Chapter 3

The next morning, Charlotte and I were having breakfast.

As soon as Austin emerged from the bedroom, she frowned unhappily. "Why isn't there any for me and Glenn?"

"If you want some, make it yourself," I replied flatly, without looking up.

What?

Austin's temper flared again. She slammed the table. "I think you've truly fallen for her charms, completely lost your mind over this woman."

"You're ignoring me for a stranger."

Charlotte quickly stood up to apologize, "I'm sorry, Austin. Please, take my plate."

She picked up her untouched noodles and offered them.

"Get lost!" Austin snapped, knocking the bowl over.

"Ah!"

The scalding noodle soup splashed all over Charlotte, her arm skin immediately turning red.

"Austin, you're absolutely insane! Charlotte was being kind, offering you food, and you not only ungratefully attacked her, but you started a fight!"

I scolded Austin while grabbing ice to apply to Charlotte's burn.

This scene stunned Austin.

She was so furious that veins popped on her forehead. She yelled right there, "Jackson, I'm telling you."

"It's either her or me in this house. There's no in-between."

"You choose!"

I had been that hysterical once.

But Austin, presuming upon my deep love, not only reacted calmly but said, "Can't you be more mature? Do you really think I can't live without you?"

Now, I didn't react much either.

But before I could speak, Glenn came out of the room.

"Jackson, Austin, are you two arguing again because of me?"

"If I cause your divorce, I'll feel guilty for the rest of my life."

"Maybe I should just leave."

He wore a bitter expression, seemingly thinking of Austin and me, but actually just fanning the flames.

"Glenn, this has nothing to do with you. It's all Jackson's fault for being so petty."

Austin comforted Glenn, then looked at me coldly.

"Glenn just reminded me. If you insist on going against me, then let's get a divorce."

"I'll find someone to draft the divorce papers today."

With that, she pushed Glenn out the door, proudly saying, "Come on, let's go out for a fancy meal."

"Austin, please don't misunderstand. Jackson and I really have nothing going on."

Charlotte cried out, but Austin ignored her. Charlotte then turned to me, sobbing, "I'm so sorry, Jackson. I caused you trouble. It's all my fault."

"Maybe you should just send me to a mental hospital."

Austin paused, grinding her teeth as she muttered to herself, "Bitch!"

"You just escaped. How can you go back? Just stay here and feel safe."

I comforted Charlotte. "With me here, you won't suffer."

As my words fell, I heard Austin scoff, walking away without looking back.

I didn't mind her. After finishing our meal, I took Charlotte shopping at the mall.

Unexpectedly, I caught a glimpse of Austin and Glenn at a watch store.

Austin picked up a watch and put it on Glenn's wrist.

Their eyes met, full of deep affection, almost radiating sparks.

I recognized that watch. It cost about fifteen thousand dollars, a style I had coveted for a long time.

But Austin always said, "A watch is just for telling time, isn't it? Why waste money on that? Better save up for our future children."

Yet now, Austin bought it for Glenn.

And all of Glenn's medical expenses for the past six months had also been paid by Austin.