Chapter 2

Moira went abroad. The spot and funding were all provided by Felix.

She said she wanted to study overseas, and he gave his full support.

As for me, as the protagonist of an arranged marriage between two families, he had no right to refuse.

The gathering was even more unbearable than I’d imagined.

Someone ordered a pizza with a strong smell. My stomach churned, and I covered my mouth, excusing myself from the table with claims of discomfort.

The restroom was inside the private room, with mediocre soundproofing.

So when Moira said she‘d returned to the country to pursue her love, I heard it crystal clear.

A wave of jeering voices flooded into my ears like a tide.

"Who could make Moira chase after them? Tell us!"

"I wouldn’t dare say. I might make someone angry."

"Just say it. Who would dare get angry with you? Worst case, I‘ll help you pursue them." This was Felix’s voice.

"You said it."

"Yeah."

"That person is far away in the horizon, yet close before your eyes."

The room outside suddenly fell silent, frozen like my breath.

Gradually laughter returned. I heard Felix‘s helpless voice.

"Moira, stop playing around."

I pushed the door open.

Only then did I discover that Moira had calmly taken my seat, leaning against Felix, her eyes still holding affection she hadn’t withdrawn.

Felix was the first to stand and walk over, his eyes full of concern. "Feeling better?"

Like so many times before, the slightest show of emotion from him could make me feel like I was bathed in spring breeze.

No matter what happened, as long as he spoke, I would automatically let everything slide.

Because his dignity was more important than my emotions.

And he seemed certain that I would always be understanding.

I looked up at him and slapped him hard across the face.

Those usually cold and composed eyes suddenly showed a moment of confusion.

Moira‘s scream rang out from nearby.

"Claire! Have you lost your mind!"

I just stared coldly at the man I’d loved for so many years. "Felix, let‘s get divorced."

Felix had always treated me well.

As a husband, he was nearly perfect.

The Harper family had strict rules. He knew exactly what attitude to take toward his wife’s behavior.

So when I slapped him in public and declared I wanted a divorce, he only frowned.

"Claire, let‘s talk about this when we get home."

Everyone else was silent, except Moira speaking loudly.

"If you have something to say, say it properly.

Don’t get physical. Why don‘t I come home with you both, I could—"

I finally gave her my first proper look of the day.

"Come home with us? Who do you think you are?"

Felix’s brow remained furrowed. "Claire, Moira‘s just trying to help. You don’t need to be so sensitive."

He didn‘t say a word when I slapped him—but the moment my tone toward Moira was slightly harsh, he suddenly became talkative.

My vision finally blurred.

But I didn’t expect Moira‘s tears to fall before mine.

"Claire, did you hear what I said earlier as a joke? If you’re uncomfortable, I apologize right now."

She bent at the waist, her tears falling onto the carpet.

I just stared at her coldly.

"Actually, you don‘t need to take it to heart. You might not know this, but Felix and I often joke like this. All the guys know about it."

"I’ve been away from the country so long, I almost forgot you two are married. It‘s all my fault..."

The classmates who’d been watching from the sidelines started trying to smooth things over.

"Yeah, Claire, don‘t be angry. She really didn’t mean it that way."

"Felix is already married to you. Moira knows where the line is."