Chapter 3

When we got home, Billy was in a bad mood.

He rolled his eyes, moved the sofa around on purpose, and made noise as if he were throwing a tantrum.

Annoyed, I asked, "What's your problem? I was the one dealing with Susan the whole time, and you barely said anything to help.

"You're still mad after we get home?"

Billy stormed toward me. I was a little scared he might get physical, so I stepped back.

"You're just bullying her, aren't you?

"For just a little over twenty bucks, you had to go to the store? By the time I get to eat, it'll be seven-thirty. What's the point of all that?

"Maybe she really just made a mistake. Didn't your parents teach you that sometimes it's good to take a loss?"

I felt a little dizzy. Now, I had to listen to Billy complain even after I got home.

Did I do something wrong?

Just because I was kind, did that mean I deserved to be taken advantage of?

I answered firmly, "Just because she's having a hard time doesn't give her the right to scam people. There are plenty of people with tougher lives than hers!

"We walked into the store, and she was clearly avoiding eye contact. With all her shady actions, how could you not see that? And you're blaming me?

"Talking about not being able to eat, can't you make your own meals? After you scold me, I'm the one who still has to cook dinner for you. How pathetic am I?"

Billy had pulled this kind of thing more than once.

These past two years, I kept asking myself, what was it about Billy that made me fall for him?

Before we started dating, he would bring me food, and when it rained, he'd make sure to give me his umbrella.

His careful attention was what made me fall for him.

But once we were officially together, all that was gone.

Outrageous things kept happening.

On my birthday, he went off to play games with his buddies.

His TikTok was full of suggestive content featuring young women.

The worst part was when we argued. He went out to drink with friends, then shamelessly asked me to pick him up and pay for it.

All these past memories flooded back. But since Billy was my first love, I somehow healed from all the mistreatment.

"Billy, let's break up."

Billy's eyes went wide, and his mouth hung open for a few seconds before he finally spoke, "Are you serious? Can you stop taking it out on me just because you're mad?"

He waved his hands repeatedly. "Next time, I'll speak up for you. Don't be so petty. It's not like you never let it go before. Did Aunt Flo visit early this month?"

I smiled faintly, my gaze cold.

This month, Aunt Flo had just left.

"No need, just go. The house is rented under my name."

Billy immediately flew into a rage. "What's wrong with you? Don't you understand the principle of compromising for happiness? I'm doing this for your own good!"

We stared at each other in silence for over a minute, and when Billy saw I wasn't giving him an out, he angrily put on his clothes, breathing heavily, trying to act as though he was in pain.

But even as he opened the door, I chose to ignore him completely.

"Fine, Louise. Just wait and regret it later."

That night, it felt like a double celebration for me.

My mind was clear, and for the first time, I felt at peace.

However, what I didn't expect was that the supermarket incident would bring me huge trouble.