Chapter 2

I had zero interest in a half-assed apology gift.

I turned to leave, but Bella frowned, clearly annoyed by my cold reaction.

She hurried after me, but before we could take more than a couple of steps, Julian appeared down the hall.

Dressed in a sharp black suit with a navy-blue designer tie clip, he smiled and walked over to us.

"Bella, thanks for the gift. It fits perfectly. I really love it."

As he spoke, he affectionately reached out and patted the top of her head.

Bella blushed, lowering her head shyly. "I'm just glad you like it. I spent ages picking it out, worried you wouldn't."

They stood there in the corridor, exchanging flirtatious glances like a couple in the honeymoon phase.

Watching them made my stomach turn.

Right then, Julian noticed the empty box in my hand, a look of confusion crossing his face.

"Wait, isn't that the exact box my tie clip came in? Did you get two?"

Panic flashed across Bella's face.

Just as she scrambled for an excuse, I offered a thin smile. "I didn't realize that tie clip was custom-made for you. Is it a crime to have the same taste?"

Sensing the hostility in my voice, Bella’s frown deepened.

"Ethan, what's with the attitude?"

"This is just who I am. If you don't like looking at me, look away."

With that, I tossed the empty box straight into the nearest trash can, dusted off my hands, and walked away.

Trash belongs in the garbage.

Ignoring Bella’s stormy expression, I walked right out of the building.

Looking up at the clear blue sky outside, a wave of relief washed over me.

Letting go of this relationship was probably the best decision I'd ever made.

I drove out to an extreme sports park on the outskirts of the city and tried the bungee jump I had always been too terrified to attempt.

The moment I plunged from the platform into the open air, I knew I was ready for a fresh start.

By the time I was done, dusk had settled over the city.

I checked my phone and saw several missed calls from Bella.

I didn't care. I got into my car, ready to head home.

That was when I stumbled across her colleague's SnapChat story.

They were partying at a club. In the dimly lit corner of a VIP booth, Bella had her arms draped over Julian's shoulders, the two of them locked in a passionate kiss.

A wave of nausea hit me so hard I nearly threw up right there in my car.

All those nights I thought Bella was pulling grueling overtime, she was probably doing this—tangled up with Julian.

Or worse, already in his bed.

And here I was, playing the devoted fiancé, keeping her food warm and trying to be her biggest supporter.

Looking back, I was nothing more than a pathetic clown.

I opened my contacts and called my parents.

"Mom, Dad, I'm calling off the wedding."

"No particular reason. I just fell out of love."

I sat outside in the cold wind for a long time until my face went numb. Only then did I drive back to the apartment.

To my surprise, Bella was already home.

She was sitting on the couch. The moment I flipped the light switch, she looked up at me.

Her dark, doe-like eyes seemed filled with unspoken grievances.