Chapter 5

Elara's POV

I stayed in the hospital for three days. Lucas didn't call even once.

Looking at the empty chat interface, my heart remained unmoved. I completed the discharge procedures. Theodore wanted to take me back, but I refused.

"Give me one last bit of time. I need to give myself closure."

Theodore looked at me deeply but didn't force me. "Alright. I'll wait for you downstairs. When you're done, I'll take you home."

I returned alone to the apartment where Lucas and I had lived together for five years. The moment I opened the door, I froze.

At the entrance sat a pair of unfamiliar women's slippers. Several pink coats were thrown on the sofa. The table was covered with various imported snacks and medicine bottles.

The air was filled with a sickly sweet perfume scent. Serena's favorite.

The bedroom door opened, and Lucas came out carrying a glass of warm water.

Seeing me, he frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of reproach.

"Where have you been these past few days? You didn't even send me a message. Are you still throwing a tantrum?"

I didn't answer. My gaze moved past him to look at the master bedroom.

Serena, wearing my pajamas, walked out from the master bedroom. Seeing me, she immediately put on a frightened expression.

"Elara, you're back. I'm sorry. The pipes in my apartment burst, and Lucas was afraid I'd be scared alone, so he let me stay here temporarily."

She paused, then added, "I thought the master bedroom bed was most comfortable, so Lucas gave me the master bedroom. Elara, you don't mind, do you?"

I looked at the new pajamas on Serena that I hadn't even worn yet, then at Lucas's matter-of-fact expression, and suddenly felt utterly disgusted.

"I don't mind." My tone was frighteningly calm. "If you two like it, take it all."

Lucas breathed a sigh of relief. He thought I finally understood him. "I'm glad you understand. Serena's health isn't good. Sleep in the guest room these next few days and don't disturb her."

I ignored him and walked straight into the guest room, pulling out my suitcase.

I started packing. Clothes, skincare products, documents... anything that belonged to me, I packed into the suitcase piece by piece.

Lucas stood in the doorway, watching my actions. "What are you doing? Packing to go where?"

"Moving out." I didn't look up.

"Elara, haven't you had enough!" Lucas finally lost his temper, slamming his hand on my suitcase. "Serena's only staying temporarily for a few days. Do you really need to be so petty about it? You didn't use to be this small-minded!"

I stopped, looked up, and stared at him coldly.

"Lucas, do you think that no matter how much you trample on my boundaries, I'll stay by your side like a dog?"

Lucas avoided my gaze. He didn't dare look directly at me. "I didn't trample on your boundaries. I'm just helping someone in need!"

"Is that so?" I laughed lightly, forcefully pulling back my suitcase. "Then take good care of her. I wish you two the best together forever."

I zipped up the suitcase, took off the diamond ring Lucas had given me when he proposed, and casually tossed it on the table.

"Lucas, we're breaking up."