Chapter 4

Chloe followed my gaze and also looked at the opened box of condoms.

She said nothing, seemingly waiting for me to blow up first.

I still just said calmly:

"I have other things to do. Hurry up."

"Let’s go check the walk-in closet next door then."

I followed her to the walk-in closet next door.

An open suitcase lay on the floor.

It was packed with vacation clothes, and sitting right on top of the clothes was a brand-new, unopened box of condoms.

Chloe said: "I’m packing my bags. Gavin and I are flying abroad tomorrow to watch the match."

Seeing my cold face and silence.

Chloe deliberately added:

"The World Cup only happens every four years. It’s super popular. So many people want to watch it but can’t squeeze their way in."

"Those who can’t squeeze in are destined to be left out."

My patience was gradually running out. My tone was cold and stern:

"I’m only here for the pillow. You can have Gavin!"

She looked startled for a second, then feigned innocence, using her most manipulative tone:

"Jane, what nonsense are you talking about? Please don’t misunderstand."

"I was just talking about the World Cup tickets, I didn’t mean anything else."

I emphasized every syllable, reiterating:

"I am just here for the pillow!"

Her expression was intriguing. Suddenly, as if remembering something:

"I know where it is. Follow me."

I followed her into the third room.

The room was set up as a luxurious cat sanctuary.

As soon as I walked in, I saw my sleep pillow thrown into the litter box, reeking of cat urine.

I stared at the pillow ruined by cat poop, my blood boiling.

Chloe played innocent as she explained, but her tone was clearly baiting.

"Oh, I’m so sorry, Jane. My cat is just too naughty."

"It’s just a pillow, right? I’ll buy you a better one on Amazon."

"Gavin really spoils this cat too much."

I raised my hand and slapped Chloe across the face as hard as I could:

"You did that on purpose!"

"Jane!"

Gavin's voice came from behind me. I hadn't noticed his arrival at all.

He strode forward and pulled Chloe behind him protectively.

He frowned, anger flashing in his eyes:

"Jane, what are you doing?! How could you lay a hand on her!"

"Do you know she ruined the pillow my grandmother gave me?" I looked at Gavin with reddened eyes.

Gavin's movements froze. He turned his head and looked at Chloe in disbelief:

"Really? Why would you do that!"

Chloe pressed her lips together, tears streaming down her face:

"I'm so sorry, Gavin. I really didn't know. Milo is so mischievous, and I can’t keep an eye on him all the time. I'm sorry..."

Hearing her sobs, Gavin's expression softened. He looked at me, a flicker of pleading in his eyes, and said gently:

"You heard her. Chloe didn't mean it. Don’t be mad at her, babe. I’ll make it up to you later, I promise."

Watching him take Chloe's side yet again, I suddenly felt utterly exhausted. In the end, I only said quietly:

"Fine."

The living room lights blurred in my vision. I turned my face away and walked out.

Behind me, Gavin seemed to want to follow, but the next second, his footsteps stopped.

I looked back and saw Chloe tugging at his sleeve, tilting her head slightly upward, her eyes still red:

"Gavin, we're leaving tomorrow, and we haven't even packed yet."

She paused, her voice even softer.

"I can't manage it by myself."

I let out a bitter laugh and left without looking back.

The next afternoon, Gavin came home.

I was packing up when he pushed open the door and saw the empty living room, frowning.

"Going somewhere?"

I didn't look up. "No, just doing a deep clean."

Gavin sighed and pulled out an exquisite box from behind him.

"babe, don't be angry anymore. I've had it deep-cleaned and sanitized for you."

Inside the box was that sleep pillow, clean and fresh, giving off a lavender scent.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let Chloe touch your things. I know how important this is to you." Gavin said softly, "Don't be angry anymore, babe."

I looked up at him without saying a word.

Gavin took the opportunity to hold my hand and pulled out a diamond ring from his pocket, sliding it onto my ring finger.

It was a Tiffany six-prong diamond ring—the one I'd lingered over in front of the window display half a year ago.

"This is our wedding ring. When I come back, we'll have the wedding." He was confident, as if everything was under his control.

I watched him dream his wedding dreams and curled my lips. "Okay."

Gavin let out a sigh of relief, ruffled my hair, thinking I'd finally learned to be compliant:

"I knew you'd understand me."

"Wow, so romantic. Jane, Gavin is so good to you."

Chloe pushed through the door, all smiles.

"I just bought you ten pillows on Amazon. You can pick whichever you like when they arrive."

She walked over to Gavin's side and naturally looped her arm through his.

"Though to be honest, the style is a bit dated. I saw a newer model in Paris last time that looked much better."

"Oh, and Jane, my cat is pretty high-maintenance. I'll send you a care guide in a bit. Sorry to trouble you."

Gavin looked at me, seeming to want to say something more.

Chloe gave a gentle tug. "Let's go, or we'll miss our flight."

I watched the two of them leave and gently removed the ring from my finger, placing it on the table.

The diamond glinted coldly under the light.

My phone buzzed. I opened my email.

Chloe had sent the care instructions for her cat, more than twenty bullet points filling my screen.

I forwarded the email to a pet boarding facility, asking them to take good care of the cat.

After finishing the final handover at the company, I had no more ties.

Two planes took off at the same time, one bound for Canada, the other for Northern Europe.

Gavin, we're done. For good.