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432words
After all, besides making water, I did everything — scouting, night watch, cooking, managing supplies. I even washed their clothes.
The ones claiming to contribute did nothing but throw their weight around with their abilities.
But Chloe made the same choice as before. She looked at me, helpless.
“Mia, maybe just skip it this time? If I lose authority, the team falls apart.”
Past me was an idiot. I bought it every time, scared the team would break apart because of me.
Before I answered, Chloe instinctively grabbed the barrel from me.
“Okay, since that's settled, let's share this —”
“No. This water is mine.”
Before she could finish, I cut in.
I stood firm, blocking her, gripping the barrel tightly.
Chloe was stunned. She stared at me in disbelief.
“Mia, stop causing trouble, okay? Do you really want everyone to turn on each other?”
“If I did something wrong, I'm sorry!”
She played the righteous leader while I looked like a selfish brat.
Zach rushed forward, pulling Chloe into his arms.
“Mia, how much longer are you going to keep this up?”
“Chloe's the only one who wants you here. Aren't you grateful? Now you're bullying her in front of everyone? Over some water?”
Chloe started sobbing softly. She weakly pushed at Zach.
“Zach, stay back.”
“Mia's only acting like this because of you. We're just friends. Don't get too close. I don't want her to misunderstand.”
That “explanation” made Zach even angrier. He held Chloe tighter.
“Chloe, since you said it, I can't hold back anymore.”
“I never loved Mia. Before all this, she was sweet. But now? She's selfish, puts herself above the team. I can't love someone like that.”
“Now… I love you, Chloe. Will you be with me?”
As he spoke, he pulled out a diamond ring.
In this scorching hell, most factories had shut down. Basic survival was a struggle.
But that well-crafted ring glittered painfully in the sun.
I recognized it instantly — a matching set I'd traded weeks of water for from a passing group.
I gave one to Zach, and he promised me forever.
He took the other too, saying he'd give me a grand proposal after the apocalypse with it.
I coldly watched Chloe protest through tears as she took the ring.
My heart wasn't breaking anymore — just disgust and hatred.
I clapped sharply, pulling everyone's attention to me.
“Since you all think I'm worthless, I'm leaving the team today.”
The moment I said it, Chloe panicked.
“You can't!”
