Chapter 3

After packing my luggage, I booked a flight abroad for the same day.

Ten years ago, my parents and brother had already settled overseas for business. I was supposed to join them as an exchange student. But because of Gaius, I refused to go, leading to a terrible fallout with my family. They didn't even bother attending my wedding.

Seven years ago, the only one who showed up was my grandmother, who had remained in our hometown. Now, seven years later, she had passed away.

At least she was spared the embarrassment of witnessing the groom walk out for another woman.

Gaius never understood how hard it was to build something from nothing.

He didn't know the money my grandmother handed me back then was actually a luxury apartment downtown, worth millions, gifted by my mother.

I foolishly believed that if he knew I had fought with my wealthy family over him, he would be overcome with guilt. So I chose to play the role of the unwanted girl from the countryside.

Back then, without hesitation, I had secretly sold the downtown apartment. With the proceeds, I paid off the debts his father had left behind, giving him peace of mind to focus on his career. The rest of the money went toward covering his business losses and providing countless chances for trial and error. And finally, he made it.

I had stood by him through it all—from a rented apartment to a home of our own. I had given up my youth willingly.

But now I realize that self-delusion really is an illness.

If I didn't care about myself, who else would?

Numbly, I stood up and prepared to leave for the airport. But as I opened the bedroom door, I saw Gaius sprawled on the sofa, his face worn out with exhaustion. Noticing my suitcase, he pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation.

"What's this? Another one of your running-away-from-home stunts? Why didn't you answer my calls?"

I glanced at my watch and replied calmly, "What do you need?"

He froze, unprepared for my sudden formality.

"Donna, what exactly do you want? Can you just say it outright? I left the wedding for an emergency yesterday, and you went around telling people it was a divorce ceremony? You're suffocating me with this nonsense!

"How many times do I have to explain? Michelle and I are just friends. Back when I was struggling to start the company, she supported and encouraged me. Now that I've succeeded, is it such a crime to look after her a little?

"You're the one tormenting yourself. What do you want me to do about it?"

So, he credited only comfort and encouragement to his success?

It turned out my money was spent for nothing.

I listened quietly, then nodded. "I see."

"You see? Then why did you have to provoke Michelle? She's been depressed and crying ever since. You need to apologize to her at the hospital immediately, or this isn't over!"

His tone was commanding. Clearly, he had grown used to throwing his weight around with me.

My eyes burned, but I stood frozen. Only when he rose and stood before me did I finally look up. Tall and imposing, he no longer shielded me from life's storms.

"Go to the hospital now. Michelle's resting time is in an hour. I'll take a quick shower and stay with her tonight. And bring her a matcha mousse from the dessert shop across the street. It'll cheer her up, and she won't hold this against you."

I lowered my head and murmured, "Okay."

I wanted to say something sharp, but the sadness weighing down my chest silenced me.

After all these years together, he could remember someone else's favorite dessert, but when it came to me, he was clueless.

He had no memory of the cheesecake I often ate. He didn't recall the floral dress I wore countless times—the very first gift he gave me. He barely glanced at the wedding dress I designed, dismissing it with a casual remark that I should learn more from others.

When I loved him, I gave myself endless excuses.

I told myself he was just too busy, too preoccupied with bigger matters.

But now, I couldn't lie to myself anymore.

It wasn't that he couldn't spare the effort—he simply didn't think I was worth it.

Gaius always believed his relationship with Michelle was innocent. He never once tried to appease me. Yet, sensing my uncharacteristic calm, his tone softened.

"It was wrong of me to leave suddenly yesterday. I'll explain everything to our relatives and friends. Since you're so set on having a proper wedding, I won't refuse."

'You won't refuse?

'You think you're doing me a favor by having our wedding?'

In the past, I might have argued with him—might have said, "You owe me this," or "You promised me a grand wedding."

But now, I couldn't be bothered.

I brushed past him and headed for the door.

"Donna, you're just a housewife with too much free time. You're always creating problems for yourself. I'm warning you—get your act together. Don't stir up more trouble!"

When I didn't respond, Gaius dropped his facade and hurled empty threats at my retreating figure.

But I felt nothing. Not anger. Not sadness.

I just wanted to get this final task done and leave it all behind.