Chapter 3

After that fight, Julian never came back to our bedroom.

The two of them were practically glued to each other every single day.

When Rebecca went downstairs to buy snacks, he’d jump up to accompany her.

When Rebecca wanted to go to the opera, he’d smile and say it was classy, tagging along.

When Rebecca went to get her hair done, he’d sit by her side, telling her how beautiful she looked.

In the past, whenever I begged Julian to do these things with me, he’d look annoyed and say:

"What’s the point of me tag-along? It’s a waste of time. You won't die if you go by yourself."

But now, with someone else, he was more than willing.

It wasn't that he hated doing those things. He just hated wasting his time on me.

I couldn't sleep at all that night.

The sound of giggling from the living room kept echoing in my ears. I finally got out of bed and walked out.

I saw the two of them snuggled close on the couch, watching a movie.

Rebecca spoke first:

"Chloe, come watch with us! If we cuddle, the horror movie isn't scary at all."

Julian chimed in from the side, scoffing:

"Your 'sister-in-law' doesn't like cuddling. She thinks people smell bad."

Rebecca pulled her collar open, sniffing herself, and then leaned in to let Julian sniff her too:

"It must be you who smells bad to her then!"

I walked over to the dining table, forcing myself to watch their disgusting intimacy.

Suddenly, a notification pinged.

I looked down at the table and saw it was Julian’s phone.

A message from his group chat popped up on the screen.

"Women are such a pain. How did you get so unlucky to marry that drama queen?"

"She’s so jealous. She gets triggered the second she sees another girl."

"You should have just married Rebecca in the first place. Would’ve saved you all this trouble."

I picked up his phone. For the first time in our marriage, I snooped. I found a secret Instagram account logged in.

On Valentine’s Day evening, Julian had taken Rebecca to a luxury mall and bought her a gold necklace.

His post read: Congrats to my Becca for unlocking a new chapter in life. I’ll always be by your side.

All his bros had liked and commented on it.

"Congrats, man! Dad of the year!"

"When are you guys getting registered? I'll carry the City Hall to you myself."

Rebecca had replied: Any day now.

Julian had liked her comment.

The entire comment section was filled with congratulations.

He had created multiple burner accounts on social media. Any post involving him and Rebecca was strictly blocked from my view.

I had trusted him for nine years, and he had spent nine years deceiving me.

I took his phone and threw it right in his face.

"Getting registered any day now? Julian, then what the hell am I to you?"

Caught off guard, his face went completely pale.

"Chloe, let me explain. It’s not what you think..."

I interrupted him with a bitter laugh:

"Then what is it? Am I blind, or am I just stupid?"

I marched back to my room. After hesitating for a long time, I opened Snapchat and texted my childhood friend, Luke.

"Luke, help me find a ruthless divorce lawyer."

The next day, Rebecca started experiencing morning sickness. She couldn't keep anything down.

Julian was worried sick. He drove across the city to buy her favorite instant ramen.

He coaxed her gently:

"Come on, eat a little, my princess."

Rebecca pouted: "Feed me, J."

So, Julian fed her, spoonful by spoonful.

I couldn't stand the sight of them, so I packed a bag and checked into a hotel.

Not long after, my mom called, crying. She said my dad had been hit by a car, and the driver had fled. She told me to get to the hospital immediately.

Even though our marriage was over, I didn't want to make a scene in front of my parents during such a crisis.

I called Julian. He hesitated on the phone.

"I’m busy right now. I have an important Zoom meeting. Go ahead first, I’ll get there as soon as I can."

I spent the whole evening running around the hospital alone, filling out paperwork, paying bills, and waiting outside the operating room.

Somehow, Luke got the news. He rushed to the hospital with hot food. He didn't ask any questions; he just quietly sat by my side, keeping me company.

It wasn't until late at night that Julian finally showed up.

He smelled strongly of grilled steak and seafood.

I stood up abruptly, rushed over to him, and yelled:

"Do you have any idea that my dad is in there fighting for his life? And you were out there having a feast with her? Are you even human?!"

His eyes darted away guiltily:

"The meeting ran late. Rebecca said she was craving steak, so I just took her out to eat."

My heart went completely cold.

He had chased me for three years, we dated for three years, and we had been married for three years.

Nine years of my life, completely wasted on a dog. In my most desperate hour, he was keeping his "bestie" company.

I laughed so hard tears came out of my eyes.

"Julian, let me ask you one thing. Before you did that 'favor' for her, did you think about me even once?"

He snapped back defensively:

"Why can't you just trust me for once?!"