Chapter 1

During a team-building event, we are playing King's Game, a game where anyone who draws the King card gets to order another player around.

The company's new intern, Daniel Zugler, draws the King card. His eyes narrow as he sweeps a glance across everyone present. At last, his gaze lands on my fiancee, Sharon Solt.

"Then how about… Sharon, feed me a grape using your mouth."

There is an immediate uproar, with people slamming their hands on the table, wolf-whistling, or even holding their phones up in preparation to record the moment. Their loud jeering is almost deafening.

I initially think that Sharon will refuse coldly, yet to my surprise, she actually blushes and playfully scolds them, "You guys are seriously too much!"

Following that, she plucks a grape from the fruit platter, bites it gently between her teeth, then leans closer to Daniel.

Daniel smoothly wraps an arm around her shoulders and brings his lips close to hers, almost brushing against them. However, his eyes aren't focused on her. Instead, he gazes past her to shoot me a provocative look.

I immediately jump to my feet, my hand snapping out to seize her wrist.

Silence descends upon the room at my action.

Yet, Sharon yanks her arm out of my grip. "It's just a game. Why are you making such a huge deal about it? Danny's new here, and this is his first team-building event with us. Are you trying to make things difficult for him and humiliate him?"

Subsequently, I don't bother stopping them again, allowing their lips and teeth to clash together.

That night, after we return home, the phone she left on the coffee table suddenly vibrates. A WhatsApp message appears on the screen, sent from someone she saved as "Sunshine" in her contacts.

"Sharon, the grape was quite sweet. Are you going to feed me again next time?"

I lock her phone screen and don't ask any questions.

One week later, Sharon goes on a work trip and has to bring an assistant with her. She chooses Daniel, who has zero experience.

Still, I say nothing, but I do hand in my resignation letter to the HR department.

This time, I won't look back again.

Chapter 1

It was Tuesday today.

By nine in the morning, I had already cleaned out my desk, leaving only one mug behind. It had been a birthday gift from Sharon Solt, my fiancee, last year. On it were printed the words, "World's Best Boyfriend", which was ironic, considering what had happened. Either way, the sight of it was an eyesore to me now.

Marcy Grant of the HR department accepted my resignation letter and paused.

"Simon, are you sure about this? The project bonus will be handed out next month, so if you leave now, that means you just wasted half a year's effort."

I lowered my gaze. "I'm sure."

Marcy sighed. "Did you talk this over with Sharon? Aren't you two—"

"Marcy, please just help me follow the usual procedures."

Seeing how resolute I was, she stopped trying to talk me out of it.

It took a total of 47 steps to get from my work desk to the elevator. As I walked, I thought back to what Sharon had told me the night before she left for her work trip.

At the time, she had been busy packing her suitcase, and she hadn't even bothered raising her head when she asked me, "Simon, you've been really quiet recently. Don't tell me you're still mad about what happened the other day?"

I didn't respond.

Tossing a jacket into her suitcase, she zipped it before continuing, "I've been working at the company for four years. As a man, could you not be so petty? Danny was just a little too excited that day. Just who are you showing that grumpy face to? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I was after that? Everyone in the department is saying that my fiance is an easily jealous man."

From my position leaning against the doorway, I stared at her and replied, "Am I not allowed to be jealous, considering what you two did?"

Perhaps she was recalling the event, for her cheeks flushed red in a blush, and even her voice sounded small when she said, "I already told you. It was just a game…"

I laughed. "Then what about the nickname you saved him as in your contacts? Sunshine?"

For a brief second, Sharon froze in the process of pulling her suitcase upright. "You went through my phone?"

"I happened to see it when the message popped up on your screen."

She stood up to pin me with an impatient glare. "Simon Lane, since when did you become so sensitive? Danny just graduated and is only 22 years old, practically a kid. What sort of relationship could I possibly be in with him? You're my fiance! Don't you have any confidence in yourself?"

I returned her gaze. "I am confident in myself. But that day, when you were feeding him the grape, he used his tongue."

Sharon was momentarily surprised before she laughed. "How did you even see that? Do your eyes have a zoom function or something?"

A suffocating feeling weighed on my chest, and I answered anxiously, "I'm your man, so of course, I was able to notice it."

Hearing that, Sharon moved over to hug me and rest her head against my chest. "Alright, alright. I just thought it must've been nerve-wracking for him, being a newcomer and all, so I wanted to help ease the atmosphere. Don't overthink it. Once I return from my trip, I'll make it up to you, okay?"

The scent of her usual perfume tickled my nose, but this was the first time I found the smell somewhat unfamiliar.

That night, I wasn't able to sleep. At two in the morning, I climbed out of bed to get a glass of water, only to see Sharon's phone light up once more.

Daniel Zugler, the new intern and also the person saved as "Sunshine" in her contacts, had sent her a photo. In it was a pink suitcase exactly the same as the one she planned to take on her work trip.

The attached message read, "Sharon, we're using the exact same suitcase! Isn't that an interesting twist of fate?"

Sharon didn't reply to the message, but early the next morning, she told me there had been a change in plans and that she would be taking one more person along—Daniel.

I was making scrambled eggs in the kitchen when she leaned against the doorway and said, "Simon, Danny wants to go on the trip as well. After thinking it over, I decided it would be a good idea to take him along so he can broaden his horizons. It's just one more mouth to feed, after all."

Even though I already had an inkling of the answer, I still asked, "There are six people in your department, so why did you choose him?"

"Because he volunteered for it. Isn't it wonderful for young people like him to be more proactive?"

"But it's only been two months since he graduated, and he has the least experience out of all of them."

Shoving her phone into her bag, she snapped harshly, "Simon, are you going to kick up a fuss again? Who I choose to be my assistant is my business. You're from another department. Don't you think you're overstepping your bounds by interfering in our department's matters?"

I shut off the stove and piled the scrambled eggs onto a plate. "You're right. I'm overstepping my bounds."

She came over and took a bite of eggs. "That's more like it. Stop letting your imagination run away all the time. Anyway, I'm leaving. It's just seven days, so I'll be back before you know it."

I sucked in a deep breath, not saying another word.

That afternoon, I headed to the HR department to fill in my resignation form.

"Name: Simon Lane

Department: IT Department

Position: Programmer

Duration of employment: 3 years and 7 months

Reason for leaving: Career development."

Those few simple words wrote the final sentence of my three-year relationship.

Marcy urged me, "Have you really thought this over? You and Sharon both work here. What's she going to think if you leave?"

"What she'll think is her business."

"When are you two getting your marriage registered? You planned it for next month, didn't you?"

I didn't answer. We had planned it for the 18th of next month, and I had even prepared the diamond ring already.

However, all that was unimportant now.

As the elevator door shut, my phone vibrated.

Sharon had sent me a voice message. Upon playing it, I could hear the faint sound of a hotel lobby announcement in the background.

"Simon, we've arrived at the hotel. Danny says that he'll treat us to a seafood dinner tonight. I'll send you some photos later."

Instead of replying to her, I tucked my phone into my pocket and walked out of the company building.

Outside, the sun blazed down upon the earth. I stood there for a moment, squinting my eyes against the glaring light.

Then, I sent a message to our landlord, "We're not renewing the lease next month."

Chapter 2

Today was the last night I would be staying in our rented apartment.

The TV cabinet still held a photo of Sharon and me, taken last year at the beach. She was clad in a white dress, and the sweet smile she had practically lit up her whole face.

As I reached out to flip the photo face-down, my fingers trembled slightly.

My phone kept vibrating and chiming as Sharon bombarded me with seven text messages, three voice messages, and four missed calls.

I neither picked up nor replied to her messages, simply sending her a vague, "I'm busy."

She immediately responded with, "Busy with what? I went to see a supplier today. They produce incredibly beautiful porcelain dinnerware, and I got us some. You'll get to use them at our new house."

I didn't answer. Our new house? That wouldn't happen.

A beat later, she sent me another message. "Why aren't you answering me? Are you angry again? Simon, don't be like that. Danny has been so good today. He helped me carry my bag for the entire day, and he even bought me a milkshake. Look!"

She sent me a photo showing a pink-colored milkshake. Written on the side of the cup were the words, "A special treat from Sunshine".

Staring at the photo, I let out a laugh. It felt more like they were using the work trip as a cover for them to go on a romantic getaway.

At eight in the evening, Sharon called me once more. This time, I picked up.

"Simon, you finally answered your phone! What's going on with you? Why didn't you reply to a single one of my messages? I sent so many!"

I stated indifferently, "I was busy cleaning."

She continued to press, "Cleaning what?"

"Some old stuff."

Sharon was silent for two seconds before she spoke up again, this time in a much gentler tone. "Are you still upset over what happened the other day? Didn't I already explain to you? Danny is just a kid and has the temperament of one. Why are you holding a grudge against a kid?"

"A 22-year-old is certainly not a kid."

"Simon Lane!" Her hackles rose once more, and she snapped angrily, "I already said that I would make it up to you once I returned. What else do you want? Should I book a ticket now and fly back earlier than planned?"

"No need. Just focus on your work."

A hint of panic entered her voice at that. "Then stop ignoring my messages, okay? I thought that something had happened to you."

"I'm fine." I was momentarily silent before I continued, "Sharon, let me ask you something."

"Go ahead."

After giving it a few seconds of thought, I questioned, "That day in the private room, when you were feeding him the grape, did you ever think about my predicament or what I would feel?"

There was nothing but silence from the other end of the line for several seconds.

"Simon, you absolutely refuse to let that matter go, huh? I… I honestly wasn't thinking much at the time. Everyone was cheering us on, and all I could think of was how awkward the atmosphere would be if I refused. You didn't see the look in Danny's eyes! If I had refused him, he wouldn't have been able to back out of the situation gracefully and with his dignity intact!"

I sucked in a deep breath. "Alright, I got it. That's it, then."

Again, our call fell into a dead silence. Sharon had clearly realized that something was off about me.

Nonetheless, it wasn't until a minute later that she finally said, "Simon, do you realize just how much of a control freak you seem right now? Just because of a team-building event, you're giving me the cold shoulder and rehashing old arguments!

"You keep hiding yourself away in your shell and refuse to come out! You used to be so happy and outgoing! Just what happened to you that changed you into the way you are now?"

Leaning against the wall, I stared up at the ceiling light. "In the past, I thought that you were mine, so I wasn't able to tolerate anyone else touching you. Now, I understand that, to you, that was me being controlling."

"Well, that's exactly how it is!"

A puff of air huffed from my lips. "Alright, then. From now on, I won't control you anymore."

Sharon was stunned. "What do you mean by that?"

Instead of answering her question directly, I merely laughed softly and replied, "Just focus on your work. We'll talk about it when you return."

After hanging up, I switched my phone to airplane mode.

By Friday, I had finished packing up. A suitcase, a cardboard paper box, and a backpack—that was the extent of my belongings in this city.

Lighting a cigarette, I sat by the shoe cabinet and gazed around at this place that we had called home for the past two years.

Back then, we had to get a new couch, so we went to pick one out together. She had insisted on getting a beige couch, saying that it would brighten the room. However, in less than two months, it had already gotten dirty, and every time she lounged on it with her phone, she would grumble that she must've been blind at the time to pick this color.

The note she had stuck to the fridge a long while back was still there. "Simon, remember to buy milk," was written in her messy yet familiar scrawl.

A moment of thought later, I took the note, folded it neatly, and tucked it into my wallet.

The new place I was renting was located on the east side of the city, in an older, smaller neighborhood. Though I would be staying on the sixth floor in a building that had no lifts, it was still worth it.

Since Sharon would be coming back the day after tomorrow, I had to move into the new apartment by today.

Chapter 3

Saturday morning, I was in my new apartment, unpacking, when it started to pour outside.

I had only just finished when my phone vibrated where I had placed it on the table. Upon checking it, I saw that Daniel had sent me a photo.

The background was that of a luxurious hotel suite. Sharon, clad only in a bathrobe, was asleep on the bed, while Daniel's face loomed close to the camera, a challenging smile curving his lips.

There was also a voice message attached, which I played.

"Simon, Sharon had a bit too much to drink last night and kept tugging on my arm, refusing to let me leave. She told me that you were too boring, that being with you was too mundane and bland, and that she was so much happier with me. Don't be mad, okay? I'm just helping to take care of Sharon. I definitely don't have any ulterior motives."

If this had been in the past, I likely would've hopped onto the earliest flight possible and rushed over to settle the score with them.

Now, however, I only found their antics amusing.

I typed out a response. "Since you love to take care of her so much, you can have her. From now on, she's all yours."

After sending the message, I didn't hesitate to block his number.

However, less than five minutes later, Sharon called me; I accepted the call.

"Simon, Danny came crying to me about how you blocked his number?" Exhaustion laced her voice, which was somewhat hoarse from her hangover. "Is that really necessary? He's just a kid who graduated not that long ago! Why are you holding a grudge against him?"

Leaning by the window, I gazed coldly out at the raindrops sliding down the glass.

"He was in your room last night."

On the other end of the line, her breathing audibly stuttered. She clearly hadn't expected me to know that.

"That's only because we were drinking with the client last night! I had too much to drink, so he brought me back to my room! That's all!

"Simon Lane, could you not be so suspicious all the time? It's almost crazy how paranoid you are! I already told you that the man I love most is you! We're even getting our marriage registered next month!"

Chuckling softly, I replied, "There's no need for that. Let's cancel the wedding."

Sharon's voice abruptly climbed to a shriek, "Are you nuts? I've already sent out the invitations to all my friends and relatives! Now you're telling me you want to call off the wedding? You're trying to threaten me with this so that I'll apologize to you, aren't you? Fine! I'll apologize! I'm sorry, okay? Is that enough for you?"

I inhaled deeply but kept my voice calm and steady as I said, "There's no need to apologize to me. I'm being serious."

"Simon Lane!" she yelled my name, anxiously and angrily. "Stop pushing my buttons! I'm already exhausted enough from this work trip, so I don't have the time or energy to spare to play such games with you!

"I'll arrive at the airport at two in the afternoon tomorrow. You'd better be there to pick me up, or else I'm really going to be furious with you!"

Instead of wasting any more time on her, I directly ended the call. Then, I blocked her number and contact across all social media.

…

The rain didn't stop until it was two in the afternoon the next day, Sunday.

I was at my new place, sipping on a cup of freshly-brewed coffee.

Meanwhile, at my previous apartment building, Sharon had a thunderous scowl on her face as she lugged her suitcase behind her and came to a stop before our unit's front door, where she used her key to open it.

Behind her was Daniel, laden with bags while a smug smile played across his face.

"Sharon, Simon must be waiting for you at home, so just calm down, okay?" he urged insincerely.

"If he dares give me attitude, I'm going to have his head!" Sharon snapped through gritted teeth before shoving the door open. "Simon Lane, get the hell over here!"

Her enraged shout echoed through the empty living room, yet there was no response.

A beat later, Sharon was dumbfounded, for she had noticed that all of my belongings had disappeared from the living room, along with anything that we had shared.

Our photo together was gone from the TV cabinet, and every single one of my shoes was missing from the shoe cabinet. Even the cutlery and dinnerware hadn't been spared, with only half of them remaining in the kitchen.

The air felt empty and cold, as though it had been a while since anyone was here.

"Where is he?"

By this point, Sharon was starting to panic. She hastily made her way to our bedroom.

The closet doors were wide open, with all of my clothes gone from inside it. The only thing left behind was a piece of white paper, lying quietly in the empty space.

It was the rental agreement we signed back then, with my signature on it. Beside the signature was a new line of words.

"I've already ended the lease for this apartment and left the key with the management office. Let's never meet again."

Sharon's hands shook violently as she fumbled for her phone and dialed my number.

"Sorry, but the number you have dialed is not in service…"