Chapter 2

Along with the message came a list of instructions.

I read through everything carefully, then started packing up my things at home.

Since I had to leave anyway, it was better to handle it myself than let Jacqueline and Eric throw everything out.

I took out the custom-made guitar I hadn't touched in years, tested the strings, and found it still in perfect condition.

Jacqueline knew I loved playing instruments. We actually got close because of a performance at a university event.

Back then, I would often play songs she liked for her, and we would travel together, strolling through the mountains and fields.

But as time passed, reality became harsher, and the pressure of life grew. Jacqueline no longer wanted to hear me play, so I put everything away and focused on work.

Later on, our life became more comfortable, but she drifted farther and farther away from me.

I once invited her to travel with me, but she was clearly annoyed.

"Lawrence, how old are you? Can you stop acting like a child? Focus on your career, okay?"

But later, I found out that she and Eric, using business trips as an excuse, went to arcades to play claw machines, to internet cafés to game, and even went boating on the lake.

So it wasn't that she thought we were too old.

She just thought I was too old.

I dug out all my old instruments and contacted a friend who had always wanted them.

When he heard I was giving them to him, he was surprised. "Seriously? You wouldn't even sell them to me for a high price before. What made you change your mind?"

I gave a simple explanation.

"I'm going abroad. These things are too much to take with me."

"Going abroad?"

He was shocked. "Are you going with Jacqueline?"

"No, just me."

I briefly told him about my overseas assignment, but my friend was still a bit confused. In the end, he said he wanted to meet up for a meal and catch up.

I didn't turn him down.

After hanging up, I continued sorting through my things at home.

Jacqueline had always wanted to take down the photo wall. She disliked the childish couple figurines, the couple sofa, the matching couple rings...

Before I knew it, it was already evening.

Even though I didn't have many things, after living here for five years, I still didn't manage to finish in just one afternoon.

Jacqueline still hadn't returned.

I didn't cook dinner and wait for her like I used to, asking when she'd be home.

Instead, I took my things and went to meet my friends.

There were three or four of them, and we hadn't seen each other in nearly a year. They were all shocked when they saw me.

"Are you losing weight? You look even thinner than the last time we saw you."

I smiled but didn't explain.

After a few drinks, everyone loosened up, and the conversation flowed.

When the topic of my departure came up, one of my drunken friends angrily spoke up in my defense.

"Lawrence, I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time. You should've left Jacqueline ages ago. Just look at you now. How much has she tortured you?

"If she hadn't taken your research, you'd be way better off now. Your company doesn't even have her position anymore! All of us have been telling you, but you wouldn't listen."

The other friends quickly tried to quiet him down.

"He's drunk. Don't take it personally," one of them said, covering his mouth while explaining to me.

I understood why he was reacting this way.

After all, I used to defend Jacqueline without question.

We hadn't seen each other in so long because they had once criticized Jacqueline in front of me. At that time, I didn't believe it and left angrily. But it was also that moment that made me realize how badly Jacqueline had been playing me.

"It's alright. Jacqueline and I are about to split."

Saying that I raised my glass amidst everyone's shocked stares. "Thanks to you guys for trying to convince me. I'll drink to that."

At first, my friends were worried I was hurt and tried to say more, but when they saw my calm expression, they finally relaxed.

After the gathering, I returned home and was about to unlock the door when it suddenly opened from the inside.

Jacqueline stood there, leaning against the wall, looking a little off.