Chapter 2

Leaving the venue, I hailed a cab.

Sitting in the backseat, I opened Instagram and saw Chloe's latest post. A wave of emptiness washed over me. What were these seven years even for?

In the photo, Julian had his arm around Chloe in her wedding dress. They looked like a perfect match.

To everyone else, I was just a walking joke.

I had cared too much about Chloe. I shielded her from every hardship and pampered her like a queen.

I forgot that too much freedom ruins a person's heart.

I never cared how much I sacrificed; all I wanted was her wholehearted love. Now, I saw just how stupid I was.

Back at my apartment, I started packing up everything that belonged to her.

Hours later, I noticed a text from Chloe: [I'm coming home tonight.]

Looking at the rare text from her, I didn't bother replying. I just locked my phone.

After packing everything, I fell into a deep sleep. My exhausted body finally felt some relief.

At dawn, the sound of the front door opening woke me up.

"Ethan Walker! Why didn't you answer my text?!"

Seeing her annoyed face, I stayed silent.

I knew why she asked. In the past, whenever she stayed out late, I would text her for her location and wait outside just to make sure she got home safe.

As I walked out of the bedroom, Chloe asked again, "Where's the photo from the desk?"

I glanced down at the boxes stacked near the door. Before I could speak, her phone rang loudly.

She answered immediately and walked into the kitchen while talking:

"Don't worry, Julian. The soup is almost ready. I'll bring it over as soon as it's done."

Hearing the clattering of pots and pans, I went to wash up for work.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, Chloe was holding a thermos in one hand and pointing at a bowl on the counter with the other.

"There's a bowl of soup for you on the counter. Consider it my apology for yesterday."

I glanced at the bowl and frowned. It had carrots in it. I was severely allergic to carrots.

I laughed bitterly inside. Together for seven years, and she didn't even know I was allergic to carrots.

When someone loves you, they remember your preferences. Chloe had truly never cared.

Ignoring her, I turned to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of water.

Chloe glared at me, rage written all over her face.

"Ungrateful jerk. You don't deserve this soup anyway."

With that, she dumped the entire bowl into the trash can.

I replied calmly, "Right, only he deserves it."

Chloe looked confused. Before she could speak, her phone rang again. She grabbed the thermos and slammed the door behind her.

I glanced at the ruined soup in the trash, called my assistant to hire a cleaner, and told him to ship all of Chloe's things back to her family.

Right after I changed the front door code, my phone buzzed.

"Mr. Walker, the custom ruby necklace you ordered a month ago is ready. You can pick it up anytime."

If they hadn't called, I would have forgotten completely.

I looked quietly at the picture the jeweler sent.

The ruby glowed softly, like a brilliant star fallen from the sky.

Just like how Chloe used to shine in my heart.

Too bad she didn't deserve it anymore.

"Smash it," I said flatly. "I don't want it."

The jeweler was stunned and panicked immediately.

"Mr. Walker, is there something wrong with the design? We can remake it for you free of charge."

"Don't worry," I explained. "I'll pay the full balance. The piece is gorgeous. She just doesn't deserve it."