Chapter 2

Grace Miller swung by to pick me up.

She glanced at the two huge suitcases and some big bags at my feet, didn't say a word, and quietly helped me load everything into the trunk.

"Grace—" I started, my voice already thick with tears.

"Quit crying!" Grace barked, but her touch was gentle as she wiped my tears away.

"You haven't eaten dinner, have you? Let's go, I'm treating you," she said, dragging me into the car.

We drove for about ten minutes and parked outside a diner. Grace ordered a ton of food and drinks.

Soon, the owner brought over a tray of grilled skewers. Grace shoved a handful of lamb skewers into my hand and said, "Now I get it. If men ever kept their word, pigs can fly.

"Remember how Jason promised you the world when you got married? He said he'd love you forever and never let you suffer.

"And now?"

I kept my head down, quietly munching on the lamb skewers.

Grace went off on Jason for almost ten minutes straight, and when she finally ran out of steam, she cracked open a beer and chugged half of it in one go.

After she finished, she asked, "Elaine, what's your plan now?"

I wiped my mouth with a napkin and said, "Once the divorce with Jason is done, I'm going back to my hometown."

I'd got a little brother off at college, and my parents are getting up there in years. I wanted to be around them more.

Grace was my college roommate. We met on the very first day, and stayed tight all four years.

And yeah, we kept in touch and stayed close even after graduation.

After dinner, Grace drove me back to my small apartment.

My parents paid for this place in full before I got married.

I didn't really live here, but I swung by every so often to clean up, so it was always ready if I need it.

*****

I didn't get to sleep until almost three in the morning, and when my phone started ringing early the next day, I was in a foul mood.

Still half-asleep, I fumbled for my phone and answered without checking the caller ID. "Hello? Who is this?"

"It's me." Jason's voice came through the phone. "I got wasted last night and my clothes are trashed. Can you bring me something clean to wear?"

I was speechless.

My sleepiness vanished in an instant. I forced my eyes open and brought the phone up to my face.

Jason's voice came through again. "I've got a meeting this morning, so bring me a suit. And don't forget the tie."

"Did you forget something, Jason?" I asked. "Jason, we're divorced. Remember?"

Then I hung up.

Before Jason could call back, I blocked his number and his WhatsApp.

Even though my body was still exhausted, I couldn't fall back asleep.

My mind kept replaying all the memories I'd shared with Jason over the years.

After I graduated, I worked at a small company. One night, I was working late when my male boss started coming onto me.

Jason happened to be picking me up from work that night.

When he found out I'd almost been harassed by my boss, he didn't say a word, just went over and beat the crap out of the guy.

Back then, Jason wouldn't let anyone mess with me, and he wouldn't let anyone talk bad about me.

But later, he was the one who started saying all those awful things to me.

Sure, Wendy and a couple of his friends were always stirring things up, but if Jason had been strong enough, nobody could've pushed him around.

In the end, it was all on him.

*****

I slept so much I lost track of time, and when I finally came to, it was already pitch black outside.

I ordered some takeout, and while I was waiting for it after freshening up, I ended up scrolling through Wendy's social media feed.

She'd posted two hours ago. It was of her lounging by the pool in a sexy bikini.

Jason was right next to her, not looking at the camera, probably chatting with someone off to the side.

Wendy was practically glued to Jason, one hand holding her phone, the other wrapped around his arm.

There were no likes and no comments under her post. I stared at it for a few seconds before I understood.

She'd set it so I was the only one who could see it once more.

I smiled. I couldn't let Wendy's performance go to waste. I gave her a like, and like always, saved the pic.