5
629words
I first met Liam in middle school.
He was my age, but his eyes held a sadness and maturity beyond his years.
He was quiet, didn't like talking.
I'd pester him with questions every day.
I was his little shadow for three years.
In high school, I finally confessed.
I asked him, "Liam, I like you. Would you go out with me?"
He was calm and distant as always. "Thanks, but I don't feel the same."
From that day on, I left him alone.
We went to different colleges.
I became an actress.
He entered a singing competition, debuted, and released hit songs.
I heard he'd found someone he loved and had a grand wedding.
His wife became a homemaker, and his career took off.
I was sad for my youth, but glad I'd liked someone so wonderful.
We met again after an awards show.
I slipped out early and found him drunk on the sidewalk.
I'd never seen him so broken.
Like he'd lost the will to live.
I walked over, cupped his face.
He buried his head in my chest and cried like his heart was breaking.
All the love I'd suppressed for years came rushing back.
I couldn't help falling for him again.
I thought I could save him, so I stood by him.
He moved into my apartment with nothing. I gave everything to help him recover.
I thought I was happy.
If only Mia hadn't appeared.
For two years of marriage,
Every fight was about Mia.
He always said Mia was struggling alone.
He had to take care of her.
So he video-called her every day without guilt.
He'd help her pack at midnight if she asked.
He'd fly to another city for cheesecakes if she wanted, even if I had a fever.
I argued, cried, forced him to choose between us.
He'd go cold.
His anger was terrifying.
Once, I said he should focus on original music, not cover pop songs.
He lost it.
He thought I only said that because Mia liked those songs.
No matter how I apologized, he wouldn't soften.
He left me on the roadside in pouring rain.
The rain stung, and my feet blistered.
I walked home alone.
I had a high fever, and he didn't visit once.
I was scared then.
I was afraid he'd leave me.
I had to beg and promise never to interfere with his work to make up.
But he let Mia become his agent.
Controlling all his work.
Everything I did was a joke.
That same day,
I got a message from Mia.
Asking to meet at a café.
She dressed low-key, afraid of being recognized.
She was the center of attention now.
She started crying the moment she saw me.
"Chloe, please help me."
I smirked at her performance.
As an actress, her skills were clumsy.
I didn't know what she was planning.
I played along.
"How can I help you?"
She paused. "I'm just an uneducated divorced woman—I can't find a job."
"I supported Liam from nothing. For ten years, I never bought new clothes. I suffered so much—that's why I left."
I replied coldly, "If I remember correctly, you got together after he debuted. You lived in a 3000 sq ft penthouse. What suffering?"
She looked uncomfortable. "It was all for show… I really couldn't afford…"
"He gave you everything in the divorce, right? Enough for a lifetime."
"I… invested it all in his company…"
I didn't want to hear more nonsense.
"What do you want?"
"When you divorce, give the apartment to Liam."
I was speechless.
How did she grow up like this?
My pre-marital property—give it to Liam, so he can support her?
