Chapter 3

I went to the office and handed in my resignation. My manager was surprised and tried to keep me, but my decision was firm.

I originally took this job to be closer to Liam, to make it easier to take care of him.

But now, there was no need.

Last night, I video called my parents and told them I planned to resign and move back home.

I saw the surprised tears in my mom's eyes.

Dad hadn't been feeling well recently, and managing the family convenience store by himself was becoming too much for him.

It was my hometown, but it was actually a nice, mid-sized coastal city.

Liam grew up inland and couldn't stand the temperature and humidity of coastal cities.

He'd always been unwilling to go back with me, which was why I'd left my parents to work and live here with him.

That evening, I invited my friends for dinner and told them the news.

They all thought I was right to go back; my parents' health was more important.

Mid-conversation, someone suddenly asked, "What about Liam? Is he willing to go back with you?"

I was silent for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. "No. We… we're probably going to break up soon."

I used to think Liam and I could build a family here, and then bring my parents to live with us later.

But now, that home no longer existed. I needed to return to the home where my parents were, the home that would never abandon me.

When I got home, I saw Liam wearing a white shirt, his hair perfectly styled, holding his phone, on a FaceTime call with Bella.

Bella's voice came from the phone: "Liam, you look so handsome! Even in a simple white shirt, you look so stylish!"

Liam smiled happily, his voice laced with laughter. "Really? You always know what to say."

I stood quietly, saying nothing. That white shirt was anything but simple; it cost me a month's salary to buy it for him.

When Liam turned back with a smile and saw me, his face immediately fell. He turned to Bella and said, "Gotta go, I'm heading out now, I'll be there soon. You grab something to eat first."

Liam could smile warmly and be incredibly caring towards Bella, but he wouldn't spare a single smile for me.

He gave me an annoyed look, slipped on his shoes, and walked out past me.

He was back to his old silent treatment.

During all the years we'd been together, he often ignored me because of Bella.

Each time, I'd be frantic, trying every way to make him happy.

But this time, I wasn't anxious. I simply brought the groceries I'd bought into the kitchen and made myself a late-night snack.

I'd been so engrossed in talking with friends that evening that I hadn't eaten much, and now I was a bit hungry.

The next few days, I was busy with work handover and packing.

The things belonging to me in the apartment slowly decreased, but Liam didn't notice.