Chapter 4

I spent the entire day burning every trace of my existence. Whether it was clothes or photos, nothing was left behind.

My flight was for tomorrow. After tomorrow, they would no longer be a part of my life.

Ava still hadn't come back, but from Dylan's taunts, I could tell she was busy, really busy, trying new positions with him.

As for Sydney, she completely ignored me.

I did my duty as a father one last time, cooking a table full of her favorite dishes.

But when she came home, she merely snorted, ordered takeout, and wouldn't speak a single word to me.

I sat by the cold food, watching as the night grew darker.

In a daze, I heard faint sounds at the door. By the light of the moon, I saw Ava finally come back, along with her beloved Dylan.

Ava's cheeks were flushed, and she was sitting on Dylan's lap, eagerly seeking a kiss. Her hand was sliding down to stir things up.

Dylan held her head with one hand, deepening the kiss, while his other hand firmly supported her hips.

They were all over each other the moment they came in, kissing urgently, undressing, and tangled up in breath. Ava quietly reminded him.

"Dylan, don't wake up my husband."

Dylan, with jealousy, pulled her close and bit her earlobe, his voice full of sorrow and complaint.

"Ava, didn't you say I'm the only one you love?

"Didn't you say it would be more exciting and satisfying to do it in front of Wyatt?

"Didn't you say Wyatt's just a tool to protect our love?

"Why do I have to care about him?"

Dylan was so hurt. Ava's heart ached. She kissed him softly, her hands lovingly caressing him, and whispered sweet words to soothe him.

"Dylan, I said this just to make it more exciting."

Their passionate breaths grew louder, and my heart, already bleeding, was torn open again.

I curled up on the couch, the nauseating scent filling the air as my heart turned to ash.

I didn't know how much time had passed, but when they moved from the kitchen to the living room, they noticed my presence. Ava's breath quickened.

She pressed her hand over Dylan's mouth, hiding the lust in their eyes, and they embraced as they climbed upstairs.

In the quiet of the deep night, all I could hear was her subdued warning.

"Dylan, stop. If Wyatt finds out, with his temper, it'll be all over.

"He's still Sydney's dad. We can't make things too awkward."

I didn't know how much time had passed, but eventually, Ava came downstairs carefully and tucked me in.

She still smelled like their heated moments together, and her open collar was covered with countless hickeys.

I stiffened and pushed her hand away. She noticed something was off.

"Baby, what's wrong? Have you been upset because I haven't been home the past few days?"

I shook my head bitterly.

"No.

"Ava, I dreamed you were cheating on me."

She froze, panic flashing across her face.

"Baby, what are you talking about? I swear to you, you're the only one I'll ever love!"

At that moment, I felt disgusted beyond words. I turned my head stubbornly and curled up in bed, exhausted.

"I'm a bit tired. I'm going to sleep."

I turned away, not wanting to look at her anymore.

When I woke up, I'd be gone for good.