Chapter 9: When People Sink to Their Lowest
1323words
I slept until noon. Instead of getting up to wash, I checked the location of my car first. Sure enough, Jackson had taken it for maintenance.
My agenda for today was simple—to indulge myself.
I put on high heels I rarely wore and a sexy, form-fitting dress that perfectly showcased my curves. I was naturally attractive, with delicate features, flawless skin, and blonde hair that enhanced my elegant appearance.
Standing before the full-length mirror, I examined myself. At five feet five inches tall, I wasn't short, but Jackson wasn't tall either, so I had always avoided wearing high heels to prevent making him feel insecure. Now I was free to dress however I wanted.
I couldn't help but laugh at myself for not realizing sooner that I should have been true to myself all along.
After getting ready, I picked up my purse and was about to leave when I noticed Ethan's suit jacket still on the sofa.
I'd forgotten to return it again.
After a moment's hesitation, I draped it over my arm and headed out.
First, I treated myself to a beautiful manicure, then had my straight hair styled into glamorous waves. At the salon, I also got a professional makeup application before embarking on a shopping spree.
Finally, I visited a high-end custom clothing store. This was an established boutique that usually required appointments, sometimes with waiting periods of several months.
"Hello, I'd like to order a custom shirt," I said, handing the suit jacket to the attendant.
"Hello, miss. Do you have any specific requirements?" the attendant asked warmly.
"This is my boyfriend's jacket, but I don't know his shirt size. Can you make a shirt based on this jacket?"
I had torn two of his shirts and felt I should replace at least one. Though he seemed to prefer black, I decided to order a white one for him.
I didn't want to owe him anything.
The female attendant took the jacket, examining it carefully, her eyes lingering on the "EW" label.
She hesitated slightly before saying, "I'll need to consult with our master tailor about this. Please wait a moment, and I'll get back to you shortly."
"Thank you," I replied, sitting patiently on a nearby sofa.
The attendant took the jacket to the back room, handed it to an elderly white-haired tailor, explained the situation, and showed him the label.
The old tailor glanced at me through the doorway and adjusted his glasses.
"Are you sure she said it's for her boyfriend?" he asked, seeming surprised.
“Yes, Master West,” the attendant said with a slight smile.
"Ask her to come in," the tailor said, his gaze still fixed on me.
The attendant gestured to me, and I followed her direction, noticing the tailor watching me.
I nodded in thanks, picked up my purse, and walked toward the back room in my high heels.
To reach the back room, I had to walk through a tranquil courtyard. I moved gracefully, my perfect figure and poise drawing admiring glances from other customers.
"Hello, Master!" I greeted sweetly.
The tailor nodded slightly. "Young lady, you're ordering clothes for your boyfriend?"
I smiled, having casually used the term "boyfriend."
"Yes, is there a problem? Can't you make a shirt based on the jacket?"
The tailor stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Why not bring him in person? It would be more convenient to take his measurements."
"I don't want him to know I damaged his shirt. I want to surprise him. I only have this jacket."
"Damaged it..." the tailor smiled meaningfully.
"Can you make it?" I asked.
“Of course. Leave your phone number, and I’ll notify you when it’s ready.”
The master tailor took out a pen and paper, and wrote down my phone number.
"What's your name, young lady?"
"Alia Levinsky."
“Very well, I’ll call you when it’s ready.”
I was puzzled. "Don't I need to pay a deposit?"
"No need." He handed the jacket back to me.
"Don't you need to take measurements?" I continued.
"Not necessary. I can tell the size just by looking at this jacket. Don't worry, young lady!" He smiled warmly, then his phone rang.
Not wanting to disturb him, I nodded goodbye as he answered his call and left.
To ensure there were no misunderstandings, before leaving I reiterated my requirements to the female attendant, specifically emphasizing: white.
---
Carrying numerous shopping bags, I returned to my apartment around seven in the evening.
I checked my phone, which I hadn't looked at all day. Jackson had sent numerous affectionate messages, which I marked as read without replying.
Meanwhile, Olivia had sent an unexpected message, inviting me to her engagement party next Wednesday.
Hmph, what a pair of scoundrels, finally making it official.
Reading her words, my eyes misted over.
To steal someone's partner so brazenly and then invite the victim to witness their union—how shameless could they be?
"Congratulations! Who's the lucky groom? This is so sudden, I don't recall you mentioning anyone," I replied, wanting to provoke her without directly revealing that I knew the truth.
"Someone you know too. You'll find out then," she answered.
Of course I knew who it was...
But Jackson was still playing the coward, unwilling to be honest with me, choosing instead to maintain our relationship.
When people sink to their lowest, there's no limit.
I wiped away my tears and casually checked the hidden camera in my car.
Sure enough, the shameless couple was sitting in my car!
I laughed coldly, turned the phone volume to maximum, placed it on the kitchen counter, and began preparing instant noodles.
They were arguing—Jackson demanding Olivia terminate the pregnancy while she adamantly refused.
Jackson admitted that his relationship with Olivia was purely physical, mutual satisfaction of needs, and that his true feelings were for me. Therefore, he wouldn't agree to marriage or attend the engagement party.
This surprised me; I almost believed Jackson truly loved me.
I laughed coldly, suddenly losing my appetite for the noodles, and pushed the bowl aside.
Looking around at this apartment I'd rented for just a year, I sighed.
It was time to move.
I knew Jackson would eventually give in to this marriage, but he wouldn't let me go easily either.
Jackson loved me—it was genuine love, but also cheap.
I didn't want trouble, so I decided to let this pair of scoundrels have their way!
The next day, Jackson returned my car and came directly to my apartment.
As soon as he entered, he spotted the men's suit jacket on the sofa.
"Alia, this jacket is..." Jackson placed the car keys on the table, his eyes filled with confusion and unease.
He knew such a high-end custom jacket was expensive, and I wasn't the type to have such things.
"As you can see, I've found someone new. We're breaking up," I said bluntly, not wanting to waste time.
Jackson was stunned. "Alia..."
He wanted to know if this was because of Olivia, but didn't dare bring it up.
"Is there anything else? If not, please leave," I said without even looking at him.
"You found out something, didn't you? That's why you're using this excuse to dismiss me, to humiliate me!" Jackson's eyes reddened.
I continued packing my belongings without responding.
Jackson grew desperate and grabbed my wrist, forcing me to stop.
When he pulled me up, he saw my reddened eyes.
"What did I find out?" I challenged, then shook off his hand. "Don't touch me. You're filthy!"
Jackson stood frozen.
"So you know everything?"
"Yes! This is best for both of us. Let's free each other and never meet again!"
My eyes were empty, my expression blank.
The two of us remained silent for a long time.
"Leave now. Let's maintain some dignity."
I walked back to my bedroom, closed the door, and lay on the bed, silently crying.
Jackson's world had collapsed.
