Chapter 2

That night, I checked into a hotel room. The next morning, I started looking for a new place to live.

I couldn't stay in my old rental anymore; he had found it for me.

My resignation process was quick.

I had minored in psychology in college and later got my counseling license.

I originally joined Ethan's company in an administrative role because he said, "I just need you close by."

I submitted a few resumes on job sites and received an interview invitation from a place called "Harbor Wellness Clinic."

At the same time, I rented a new apartment on the east side of the city, signing a one-year lease.

I still had some things left in the old apartment.

Three days later, I went to my old place.

Pushing open the hallway door, I saw someone standing by the stairs.

It was Ethan.

He wore a black hoodie, his hair messy, and he was holding a paper bag.

The dark circles under his eyes were prominent, as if he hadn't slept for days.

He froze when he saw me, then hurried over. "Where the hell have you been?"

I leaned against the door, unmoving. What he thought and what he said were completely different.

【I've been waiting here for three days… You didn't answer my calls, didn't reply to my messages… What do you want… I was really worried about you…】

"You've been waiting here for three days?" I asked.

"Mind your business," he snapped.

"Excuse me, I need to go in and get my things," I said.

"You moved out?"

"Yeah."

His face paled for a moment, and his inner thoughts exploded:

【She moved out… When did that happen… How did I not know…】

"Lily." His voice softened. "I was drunk that day."

Always the same excuse.

"Here." He handed me the paper bag.

I didn't take it, so he shoved it into my hand.

Inside the bag was a small box. It held a thin silver bracelet with a tiny star charm.

But the craftsmanship was crude.

"It's a cheap trinket, only thirty bucks," Ethan said, stuffing his hands into his pockets and turning his head away from me. "Just your style."

His inner thoughts: 【I went to seven stores all over the city to find this star design. You said you liked stars last time. Please take it… Don't refuse me…】

"I don't want it." I put the box back in the paper bag and handed it back.

Ethan's face stiffened.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't want your stuff."

"Lily!" His voice rose. "I personally brought it to you. What more do you want?"

【Would it kill you to say something nice? Don't look at me like that…】

I looked at him. "Ethan, we're done."

He stared at me for five seconds, then scoffed.

"Fine." He pulled out his phone and showed me a picture.

It was from Sophia's Ins feed.

Sophia, the daughter of a long-time family friend, was staying at his place.

In the picture, she was holding a Hermès bag, with the caption, "Ethan got this for me, I love it so much!"

"Look at her," Ethan said. "I buy Sophia a bag, and she says thank you. I run all over town for you to buy a bracelet, and you say you don't want it. Lily, are you sick in the head?"

I smiled. "Yes, I am. So don't come looking for me anymore."

I turned to open the door.

"Lily!"

The door closed.

I leaned against the door. He'd shoved the paper bag onto the doorknob, and he hadn't taken it with him.

After gathering the last few items, I locked the door and went downstairs.

The paper bag lay on the ground. I didn't even glance at it.

I left the keys with the landlord and didn't look back.