Chapter 2

I didn't storm back right away.

Instead, I got a text from Chloe.

She said: “I really just need a few days to transition.”

I replied: “Fine, five days max. No guests, no lock changes, and stay out of my study.”

She had replied: “Deal.”

Every single word now felt like a joke.

At 9:50 AM, I stood outside my door with Marcus, the building manager.

This time, the door opened quickly.

It was Chloe.

Her hair was in a messy bun, and she was wearing a black lounge cardigan I had bought for her.

Seeing Marcus and the security guard behind me, her expression soured.

"Was it really necessary to bring a whole crowd?"

I pushed past her and walked inside.

Three people were sitting in the dining room.

Tyler was leaning back in a chair, casually sipping coffee like he owned the place.

An older woman sat at the head of the table, drinking the last bottle of organic milk I had left in the fridge.

An older man sat on the sofa watching TV, with two large suitcases resting near his feet.

The master bedroom door was wide open, with their clothes scattered all over my bed.

The older woman looked up and frowned at me.

"So you're the ex?"

Before I could speak, she slammed her fork onto the table.

"Young man, have some self-respect. Chloe is about to marry my son. Showing up here to harass her? Aren't you embarrassed?"

I turned to Chloe.

"So this is what you meant by Tyler staying for 'one night'?"

Her lips trembled.

"His parents... they just came to see the place."

I repeated, "See the place?"

Tyler wiped his mouth and slowly stood up.

"Yeah. To inspect our future home."

Chloe looked at me, keeping her voice low but loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Ethan, please don't lose your mind in front of Tyler's parents."

Tyler's mother chimed in immediately. "My son bought this place for their marriage. Who gave you the right to come in here and throw a tantrum?"

Marcus couldn't hold back anymore.

"Ma'am, the building registry lists Mr. Ethan as the sole owner of this condo, not Mr. Tyler."

Tyler's mother blinked, then let out a harsh laugh.

"Your system must be outdated. My son is too busy with work to update the paperwork."

Tyler added, "The title transfer is still processing. You guys from management should mind your own business."

I almost laughed out loud.

"Title transfer?"

I pulled out my phone and started recording.

Chloe immediately reached out to block the camera.

"Ethan, what are you doing? There are elders here. Have some manners!"

I lowered my phone and stared at her.

"Chloe, did you show me any respect when you let them in here?"

Her face turned pale.

Tyler's mother kept nagging.

"You're a grown man. Getting dumped and refusing to let go? It's pathetic."

Tyler's father hadn't said a word, but he glared at me with hostile eyes.

I didn't want to waste my breath on them.

I turned toward my study to grab the paper copy of my deed from the drawer.

But after two steps, I froze.

On Tyler's left wrist was a vintage mechanical watch.

It had a silver dial with a tiny scratch on the bezel.

It was the watch my dad left me before he passed away.

I always kept it in the deepest corner of my study drawer.

Now, it was on Tyler's wrist.

My voice went entirely cold.

"Take that watch off."