Chapter 3

"What? You're quitting?"

Callum stood motionless, his gaze hardening, a flicker of irritation passing through his eyes as if he'd forgotten about the slap I'd just delivered.

Elowen's smile stretched wider, but her tone was dripping with insincerity.

"Sylvie, don't take what Callum said to heart. He was just angry. You're not getting any younger, and with how tough the job market is, if you quit, you won't find another job like this. I don't mean to be blunt, but you can't throw away your future like this."

Her words seemed to strike a nerve, and Callum's expression hardened, his jaw tightening as if he was trying to keep his frustration in check.

"Sylvie, are you really going to make this harder than it needs to be?"

I remained composed, my gaze unshaken.

"I'm not making things difficult. I'm just being clear. Since I've already made my decision, could you return the bonuses and commissions you withheld? If not, I'll have no choice but to pursue legal action. And about the injury on my face, let's settle the medical expenses."

Callum's features twisted with frustration, his eyes narrowing as his patience wore thin. "Sylvie!"

I didn't waste another moment on him. I pulled out my phone, preparing to contact a lawyer.

When Callum saw I was serious, he reluctantly transferred the money, his lips curling into a sneer as he did so. His voice, however, still carried the weight of condescension.

"Sylvie, how did you become like this? I'm truly disappointed."

In the past, a remark like that would have made me second-guess everything, wondering if I had done something wrong. I would have apologized, begging for forgiveness, and trying to make things right.

But now I didn't care anymore.

The money was in my account, and as for Callum, his opinion no longer mattered to me. My feelings for him had long since faded.

Callum, still expecting an apology that never came, shot me a look of disbelief, his brows furrowing as he stared at me in frustration.

"Sylvie, you're hopeless!"

He stormed off, dragging Elowen behind him, his anger radiating in every step.

Once they were far enough away, I contacted HR and submitted my resignation. They approved it online but informed me I needed a physical resignation letter signed by Callum.

I printed out the letter, knowing I'd need to get his signature when the opportunity arose.

After everything was set, I took a cab home.

This time, my decision was final. I was done with Callum.

I immediately called my parents and told them everything that had happened.

"Mom, Dad, I can't stay with Callum anymore. I'm moving back home."

They didn't scold me. Instead, their voices were full of concern and understanding.

"Of course, we support you. Your mom and I will be waiting for you."

Their warmth brought a surge of relief, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly at peace.

From the start, my parents had warned me about Callum, but I had been too stubborn to listen. Now, I knew they had been right all along.

It wasn't too late to change.

I would no longer live for him. From now on, I would live for myself.

After hanging up, I quickly bought a ticket to return home.

Callum and I had been married for years, but we never officially registered our marriage.

Thank goodness we hadn't, or leaving wouldn't have been so simple.

This time, it was I who turned the page, choosing to close the chapter on him once and for all.