Chapter 3

I headed to the workplace to hand in my notice of resignation. My boss was taken aback and attempted to convince me to reconsider, but I remained firm in my decision to depart.

Initially, I had accepted this position to be near Xena, to look after her.

However, that was no longer a necessity.

The previous evening, I had a video conversation with my folks, informing them of my intention to leave my job and come back home.

I noticed tears of happiness in my mother's eyes.

My father's health has been declining recently, and he's been finding it challenging to manage the small grocery store on his own.

When I mention "home," I'm referring to a city by the sea, not some remote village.

Xena had consistently refused to return with me, claiming she couldn't adjust to the local cuisine. So I left my parents behind to find employment here with her.

That night, I dined with my friends and shared the news with them.

They all concurred that returning was the right choice, as my parents' well-being took precedence.

After a few drinks, someone unexpectedly inquired, "What about Xena? Is she willing to accompany you back now?"

I paused briefly, then gave a wry smile. "No, we'll likely end our relationship."

I once believed I could establish a home here with Xena, and eventually bring my parents to join us.

But now that home had vanished, and I was returning to the one with my parents – the one that would always be there for me.

Upon arriving at my residence, I saw Xena donning a white gown, her dark hair loose, face immaculately made up, engaged in a video chat with Remy on her mobile.

Remy's voice came through the speaker: "Snow, you look absolutely stunning. Even in a basic white dress, you resemble a mythical creature!"

Xena chuckled, shyly covering her face. "Really? You're still such a charmer."

I stood there mutely. This "basic" white dress had cost me a month's wages when I purchased it for her.

Xena turned around, still smiling, but her expression changed when she saw me. She quickly told Remy, "I need to go now. I'll be there shortly. Have something to eat while you wait."

Xena could be all warmth and attentiveness for Remy, but she couldn't even spare a smile for me.

She looked at me with revulsion, then walked past me to put on her shoes and exit.

She was initiating her cold shoulder routine again.

Throughout our years together, she often gave me the silent treatment over matters related to Remy.

Each time, I would be anxious, trying everything to appease her.

This time, I wasn't nervous. I just took the food items to prepare myself a late supper.

I had been drinking with my friends earlier and hadn't eaten much, so I was slightly hungry now.

Over the subsequent days, I was occupied with transferring my work responsibilities and packing my belongings.

My possessions in the house were gradually disappearing, but Xena didn't notice.

Today, Xena went out again to meet Remy.

I sat at the dining table, browsing my phone while eating.

Remy had posted on Instagram: "Whenever I feel solitary, you're always there for me. I'm so appreciative!"

The image showed Xena and Remy with their heads together, making victory signs at the camera.

Xena's female friends were all commenting, admiring their bond.

They had always thought Xena should be with Remy, and that I was the intruder disrupting their relationship.

Observing that Instagram post, I suddenly felt that Xena's friends weren't mistaken – they did appear more like a couple.

Previously, after enduring silently for extended periods, I would gently remind Xena to maintain some distance from Remy to avoid misunderstandings.

Her friends would then ridicule me for being too controlling, saying I was stifling Xena and not allowing her any freedom to have friends.

Xena never defended me. Instead, she joined them in criticizing me, telling me not to restrict her and to give her more liberty.

Xena had commented: "You're always there for me too!"

I exited Instagram without any emotional reaction and got up to clear the table.

Thunder rumbled outside. Rain was imminent.

I went to the balcony to bring in the laundry, and large raindrops began hitting the windows.

In the past, whenever it rained, I would anxiously call Xena to ask where she was and rush out with an umbrella to collect her, worried she might get even slightly damp.

She and her friends would then mock me for being like an old woman, fretting too much and spoiling their enjoyment.

I showered early and lay in bed scrolling through short videos, eventually drifting off to sleep without realizing it.

The sound of Xena forcefully pushing open my bedroom door woke me up. Seeing that I was sleeping, she angrily questioned me.

"Ezra, it's pouring outside, and your girlfriend isn't home yet. Aren't you concerned at all? If it were my friends' boyfriends, they'd be calling non-stop asking where they are and rushing out with umbrellas to collect them! What about you?!"