Chapter 4

Without my usual haste to help her with her luggage, Melody had to struggle with her heavy bags as she entered the house.

She then carefully approached the study door, peeking in: "This photo you took is so evocative. The composition and lighting are amazing."

I had expected Melody to scold me for messing up the study again, but to my surprise, she was complimenting my photography work.

"Hmm, took a lot of practice to get it right," I said, not pausing as I adjusted the photo's parameters.

"Why aren't you at work today? Did you take the day off just to take photos and wait for me to come home?"

Seeing her lean expectantly against the doorframe, I calmly replied:

"I quit my job."

"What? How could you not tell me about something so important?"

"Didn't you say not to bother you with trivial work matters?"

Melody's expression froze, and she stood there stunned.

My job in marketing had always been stressful. I used to confide in Melody about the challenges I faced at work and difficult clients.

But she complained that I was always spreading negativity, saying that Mason never grumbled about his job and was always positive,

telling me to stop whining about work like a broken record.

After that, I stopped discussing work with her altogether."I'll go rest first, you finish up here," I said, moving past Melody to continue organizing the shooting materials.

"Why is there only one takeout order..." Melody looked at the lone food container on the table, her expression displeased.

"I thought you'd eaten with Mason already. Why don't you order something for yourself?"

"Draven, you're going too far!" Melody's eyes welled up with tears as she quickly turned and walked into the bedroom.

I shrugged helplessly and continued eating my takeout.

I really couldn't understand.

Where had I gone too far?

Hadn't she always come back after dining with Mason in the past?

How many times had the food I'd left for her gone cold and been thrown away?

There was no need to waste food anymore.

After finishing my meal, I headed out to attend a photography workshop,

completely ignoring the sound of things being thrown around in the bedroom.

These days, the progress I've made in photography techniques, the recognition I've received,

and the group of like-minded photography enthusiasts I've met have all made my life rich and exciting.

Rather than bringing me down, the disappointment in my love life has made me appreciate my current freedom even more.

In the evening, the realtor sent a message saying they'd found a place that met my requirements.Meanwhile, Melody also sent a message, asking me to come home early.

I only replied to the real estate agent saying I'd be there right away.

After taking care of the house matters, I rushed home to pack my luggage.

Opening the front door, I saw flickering candlelight in the dimly lit living room.

And there was Melody, meticulously dressed with flawless makeup.