Chapter 3

"You can't even make breakfast right—what can you even do?!" Michelle scolded.

I rolled over and ignored her.

She let out a couple of angry huffs, spun around, and spat out a "worthless loser" before storming off. She didn't even notice how I was feeling.

But the strange thing was—I didn't feel hurt at all. If anything, I felt almost relieved. Like I'd just gotten used to it.

After she left, I headed to the office. With the branch transfer in the works, I threw myself into a whirlwind of work. It kept my mind off Michelle, at least for a little while.

After work, I remembered I still had a gym membership card lying around. Since I'd be leaving soon, I figured I'd cancel whatever classes I had left.

But the moment I walked into the gym, I spotted two familiar figures in the corner.

Michelle was wearing a fitted sports tank and yoga pants that hugged every curve of her body. Her skin was flushed, glistening with a light sheen of sweat. Right behind her, Rick pressed close against her back, his hands wrapped around her slim waist.

On the surface, it looked like he was coaching her on her form. But anyone with eyes could see something else was going on.

And Michelle didn't seem to mind one bit. Her eyes were curved into happy crescents, her face glowing with affection.

The two of them went through the motions half-heartedly. Every now and then, Rick gave her backside a playful tap, and she'd respond with a coy little smile.

I'd pictured this scene before. I thought I'd be furious, that I'd lose it.

But standing there in that moment, all I felt was peace.

I walked up to the front desk and quietly processed my refund. I planned to slip out without a word.

But Rick's sharp eyes caught me anyway.

"Well, well, Cyrus—didn't peg you for the gym type."

I turned around.

Michelle and Rick had already made their way over to me. Standing side by side, they looked like the perfect couple.

Rick casually wiped the sweat from Michelle's neck as he grinned at me. Michelle, however, furrowed her brows, her gaze dripping with suspicion.

"What are you doing here?!"

I looked at her steadily and answered flatly. "You're the one who got me this membership. You told me to come work out more."

Michelle froze for a second, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face.

Rick saw his opening and naturally draped his arm around Michelle's shoulders, flashing me a smug grin. "Cyrus, don't waste your time here. We're just about done anyway—why don't we head back together?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "together," as if to drive home just how close they were. And Michelle didn't push him away—if anything, she leaned into him, adjusting herself so he could hold her more comfortably.

Watching them stand there like that, so intimately tangled, I felt nothing. I just nodded. "Sure. Let's go."

Rick seemed taken aback by my composure. A flash of malice flickered in his eyes. But just as quickly, his smile was back in place. "Alright then. Let's roll."

We got to the parking lot. Rick casually pulled out a set of car keys and unlocked my car.

I blinked. That was my car. Where'd he get the keys?

Rick shot me a triumphant look. "Sorry, Cyrus—I mentioned I liked driving, and Michelle was kind enough to lend it to me. I'm pretty used to it now, so just sit back and enjoy the ride."

Michelle hopped into the passenger seat like it was second nature. Seeing me still standing there, she snapped impatiently, "Get in already. Your office is right nearby anyway—what do you even need a car for?"

I opened the back door and slid in, feeling nothing but exhaustion.

I didn't have the energy to argue with her anymore.