Chapter 4

She answered and turned back to the kitchen.

After I finished the porridge, I went upstairs and changed clothes.

I had an appointment with a realtor today to look at apartments, and I had to find a new place to stay before I moved out of this house.

I hadn't asked for any property in the divorce agreement, but that didn't mean I was broke.

I had savings from before the marriage.

Even though I hadn't worked these past three years, the Lane family deposited twenty thousand dollars a month into my card as living expenses. I hadn't spent much of it, so I had saved more than half.

Altogether, it was enough for me to rent a decent apartment and get by for a year or so without any problem.

As for the future, I would deal with that later.

The realtor was a young guy wearing glasses, and he spoke very fast.

He showed me a two-bedroom apartment on the east side of the city, not far from downtown, in a pretty decent complex.

"Mr. Carter, this place gets amazing natural light. The landlord just renovated it, and all the furniture and appliances are brand new. The monthly rent is six thousand five hundred. What do you think?"

I stood on the balcony and looked around. The view was open, and I could see the park in the distance.

The apartment wasn't big, but it was enough for one person.

Most importantly, there was nothing here that reminded me of Nora Lane.

"Fine. I'll take this one."

The realtor clearly didn't expect me to make up my mind so quickly. He froze for a second, then smiled so hard his whole face lit up.

"Great, great. I'll contact the landlord right away and get the lease signed!"

I signed a one-year lease and paid the deposit and rent.

When I came out with the key, the sunlight was great, warm on my body.

I stood by the roadside, looking at the key in my hand, and suddenly felt lighter.

When I got home that afternoon, the housekeeper had already bought a few cardboard boxes and set them in the living room.

I was about to go upstairs and start packing the walk-in closet when I heard movement at the door.

I didn't turn around, but I had a vague feeling about what was coming.

Sure enough, the next second, a familiar voice sounded behind me.

"Well, look who's home."

I turned around.

Caleb Brooks was standing at the door.

When he saw the boxes in my hand, his eyes stayed on me for a second.

"Are you packing?"

I didn't answer his question, only asked calmly, "What are you doing here?"

"Nora Lane brought me here."

"My lease ended over there, and I haven't found a new place yet. She said I could stay here first, as long as I want."

I just nodded and said, "Oh."

Caleb clearly hadn't expected that reaction. His smile froze for a moment.

"You don't mind, do you?"

He tilted his head at me.

"Honestly, I think it's a little inconvenient too, but Nora insisted I come. She said..."

"Since she told you to come, then stay."

I cut him off.

"There are plenty of rooms here anyway."

He pressed his lips together and walked over to the sofa to sit down.

"You really are generous."

"You were generous enough to marry her back then, and now you're generous enough to let me move in."

I looked at him and suddenly found it a little funny.

I didn't answer him and turned to go upstairs.

Caleb probably felt ignored, because his voice got louder. "Ethan Carter, I'm talking to you."

I stopped and looked back at him.

"I heard you."

"But you're not here to chat with me, so why waste both our time?"

"I still have things to pack."

Caleb stood up, and the smile on his face was completely gone.

"You're leaving?" he blurted out, disbelief in his voice.

"If not?"

"Stay here and be your third wheel?"