Chapter 2

The morning after I woke up, I began preparing for my move overseas. This trip to France was more than just a visit—it was emigration. I didn't plan on returning anytime soon. Fortunately, Elliot assured me he would handle all the paperwork. All I had to do was sort through the things I couldn't take with me.

Most of my belongings were gifts from Eric's parents and Eric himself, but they never reused second-hand items, so I took the responsibility of dealing with them. I donated all the clothes I couldn’t take with me. As for the jewelry, I sold each piece and deposited the money into an account I planned to send to Eric's parents on the day I left. After completing these tasks, I headed to the hospital for a full medical check-up. Keeping myself busy made the loneliness a bit more bearable.

During this time, Eric didn't send me a single message or call. Just when I thought our years together would end without even a chance to say "goodbye," I received a message from him:

"Why haven't you reached out? Don't you miss me?"

"I'm on a business trip, and I'll bring you a gift when I get back."

He was indeed on a business trip. But instead of his secretary or assistant accompanying him, it was Kathryn Silva. I knew because, on the first day they left New York, I got a provocative message from her. I glanced at it briefly before blocking her number.

Seeing that I didn't respond to his message, Eric sent several more:

"Are you upset?"

"Savanna, you know I don't like it when you act this way."

I wanted to block him just like I'd blocked Kathryn. But with only three days left until my departure, it seemed easier to ignore it than to stir up more trouble. So, I replied dismissively:

"No, just busy painting."

His reply came almost instantly:

"Good girl!"

I rolled my eyes and set my phone to silent mode. Then, I packed my suitcase and moved out of the house where I had spent the past five years.

The next day, Eric returned and called me. I hesitated momentarily before answering.

"Savanna, did you move out?"

I gave a barely audible "mm-hmm."

After a pause, I added, "After all, it was meant to be your marital home. I thought it best to leave it for your new bride."

Eric chuckled to himself: "I've told you, the wedding is just to make a young lady happy. Don't take it too seriously."

"But Jojo, you're so understanding, I never want to let you go."

"How about this," he paused before continuing, "after the wedding, I'll take Kathryn to the registry office to get the marriage certificate."

I stayed silent, gripping the phone as my hand trembled slightly.

"Don't worry, as soon as we get the certificate, I'll file for a divorce with her. Once the waiting period is over..."

I cut him off before he could finish: "Alright."

Cheers erupted on the other end. Before Eric could say anything else, I hung up.

It wasn't long before Eric called again: "Why did you hang up? Are you mad?"

"Jojo, it's all an act. Don't take it to heart. In a month, I'll give you the grand wedding you deserve."

I heard his friends mocking me in the background. I pretended not to notice and spoke softly:

"Eric Jimenez, are you free the night after tomorrow? I have something I want to discuss with you."

Eric was taken aback. Before we were together, I used to call him "Eric." After we got together, it was always "darling." This was the first time I addressed him formally by his full name. But he quickly regained his composure, his tone cheerful:

"Sure thing."