Chapter 2 The Apartment Without Me

The moment I stepped out of the restaurant, a black Maybach was already waiting by the curb. The moment he saw me, Richard, the chauffeur, got out and opened the rear door respectfully. "You've been through a lot, Mr. Sanburne."

I settled into the car, where a faint cedar scent lingered, and shook my head. "Take me to Block 28, Willow Creek, in the old district."

That was the residential complex where Irina rented her apartment. It was an old, run-down building with no elevator and such poor soundproofing that one could hear the neighbors flushing their toilets next door. Yet to pursue her, I cut ties with my family and spent three whole years living in this miserable place.

When we arrived downstairs, I told Richard to wait in the car and hurried upstairs myself.

The moment I pushed open the peeling security door, the foul stench of the garbage Irina had left behind before going out still hung in the air. Her dirty clothes were piled across the sofa, while last night's takeout containers were scattered across the coffee table.

In the past, I had followed her around like a housekeeper, cleaning up after her. Now, looking at the mess that filled the entire apartment, I felt nothing but disgust.

I went straight into the bedroom, took my identification and other important documents, then packed up everything else that belonged to me and threw it all into the trash downstairs.

…

Two hours later, Irina returned, stumbling drunkenly into the apartment with James in her arms.

"James, I'm sorry you have to put up with this. We'll make do for tonight." As she comforted him, Irina pulled out her spare key and unlocked the door. "Once that useless Colin comes back tomorrow, I'll make him clear out the master bedroom for you. He can sleep on the couch."

James leaned coquettishly against her. "Irina, wouldn't that be a little unfair? Colin will get angry."

"Let him try. He eats my food and lives under my roof. What right does he have to get angry?" Irina scoffed as she pushed the door open.

However, the apartment was completely dark. The warm yellow light she was always used to finding left on for her was nowhere to be seen.

"Colin? Where the hell are you? Hurry up and come out and get James some water!" Irina shouted out of habit.

No one answered.

Irina frowned and reached for the living room light.

The moment the lights came on, she froze. Every single one of my things was gone.

"What… What happened here?" James covered his nose, staring at the takeout containers on the coffee table with disgust.

Irina rushed into the bedroom and yanked open the wardrobe. The half that had once been filled with my clothes was completely empty. Only a few abandoned plastic hangers remained, swaying forlornly from the rail.

"He left?" Irina stared blankly for a few seconds before letting out a mocking laugh. "He actually left? If he thinks I'll fall for his runaway act… Well, I'll give him three days before he comes crawling back with his tail between his legs!"

James gently tried to soothe her. "Irina, don't be angry. Colin might just be upset and not thinking straight… But why is the apartment such a mess? How are we supposed to stay here tonight?"

For the first time, Irina felt an inexplicable wave of irritation as she looked around at the chaos.

Before, no matter what time she came home, the apartment was always spotless and tidy. Hot water was always ready, and her pajamas were always neatly folded. Now, all that remained was garbage scattered everywhere.

"It's fine. I'll hire a cleaner tomorrow."

Irritably, Irina ran a hand through her hair and pulled out her phone, intending to message me and tear into me. But the moment she sent, "What the hell is wrong with you?" a gray tick appeared on her screen.

Irina stared at her phone in disbelief. Colin—the man who had never blocked her, no matter how badly she lost her temper—had actually blocked her this time.

"Fine. Fine!" Irina gritted her teeth, a dark look filling her eyes. "You brought this on yourself, Sanburne. When you're out there starving to death, don't come crawling back to me and begging for a bite of food!"