Chapter 2

Memories suddenly flooded my mind, rushing in before I could stop them.

I met Michael in a college club, and it wasn't long before he confessed his feelings to me.

But I didn't really take him seriously at the time.

There were plenty of guys chasing after me back then, and he didn't stand out.

What really changed things between us was a mountain climbing trip.

As we were almost at the summit, I suddenly got altitude sickness. I felt dizzy and nauseous, and I couldn't even stand up. To make matters worse, my oxygen tank had unexpectedly run out.

Just as I was about to black out, Michael suddenly rushed over and shoved his oxygen tank into my hands. "Here, breathe. I'm good. I can tough it out."

He practically carried me down the mountain, half-supporting, half-holding me the whole way.

Later, I heard from someone else that Michael had actually been feeling a bit of altitude sickness himself, but he still gave me the only oxygen he had left.

Risking one's life to save someone meant way more than any showy displays of affection.

My eyes welled up with tears right then.

After we got down the mountain, acting on impulse, I reached out and grabbed Michael's hand.

I really thought the guy who stepped up for me when things got life-or-death would be the one I'd always rely on.

Now, thinking about it, it was kind of ridiculous.

The photo in my hand suddenly felt like it was burning up. I gripped it so hard that my knuckles went white.

The next second, it was as if all my strength vanished. I collapsed onto the cold floor, and the uncontrollable sobs finally burst out. Tears poured down my face.

I had no idea how long I cried. When I was completely spent, I dragged myself up and kept packing.

By the time I stuffed the last thing into the suitcase, the sky was already starting to lighten.

I took one last look at the apartment we'd shared for two years. Right as I was about to step out, my phone buzzed.

It was the custom ringtone I'd set just for Michael.

My heart gave a sudden, sharp twist. Before I knew it, my fingers were already hitting unlock.

Michael's social media post popped up on my screen. [I'm covering all expenses tonight at the club!]

In the photo, he was still wearing the jacket I'd bought him, and his hand was boldly wrapped around a slender waist.

His chest was marked all over with hickeys. It was like an unspoken taunt directed at me.

The tension that had been holding me together all night finally snapped.

I suddenly changed my mind. Dropping the suitcase, I took a deep breath and spun around.

The next second, the sound of shattering filled the apartment.

I couldn't take it. I didn't wanna end it well anymore.

Staring at the wreckage scattered across the floor, I forced out a hoarse curse. "You jerk. Go to hell!"

After all that venting, my body felt like it was falling apart, but deep down, there was a messed-up sense of satisfaction.

I dragged my suitcase back home and scrubbed away the tiredness. The moment my head hit the pillow, my phone rang out, its shrill tone slicing through the quiet.

When Michael's name popped up on my screen, my fingers stiffened and rage flared up inside me.

Michael barked, "Yolanda, are you insane? How could you ruin the apartment?

"I don't care what kind of stunt you're pulling. The landlord just called. She wants us to pay for the damages and is already hounding us for next month's rent. Get it sorted, now!"

He was acting all high and mighty, but honestly, it was almost comical to me.

I said, "Michael, are you kidding me?

"In the two years we lived in that apartment, did you ever pay the rent even once? And now you actually have the audacity to bring it up?"

As soon as I said it, a ton of memories hit me all at once.

It wasn't just the rent. I covered every date, all the daily stuff, and even Michael's favorite snacks and the clothes he wore. Every single thing came out of my pocket.

Taking a deep breath, I said, "Michael, listen carefully. We're done. Whatever happens to you, it's none of my business anymore."

There was a brief silence on the other end, but then Michael tried to sound tough. "It's just some rent. Do you really have to be so petty about it?

"Look, I'm a bit strapped for cash right now. Once the holiday is over and the restaurant opens again, I'll go claim my grand prize. Then I'll pay you back ten times over, alright?"

He was still obsessed with that grand prize.

I sneered inwardly, not wasting another breath. "Don't ever contact me again. I'll terminate the lease."

Before he could say anything else, I hung up and blocked him without a second thought.

Then I sent a message to the landlord to terminate the lease. After that, I flopped onto the bed, slamming my eyes shut in anger.

I tossed and turned, getting more and more pissed off the more I thought about it.

The next morning, I caught a glimpse of my haggard face in the mirror and immediately booked myself a facial.