Chapter 4

That night, I packed my bags and moved back in with my parents.

For four days, he didn't come looking for me.

I got a job offer from a design firm in another city.

The night I booked my flight, my parents were still trying to change my mind. "Nina, are you sure? A man who saves is better than one who spends recklessly. Can't you two talk this through?"

"His frugality was always at my expense, Mom. Adrian and I have nothing left to talk about."

On the day I left, Adrian texted me. "Today's your follow-up appointment, isn't it? Should I pick you up this afternoon?"

I didn't reply, so he called. "Nina, can we talk?"

"There's nothing left to talk about."

"I promised I'd limit my contact with Jenna. This time, I wanted to ask for your opinion. Jenna is still short on moving funds. I'd like to cover the difference. Her new place also needs furniture, so I'll pay for that, too."

Even now, all he wanted to talk about was Jenna.

I laughed, no longer willing to argue. "Do whatever you want."

A little later, Jenna posted a photo of her new apartment on Instagram. The couch, coffee table, lamp, and curtains were all new.

The caption read, "Adrian says a woman should live somewhere comfortable."

Jenna deserved a comfortable home, but our living room light had flickered for three years. Every time I wanted to replace it, Adrian said it still worked.

I liked Jenna's post, then took my suitcase to the airport.

Before I boarded, messages from Adrian flooded my phone.

"Nina, I've finished my shift and I'm heading home. I'll make dinner tonight."

"Did you get your test results? Send me a photo."

The last one was a voice message. "Nina, I'm sorry, but I'll be home late tonight. I have to help Jenna move. Yesterday's leftovers are still in the fridge. Just heat them up."

I didn't reply.

Without looking back, I left the city behind.