Chapter 4

The planner texted me the finalized floor plan for the venue.

I forwarded Sean's contact card to her and told her to deal with him directly.

She typed for a long time before simply replying: "Got it."

Once everything was squared away, I blocked her number.

Sitting in my car, a TikTok notification popped up on my screen: "People You May Know."

I clicked it. It was Stella's profile.

She had posted a photo set thirty minutes ago.

"You said the best thing in life is having the right person by your side. Right now, I feel the exact same way. /heart"

The first photo showed two hands tightly intertwined, wearing matching rings.

The comments were flooded with congratulations.

My eyes locked onto the pinned comment at the very top. It was from Sean: "Me too. /heart"

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

Months ago, I had asked Sean to follow me on TikTok.

He had frowned, claiming he hated the app, and refused.

Yet right there on his profile, his following list proudly showed a count of one.

I had known all along that they were crossing lines, so why was I still clinging to hope?

I didn't scroll any further. I deleted the app from my phone.

The next morning, I went to the office and handed in my two weeks' notice.

My HR manager was shocked and teased me, "Chloe, what's going on? Are you quitting to become a full-time housewife? Take it from an older sister—always keep your own career."

I gave her a small, sad smile.

"No, I broke up with him. I'm taking some time off."

Her smile faded, and she let out a long sigh without asking more.

I had taken this job in the first place just to have more to talk about with Sean.

Once the paperwork was done, I booked the earliest flight out of the city and drove to a viral bistro I had wanted to try for months.

As the hostess led me to a table, my eyes landed on Sean and Stella.

I had begged Sean for days to take me here.

Every time, he told me he was swamped with work and didn't have a spare minute.

And yet, here he was.

They looked up and froze when they saw me.

"Chloe? What are you doing here?"

His tone dripped with suspicion, as if I had followed them.

I met his gaze calmly.

"It’s a public restaurant."

Stella smiled sweetly. "Why don't you join us, Chloe?"

I glanced at their table. Before I showed up, Sean had been peeling shrimp for her.

I shook my head. "No, thanks."

I followed the hostess to a table on the far side of the room, as far away from them as possible.

A minute later, Sean’s text popped up on my phone.

"Stop stalking me. If you want to know where I am, just text me. I'll tell you."

I found it almost funny and typed back: "It was an accident."

He left me on read.

I took my time finishing my meal. When I finally looked up, Sean and Stella were already gone.

Another text from him buzzed on my screen.

"Stella and I are going to check on Mochi at the vet. Since you hate cats, you don't need to come."

Fine by me.

I was used to it anyway. Used to being left behind. Used to being alone.

My flight was booked for the afternoon of our engagement party.

Sean clearly hadn't set foot in the apartment for the past two days, or he would have noticed all my things were gone.

Or maybe he just didn't care enough to notice.

With a cold, mocking smile, I drafted a final text message.

After hitting send, I popped out my SIM card, threw it in the trash, and boarded the plane without a single regret.

Sean was driving with Stella sitting in the passenger seat, beaming. "Sean, we need to take tons of photos today!"

Sean glanced at what she was wearing.

"Stella, once you get your photos, change into something else. Today is my engagement party with Chloe, after all."

Stella's smile stiffened for a fraction of a second before recovering.

"I know, Sean! Chloe wouldn't be that petty, would she?"

Sean didn't answer.

At a red light, he checked his phone. He had texted Chloe this morning, but she still hadn't replied.

An uneasy feeling tugged at his chest. He sent her another message.

No response, all the way until he pulled up to the venue.

The party was about to start. When he pushed open the double doors of the private dining hall, only his own family and relatives were seated inside.

Sean stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing in irritation.

He pulled out his phone to call Chloe.

Just then, a new notification flashed on his screen. Sean clicked it, and all the color drained from his face.