Chapter 3
354words
He shot me a cold glare,
“It was your birthday yesterday. Why didn't you remind me?”
I stayed silent.
“Here, I got you something,” he said, handing me a thin gold necklace.
I glanced at it.
It was delicate—almost weightless.
Nothing like the lavish diamonds set he'd bought for Chloe.
You can always tell how someone really feels by what they give you.
“Put it on. I'll cook for you later—we can celebrate properly.”
“No thanks,” I said flatly.
Belated gifts and forced attention only made me resent him more.
Ryan noticed my tone and scowled,
“I'm trying here! What else do you want? Why are you always making things difficult?”
I met his eyes calmly,
“I'm not making anything difficult.”
He threw the necklace on the floor and stomped on it,
“I know what this is about—it was just one photo! Her daughter's school asked for a family picture—that's the only reason I did it!”
He let out an exaggerated sigh,
“Besides, you upset her. Wasn't it right that I got her a gift? I haven't even asked you to apologize!”
Arguing so soon after giving birth wasn't good for me.
I took a slow breath,
“You're right.”
Just then, a notification popped up—my resignation had been approved.
I booked a flight for five days later and texted my lawyer, full custody, no compromise.
Done, I turned toward to the bedroom to rest.
Ryan glared at my back, furious,
“I'm still talking to you! Where are you going?”
“To lie down,” I said, not looking back.
As I closed the bedroom door, I heard crashing sounds from the living room.
The divorce process moved ahead.
Three days later, as I was packing, Get here called.
“North Beach outdoor bar. It's urgent. Get here now.”
The wind was strong at North Beach—not ideal so soon after delivery.
I was about to refuse when he called again. And again.
When I arrived, bundled up, Chloe and Ryan were sitting close together.
One of his friends looked me over and sneered,
“She wasn't kidding—Ryan's side piece is kinda... frumpy.”
