Chapter 5

I didn't know when it started, but at some point, Christina had allowed Adrian to invade every corner of her life and learn everything about her.

The seven years I had spent with her were nothing more than reflections in the water—mere illusions.

After that, I watched as Christina and Adrian visited all the scenic spots, sampled all the delicacies, and took photos like a couple. Gradually, my heart became numb.

There was barely any pollution in my hometown, and the water's surface reflected the clear blue sky. I took a photo without thinking, but I didn't open the chat window with Christina right away.

In the past, I couldn't wait to share every interesting little moment in my life with her. Now, I no longer felt like doing that.

While I was still lost in thought, a message from Christina popped up.

"Jeremiah, don't forget to water my two golden pothos plants. I want to bring them to the new house after we get married."

Her tone was matter-of-fact, just like the way she sounded every other time she'd ordered me around.

I was slightly taken aback. She didn't even know that I had moved out? I had sent her an email. HR should've told her about my resignation by now too. But she probably ignored them the second she saw my name.

As for the "new house", it was just another one of Christina's empty promises.

When she didn't receive a reply from me, she "graciously" sent another message.

"Thank you for the trouble! If you have time, look into some wedding dates. Love you!"

There was only a chill in my heart.

So this was what she meant when she said she'd agree to my proposal when she came back. Every mention of wedding plans, every casual "Love you", felt like a knife stabbing straight into my heart.

What kind of bride was so indifferent to her own wedding, treating it like just some kind of formality?

It was ridiculous.

All along, I'd only been her backup plan. I was the safe choice she kept around for appearances.

I shook my head and, for the first time, ignored all her messages.

Before I knew it, a month had passed.

One afternoon, while I was fishing, watching small ripples spread across the water, my phone started buzzing at the worst possible moment.

I glanced at it and saw it was a message from Christina, asking me to pick her up at the airport.

"Landing in ten minutes. Hurry."

I could practically hear her high-handed tone through the screen. Speechless, I rolled my eyes. Did she think she was the queen and that I was her most loyal servant?

In one swift motion, I blocked and deleted her contact.

Just when I thought no one would disturb my fishing anymore, I suddenly received a message from Adrian. A voice message, no less.

Frowning, I played it, and Christina's voice came through the speaker. She was seething with fury after being ignored and humiliated.

"Really, Jeremiah? Don't come then. And if you've got the balls, don't bother ever coming back home either!"

I almost laughed. That was the one thing I wasn't planning to ever do.

Expressionless, I promptly blocked and deleted Adrian's number as well.

My mood improved instantly, and I even caught a couple more big fish. Everything seemed to be working out perfectly.

Just as I was about to head home, my phone rang again. I frowned. It was Christina calling from her work number.

What did she want now?

Had she been stewing in anger for the past few hours and now decided to call just to yell at me?

I meant to hang up, but muscle memory kicked in, and I swiped to answer.

At the other end of the line, the usually cold and aloof Christina sounded choked up. Her voice trembled as she said, "Jeremiah, didn't you say you'd stay by my side forever? Why'd you suddenly disappear?"