near her.

Once, I had rushed forward to stop her from hurting herself, but she grabbed a fruit knife and slashed my arm open.

I screamed and grabbed my bleeding arm.

Blood splattered across the tile.

Felix thought I was in his way and shoved me aside.

I fell, and the knife sliced across my face.

Blood and tears ran down my face and neck.

He barely reacted. Instead, he pulled Gracie against his chest and glared at me furiously.

“You know she’s unstable! Why would you provoke her? When did you become so cruel?”

That was the first time I truly understood that his heart already belonged to someone else.

Daylight crept through the curtains, chasing the darkness from the room.

Finally, the front door opened. Felix came in, glanced toward the dining table, and frowned.

Then he spotted me and walked over.

"You didn't make lemon tea for me? What, are you throwing another tantrum?"

The accusation was familiar, though there was still a faint trace of concern in his voice.

I grabbed his hand. "Is Gracie asleep?"

Something flickered across his face. He jerked his hand free, and the strawberry cake he was holding fell to the floor.

"Eunice, you know I think of Gracie as a sister. Stop suspecting us every time we're together."

I said nothing. My eyes fell on the smashed cake lying at our feet.

The messages flashed through my head.

Strawberry cake. Gracie's favorite.

And the one flavor I hated most.

Every time he brought one home, I forced myself to smile and eat it anyway.

"Felix, I hate strawberries."

His irritation flared.

"What more do you want from me? Enough with the tantrums. I’m really busy."

Whatever fight I had left disappeared. I didn't want to argue anymore.

"Tomorrow, have someone pack up my things and get rid of them."

Felix let out a cold laugh.

"You're always like this. No wonder everyone likes Gracie better. They're all tired of dealing with you.

"You're coming to dinner tomorrow. Gracie will be upset if you don't. Don't make me have someone drag you there."

I stared at him. "What am I to you, Felix? Did you ever love me?"

Tears blurred my vision.

Then a familiar ringtone cut me off.

Felix hated being disturbed during his free time.

Whenever I had an emergency, I had to call four or five times before he would even answer, and then he'd complain about it.

But now, his private phone had barely started ringing before he answered.

Within seconds, he was speaking softly to whoever was on the other end.

Then he turned to me. "Gracie's power went out, and she's scared of the dark. I'm staying with her tonight. Don't wait up."

My chest tightened. The words came out before I could stop them.

"Felix, I'm afraid of the dark too."

I remember how he used to stay up with me all night when I was scared, singing to me and telling me stories until I fell asleep.

I went still.

"Her or me. Choose."

"I'm sorry. Gracie needs me more."

Felix walked out.

The door slammed shut behind him.

Only then did I let myself cry.

In the darkness, my phone suddenly lit up.

I stared at the job offer from London. This time, I made my decision.