Chapter 4

The living room fell dead silent.

Vivian tugged gently on Lucas's sleeve, murmuring, "Lucas, never mind. I'll just go. Don't fight with her because of me."

Lucas didn't move. His glare was fixed murderously on me.

"Chloe, if you throw her out today, you are being completely irrational."

"Then consider me irrational."

"You think I wouldn't dare divorce you?"

"Then let's divorce."

The air in the room felt suffocating.

Vivian stood beside Lucas, her expression a mix of grievance, embarrassment, and a flicker of something triumphant.

Lucas clenched his fists so hard his knuckles popped.

"Fine. Fine. Chloe, remember every single word you said today."

"I remember them perfectly. Make sure you do too."

I turned on my heel, walked back into the guest room, and started changing into my work clothes.

Behind me, Vivian's hushed voice floated in:

"Lucas, don't be rash. She's just angry in the moment..."

"Let her leave."

When I came out fully dressed, they were still in the living room.

I walked straight to the entrance and put on my shoes.

"I'm heading to the office. When I come home tonight, I don't want to see a single trace of her belongings in my house."

The door clicked shut behind me.

Sitting on the subway, I sent a text to Ethan: *Do you know any reliable divorce attorneys you could recommend?*

He replied almost instantly: *Are you really doing this?*

*Really doing this.*

*Alright. I'll send you a few contacts by lunchtime.*

I locked my phone and leaned my head back, closing my eyes.

The subway car swayed gently as it filled with commuters. Packed into a corner, my shoulder pressed against the cold metal railing.

My mind was a chaotic blur.

I remembered when Lucas and I got engaged, his mother had taken my hand and said:

"Chloe, dear, Lucas had someone special in his heart before. But since he's willing to marry you, it means he's put her behind him. Be patient with him."

Back then, I naively thought, everyone has a past.

My phone chimed with several attorney cards sent by Ethan.

I saved each one.

When the train pulled into my station, I was swept forward by the crowd, my legs feeling strangely weightless.

The morning sun outside was blinding.

Squinting, I walked into the office tower.

I ran into Ethan in the elevator lobby.

Holding a cup of coffee, he took one look at my pale face and held out the cup.

"Haven't touched it. Here."

"I'm fine, thanks."

He pulled his hand back, leaning against the elevator wall, his eyes scanning my exhausted features.

"Chloe, you look like you didn't sleep a wink."

"Pretty much."

As the elevator doors slid open, he spoke softly, "If you need help with anything, just ask."

I nodded and stepped out.

Everything at my desk was exactly as usual—the dual monitors, the files, the sticky notes.

Yet sitting there today, everything felt foreign.

I woke up my computer, stared blankly at the screen for a minute, and then began drafting a divorce settlement.

My screen lit up.

A message from Lucas: *Let's talk properly when you get home tonight. Don't do anything reckless.*

I didn't answer.

There was nothing left to discuss.

That evening, I didn't go home. I stayed at the office working until ten, then crashed at my best friend Rachel's apartment.

Lucas called me seven or eight times. I declined every single one.

He sent a lengthy text on SnapChat:

*She just got back, and life isn't easy for her. If I don't help her, who will?*

*You're completely overthinking this. There is nothing between us.*

*If it makes you feel better, she can stay strictly in the guest room. She won't bother us at all.*

Reading it, I scoffed.

I texted back: *I'm at Rachel's. Coming back tomorrow morning. You'd better have her out by then.*

He replied: *Do you really have to push me into a corner like this?*

I didn't respond.

The next morning was Saturday. When I unlocked the front door, the first thing I saw was a pair of off-white designer heels sitting by the shoe rack.

The rich aroma of home-cooked food wafted through the living room.

Vivian was wearing an apron, bustling around the kitchen stove.

Lucas was sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

Hearing the door, he looked up and forced a smile.

"You're back? She made a few dishes. Let's eat together."

I stood in the entryway, my sneakers still on.

My eyes traveled from the off-white heels to Lucas on the couch, and finally to Vivian in the kitchen.

She turned around and gave me a sweet, docile smile.

"You're home! Perfect timing, the glazed pork ribs are almost ready. Lucas mentioned they're your favorite, so I made them specially for you."

The apron she wore was mine.

The slippers on her feet were also mine.

I set my handbag on the console table and walked in slowly.

"She hasn't left?"

Lucas's smile faded.

"Chloe, I thought about it seriously. Her old place really isn't safe to live in. Repairs will take at least a month. Just let her take the guest room for this month. I promise—"

"You promise what?" I stood in the middle of the room. "What collateral do you have to promise anything?"