Chapter 3

Ethan didn’t call until the next afternoon.

He immediately launched into a furious accusation.

"Claire, the laws Angela cited in her report were wrong, and the client is complaining! Why didn’t you review it for her?"

"I had no obligation to review it for her. You should find a professional legal consultant." My voice was cold.

"What do you mean? It was only one forgotten anniversary. Why are you being so petty?"

I was silent for a moment before saying, "It means nothing. Ethan, we’re breaking up."

"I’m not your company’s employee. I have no obligation to take responsibility for any of this."

But the person on the other end seemed not to have heard me.

His voice was full of restrained anger.

"Claire, stop being unreasonable!"

"Angela remembered last night that you wanted to try this restaurant. When you didn’t show up, she even had your food packed up to bring home. And what did you do? You turned off your phone and ignored every message."

I wasn’t sure whether he hadn’t heard me say we were breaking up or whether he had automatically treated my breakup as another part of my unreasonable behavior.

I was about to repeat myself when he hung up.

I gave a self-mocking laugh.

It was my fault for loving Ethan so openly.

Even he didn’t believe I would ever leave him.

The next day, after delivering documents to the courthouse, I crossed the street and ran into two people.

Ethan was carrying several large bags, while Angela walked beside him.

The smiles on both their faces froze for a moment when they saw me.

"Claire, don’t misunderstand. Mr. Hayes is just helping me carry my documents because he’s worried I can’t carry them all by myself."

As Angela explained, she tried to come forward and take my hand.

But Ethan pulled her away.

"Why are you explaining anything to her? She’s the one who should apologize."

Before Ethan dragged her away, I seemed to see Angela give me a provocative smile.

As I watched them walk away, it felt as if a huge hole had opened in my heart.

Ethan had never accompanied me to court.

He always said the courthouse was too far away and too much trouble.

"Why go through all that yourself? Just have the documents delivered."

But now, he carried bag after bag for Angela without a single complaint.

When we reached the parking lot, Ethan put everything in the trunk.

Angela was already sitting in the passenger seat and rolled down the window to wave at me.

Ethan let out a cold snort.

"Angela is so considerate of you, and you still have the nerve to give her attitude."

"You won’t even take responsibility for her when she needs help."

I crossed my arms and replied coldly, "I’ll say this one more time. I’m not your company’s legal consultant. I have no obligation to handle this for you, and I’m not going to help you with it."

"The documents you previously asked me to handle have already been notarized and mailed to your company. From now on, I won’t handle anything for you."

Angela looked wronged and reached for her seat belt.

"Claire, why are you saying things like that? Are you upset because I’m sitting in the passenger seat? I’ll get out right now."

But Ethan stopped her first and gave a mocking laugh.

"Don’t move. I spoiled her rotten. The moment you say anything, she throws a tantrum."

"You can walk home yourself."

The moment he finished speaking, the car started and sped away in front of me.

When it came to me, Ethan never seemed to have any extra patience.