Chapter 3

"Chloe? What are you doing here?"

The speaker was Amber, Ethan's former college classmate.

This was a small networking event for local illustrators. I hadn't checked the sponsor list before coming.

As I pushed the door open, I realized Hailey’s company logo was prominently displayed on the check-in wall.

"I'm here for the event," I said.

Amber's eyes darted behind me, her expression turning awkward. "You know Ethan is here too, right?"

I didn't.

But before I could turn around and leave, Hailey had already spotted me.

She was wearing that white windbreaker. The exact one I had spent two hours picking out online.

She walked toward me, her smile brighter than the sun.

"Chloe, what a coincidence!"

Ethan followed closely behind her, his face dark.

Hailey naturally wrapped her arm around his. "Ethan, look, Chloe is here too. Come join our table, Chloe."

A few of Hailey’s coworkers nearby whispered to each other while glancing at me.

I caught their words.

"Is that the ex? I heard she got dumped and has been badmouthing everyone since."

I ignored them and found a seat near the edge of the room.

During the open networking session, I went to the refreshment table to grab some water. Hailey followed me.

"Are you here alone, Chloe? Didn't bring any friends?"

"No."

"You must be feeling pretty lonely," she said, taking a bite of a cookie, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. "What have you been working on lately? I noticed you haven't posted on Instagram in ages."

"Just some personal projects."

"Oh? What kind? Let me see!"

As she leaned in, I caught the scent of her perfume. It was orange blossom.

I used to wear that exact same scent.

Three years ago, Ethan said he loved it, so I kept buying it.

Then one day, he told me he was tired of it and asked me to switch to something else.

It turned out he just wanted Hailey to wear it instead.

"Chloe, why are you spacing out?" Hailey waved a hand in front of my face. "You look so pale. Should I ask Ethan to drive you home? He’s a really safe driver, you know."

When she said "you know," a small, knowing smirk played on her lips.

I did know. He was a very safe driver. It just depended on who was sitting in the passenger seat.

When I returned to my seat, Hailey's coworkers were chatting, their voices just loud enough for me to hear.

"Hailey and Ethan look so good together. Way better than his previous girlfriend."

"The ex was so dull. She barely talked and didn't even know how to dress up."

"Ethan always looked so stressed when he was with her. Look at him now, he’s glowing."

Ethan was sitting diagonally across from me, talking to an industry veteran.

Hailey sat beside him, occasionally handing him his water. It looked as natural as breathing.

He did look genuinely relaxed.

In our five years together, I had rarely seen him smile with such ease.

After the event ended, I walked out of the building. Ethan ran up from behind and stopped me.

For a split second, I thought he was going to apologize, explain, or at least ask if I was okay.

"Why did you come here?" he hissed, his voice hushed as if terrified someone would overhear. "Did you do this on purpose? To embarrass me at an event like this?"

I looked at him.

There was no guilt on his face. Only irritation.

"You think "you're" the one who's embarrassed?" I asked.

"What do you think? Everyone is watching. How am I supposed to explain this?"

"You don't have to explain anything. You never do. You just need to make me feel like I’m the one who shouldn't have shown up."

He froze.

I turned and walked away.

Behind me, Hailey’s voice drifted over: "Ethan, come on! Everyone is waiting for us to grab dinner!"

He didn't run after me.

He never did.