Chapter 4

　　When I moved closer to Laurel, Ted suddenly shoved me away.

　　With a loud "bang," I collided with an easel, and the paint beside it splashed all over me.

　　Laurel let out a laugh.

　　"You look like a clown now."

　　I was a mess, while Ted stood there, still glaring at me in dissatisfaction.

　　When Laurel looked down at me, I suddenly noticed the starry necklace tucked into her collar.

　　At that moment, I had only one thought: to take the necklace back.

　　In the next second, I lunged at Laurel.

　　She was startled and quickly stepped back.

　　Taking advantage of the moment, I grabbed Laurel and forcefully pulled the necklace out of her neck.

　　The moment I touched the necklace, the turmoil in my heart calmed a little.

　　I gripped the necklace tightly, as though I was holding the most indispensable treasure in my life.

　　A blood mark appeared on Laurel’s neck from where the necklace had been pulled.

　　It was then that Ted reacted and shoved me away hard.

　　I barely regained my balance and shot him the most bitter, resentful look.

　　Ted felt uncomfortable under my gaze.

　　He didn't like me looking at him this way.

　　He preferred when I looked at him with dependence and happiness.

　　Seeing me covered in paint, desperately clutching the necklace, Ted's heart softened.

　　His tone became gentler.

　　"Don’t be so upset. Laurel just likes it. She’s only borrowing it for a few days."

　　Laurel hid behind Ted, glaring at me with a raised chin.

　　I shook my head while tears fell.

　　I didn't argue with him anymore. I turned and left the art studio.

　　When I opened the door, the storm outside was still raging.

　　Looking at my back as I plunged into the rain without hesitation, Ted suddenly felt a sharp pang in his heart.

　　He instinctively wanted to chase after me.

　　But Laurel held him back.

　　After returning home, I took a hot shower.

　　When I finished, I went to bed.

　　Before falling asleep, I still held the necklace tightly in my hand.

　　I knew, Ted and I were completely over.

　　Tomorrow, I would leave, and more than anything, I felt a sense of relief.

　　In the midst of drifting between sleep and wakefulness,

　　The door opened.

　　I felt someone walking in.

　　"Sigh…"

　　It was Ted.

　　He sighed deeply.

　　Perhaps because of the rain from earlier, I felt faint and couldn’t open my eyes.

　　I heard Ted say, "What should I do, Alice? I think… I think I can’t bear it."

　　The next day, after the rain had passed, the sky cleared.

　　When I woke up, I was alone in the large villa.

　　After having breakfast, I grabbed my already packed luggage and left.

　　As I reached the door, I ran into Damien.

　　He came to find me, originally to scold me.

　　Last night, Laurel had complained to him, asking how I could make such a fuss over a broken necklace.

　　But when the door opened and he saw my sick and exhausted appearance, he suddenly fell silent.

　　"Where… where are you going?" Damien’s voice softened, as though he was afraid of scaring me.

　　His eyes moved between my suitcase and his hands clenched unconsciously.

　　I forced a smile, with a hint of relief and exhaustion.

　　"I’m tired. I plan to travel."

　　Damien let out a quiet sigh of relief.

　　Not saying anything else, I simply said goodbye to him and walked around him to leave.

　　"Wait." Damien suddenly stretched out his hand to stop me.

　　After a long pause, he quietly said,

　　"I'm sorry."

　　I nodded, then stepped forward and left.

　　When I arrived at the airport, I received a call from Ted.

　　"Alice, wait for me at home. I’ll be back tonight. I… I have something to tell you."

　　"Goodbye."

　　I hung up before he could say anything, then quickly blocked his contact.

　　After finishing these tasks, I boarded the plane without looking back.