Chapter 4

After apologizing at the mall that day, I never spoke to Nathan again.

I quit my job at the mall. During the day, I worked at a coffee shop. At night, I promoted drinks at a bar. I needed to save up enough for my brother's medical expenses as quickly as possible and break free from Nathan's control completely.

Two weeks of nonstop work made me lose a lot of weight. Clothes that used to fit now hung loosely on my frame.

Late one night, I dragged my exhausted body through the front door.

The living room light was on. Nathan sat on the sofa, his expression dark enough to drip water.

"You've been leaving early and coming home late for two weeks. What kind of tantrum are you throwing now?"

Nathan slammed the documents in his hand onto the table. "You quit the mall too. Frost, are you trying to test my limits?"

I didn't stop changing my shoes. I didn't even lift my eyelids. "Didn't you not want me there anyway? I'm just doing what you wanted."

My cold attitude stung Nathan. He shot up and walked over to me, grabbing my wrist. "If you need money, why won't you ask me? I'm your husband!"

"Husband?" I laughed softly and looked up at him. "The husband who threatened me with my brother's life?"

Nathan froze. Regret flickered across his face.

He softened his tone and tried to take my hand. "I was impulsive that day. I've already transferred this month's medical expenses to the hospital account. Quit the bar job tomorrow. That kind of place isn't suitable for you."

"No need." I pulled my hand back. My voice was as flat as still water. "I haven't used your money all these years. This time is no different. I'll pay you back every cent."

Nathan's brow furrowed again. He was about to lose his temper when the guest room door suddenly opened.

Lillian walked out wearing an oversized men's dress shirt, rubbing her eyes. Her voice was soft. "Nathan, you're home? I'm a little thirsty."

My eyes fell on that shirt.

It was Nathan's favorite shirt. Even the housekeeper had to be careful when ironing it.

Nathan noticed my gaze. He looked somewhat uncomfortable as he explained. "Lillian's new place just finished renovations. The formaldehyde levels are too high, not good for pregnant women. I'm letting her stay here temporarily."

"Temporarily?" I looked around.

The living room now had Lillian's favorite lilies. Lillian's maternity pillow was tossed on the sofa. Even the cup on the table had been replaced with Lillian's personal mug.

This wasn't temporary. This was an invasion of my territory.

"Also, the guest room mattress is too soft. Lillian's back hurts when she sleeps on it. Move to the guest room and give her the master bedroom." Nathan spoke in a tone that suggested this was completely reasonable.

I looked at him. I suddenly found it funny.

This was the man I'd loved with everything I had for five years.

For another woman, he was trampling my dignity into the ground step by step.

"Fine." I didn't make a scene. I simply nodded calmly.

Nathan froze.

The next day, I moved my things into the cramped guest room.

When I came home from work that evening, my steps stopped short near the trash can.

In the trash lay a pair of shattered ceramic mugs.

They were cheap, the edges chipped with peeling paint. Five years ago, when we'd just gotten together, we'd bought these matching couple's mugs from a street vendor for ten dollars.

Nathan had pointed at those mugs and sworn he'd treasure me for the rest of his life.

"Oh, Frost, you're home."

Lillian came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of fruit. She glanced at the trash can and said casually, "Those two mugs were so broken and old. They really didn't match the decor. I threw them out. You don't mind, do you?"

I crouched down, my hands trembling as I reached for the fragments.

The sharp ceramic edges cut my finger. Blood immediately welled up, dripping onto the white shards, a shocking sight.

The front door opened. Nathan walked in.

Seeing this scene, he strode over and grabbed my hand. "Are you crazy? Why are you picking up garbage?!"

"Garbage?" I looked up, my eyes red, staring at him intently. "Nathan, this was the first gift you ever gave me."

Nathan paused, his eyes falling on the pile of fragments. He seemed to finally remember something.

But he quickly covered it up, his tone impatient. "It's just a broken mug. It doesn't matter. Tomorrow I'll have my assistant buy you a set of Hermès tableware from the boutique. Don't make such a big fuss over this junk and scare Lillian."

I looked at his cold face. Suddenly I laughed.

I laughed so hard tears streamed down my face.

"You're right." I yanked my hand back violently, letting blood drip onto the floor.

Right in front of Nathan, I picked up the largest fragment I'd been holding and threw it hard back into the trash.

"It is garbage. Should have been thrown out long ago."

Along with my pathetic devotion from these five years. All of it should be discarded.

An inexplicable rage rose in Nathan's chest. "Frost, who are you putting on this show for?! Keep treating me with this attitude, and don't blame me for being heartless!"

I looked at his twisted face, feeling more and more cold toward this five-year relationship.

I didn't say another word. I walked past him and went straight to my room.

The moment the door closed, I heard Lillian's gentle voice comforting him outside.

He'd already become heartless long ago.