Chapter 4 The Final Straw

Just as I boarded the train home, hoping to start a new life, the security officer at the station stopped me.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Reed. You're currently the main suspect in a burglary case. You're not allowed to leave the city for the time being."

I stared at her in bewilderment. "You must've made a mistake."

She replied sternly, "That's for the police to decide."

The officer waiting behind her handcuffed me and escorted me to the police station.

Eloise and Matthew were already waiting there with a private settlement agreement.

…

After a series of mishaps, Eloise brought me home. She forced me to wait at the dining table before she went into the kitchen to prepare a meal for me.

Matthew sat across from me.

As soon as the cooker hood buzzed in the kitchen, a smug grin split across his face.

"Andrew, if you know better, you should break up with Eloise now."

In the past, I naively believed him when he claimed that he had lost interest in pursuing a new relationship after his ex-girlfriend dumped him.

Only after his countless attempts to drive a wedge between Eloise and me did I finally realize he had set his sights on her long ago.

"You've been targeting her ever since I recommended you for the secretary position at her company," I said bluntly.

"Can you blame me, Andrew? You've been together with her for ten years. As your roommate, I must admit—I want your life. This beautiful, wealthy woman is mine."

He threw a punch at me unexpectedly. As I fought back with my fists, he dodged the incoming attack and hit his head against the chair.

Eloise emerged from the kitchen with my meal, only to find his lips bloody.

Her head snapped to me, and she directed a glower my way.

I held my palm up, drawing her gaze to the silver ring on my palm, but she only cupped Matthew's face in both hands and examined him carefully.

"It's nothing serious. Just busted lips."

When her eyes met mine again, she did not bother to hide her disgust.

"Andrew, even if you stole the ring, Matthew will still be the groom. I only brought you home to make you pay for your mistakes, not to steal his spotlight."

At this point, she still brushed off my protests as jealousy.

Matthew feigned generosity. "It's fine. Andrew can have the ring if he wants it."

I tossed the ring on the table. It spun across the table until it hit the tray.

I used to imagine that building a family with Eloise would mean a hot meal waiting at home and a wedding ring placed on my finger.

"Here's your ring. I wish you both a happy marriage."

My words somehow stung her. A look of sorrow flashed across her face, yet once again, she suppressed her emotions and listened to reasons in her mind out of habit.

"Office rumors claim that I'm two-timing Matthew with you. Andrew, you need to attend the wedding to quash the rumors. It's the most effective way."

I burst out laughing. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.

"What if I refuse to go?"

"Then, we'll report to the police that you stole the ring. A second offense is non-bailable. You'll be sentenced to prison time."

She set the agreement on the ring.

At that moment, I finally let go of the beautiful memories we had made over the past ten years.

"Fine." I met her eyes. "Consider my debt cleared after the wedding."

Panic crept into her heart, but she ignored it and shot me a condescending smile.

"We'll get married the day after the wedding."

…

On the day of the wedding, Matthew stood by the dressing room door in a crisp groom's suit. Triumphantly, he sent me the video of my arrest at the train station.

"Everyone knows you now, Andrew. The netizens will never forget you. I wonder how you'll survive in this city after this."

I sneered as I scrolled down the screen.

"Do you really believe getting rid of me would secure you the position as Eloise's husband?" He smiled like he had everything under control. "You're my only college roommate who showed up today. Don't forget to enjoy the wedding, all right?"

He walked away with a confident laugh, while I booked the train ticket home.

On the stage, I presented the wedding ring to Eloise.

For a moment, she looked uneasy, but she pushed aside her doubts and slipped the ring onto Matthew's finger.

After the wedding, I walked out of her life without looking back.

…

Eloise woke up with a splitting headache after having too much to drink last night.

Matthew had prepared breakfast for her. He tried to persuade her to finish it before heading out.

She shook her head.

"I'll skip breakfast. I shouldn't keep Andrew waiting."

He stirred his coffee with a teaspoon and offered her a tender smile.

"Don't bother. He's gone."

She stopped abruptly in her tracks.

"Where did he go? Is it his hometown? He really does love troubling me. Whatever. I guess it's my fault for not telling him about our fake wedding in advance. I'll pick him up."

She ignored his attempt to stop her and left.

When she knocked on the door, an unfamiliar face emerged.

The stranger stared at her incredulously. "Who are you? Go away. I don't know any Andrew Reed."