Chapter 4

I started packing my clothes, wanting to move out.

To save money for a house with Liam, I usually skimped on food and clothes, so I didn’t have many belongings.

I only wore a few outfits regularly.

I walked to the bathroom to pack my toiletries. Opening the door, I saw a black lace bra hanging conspicuously on the hook.

I froze in the bathroom doorway, the damp mist inside choking my nose and mouth, making it hard to breathe.

Liam came back then.

I turned to face him, my nose stinging.

He casually placed the things in his hand on the table and started taking off his clothes.

A bowl of dessert—from that shop Serena loved, the one she always posted about on Ins.

“I bought you something to eat, chestnut sweet soup. The owner said it’s a new autumn special.”

I didn’t reply. My brain buzzed, and then the frantic drumming of my heart drowned out all other sensations.

The feeling of my blood rushing to my head was terrible.

I was allergic to chestnuts.

Liam belatedly noticed my abnormal stillness. He walked towards me with a hint of helplessness, his tone softening considerably.

“I sent Serena away so I could come back to you sooner. And I even brought you something delicious. Not mad anymore, right?”

“If you keep this up, I’ll actually get mad.”

He propped his hand against the doorframe, leaning in to kiss me.

He always did this. Whenever I was angry or upset, he’d just try to kiss and hug me, hoping to sweep everything under the rug.

After the kiss, he’d rub his nose against mine, looking into my eyes with tender affection.

My anger would just melt away, succumbing to the warmth of the moment.

But now, I forcefully pushed the bathroom door open, pointed at the black lingerie inside, and demanded in a low voice.

“What is that?”

He paused, then straightened up and explained.

“It poured rain on the way back, and Serena got soaked, so she came in to borrow the bathroom and take a shower.”

He habitually added, his tone the usual dismissive command:

“You put it away for her. I’ll take it to her tomorrow.”

“Oh, and when you make breakfast tomorrow morning, could you brew some ginger tea? She got rained on today, she’s probably not feeling well.”

Liam was recently promoted to team leader. He was busy with work and often forgot to eat.

To take care of his health, I woke up an hour early every day to prepare his breakfast and lunch bento. He was a picky eater and didn’t like vegetables or fruits, so I changed up the dishes to ensure he ate a balanced diet.

And now he wanted me to take care of Serena too?

Ha. He sure knew how to use me—a free, dutiful nanny.

Sure enough, whoever gave their heart was the loser.

I suddenly let out a cold laugh, wiping my eyes.

I took off the ring on my finger, placed it on the nightstand, and pointed at it as I told Liam:

“Here’s your ring back.”

Liam looked confused:

“What do you mean?”

I didn’t reply, turning to continue packing my luggage.

Liam finally saw the suitcase on the floor. His voice became agitated as he rushed forward and grabbed my arm.

“Chloe, how long are you going to keep this up? I’m already trying to be nice.”

His grip on my hand was tight, my skin turning faintly red.

The old me would always fear Liam like this, on the verge of losing control.

I’d immediately wonder if I’d gone too far, making everyone unhappy.

But now, why should I care about him anymore?

I stopped my internal struggle, forcefully pulled my hand free, closed the suitcase, and walked towards the door.

“You’re ridiculous!”

“You’re overreacting!”

“If you leave, don’t come back!”

He cursed loudly from the center of the room, but his words went in one ear and out the other.

While waiting for the elevator, I even heard Liam forcefully open and slam the door.

It seemed he wanted to see if I was truly determined to leave.

Since I had decided to stand up for myself, I wouldn’t look back at him again.

Liam, I’m truly letting you go.

Stepping out of the apartment complex, the evening breeze whistled past.

I reflexively hunched into my clothes, the dizzying sensation in my head becoming even more pronounced.

I raised my hand to my forehead, feeling a distinct warmth.

I squatted by the roadside, trying to hail a cab to a hotel, but my hands were shaking, stiffly unable to open my phone screen.

A Mercedes pulled up in front of me. A burly man got out of the car, scaring me so much that I quickly hid behind my suitcase.

“Chloe?”

A gentle voice spoke, sounding kind.

I looked up at him. He walked towards me, silhouetted against the light. In a haze, I thought I recognized him.

But before I could reply, I collapsed.