Chapter 4

Just as we reached the door, a thunderclap exploded outside, the deafening boom making my heart skip a beat.

Emily squealed in fright.

Alex spun around and pulled Emmy close, sounding worried.

"It's okay, Emmy, don't be scared. I'm right here," he said.

Emmy mumbled into his chest, her voice barely audible.

"Alex, you should go help Lily find Mittens, that's way more important. I'm fine, really," she said.

His voice was gentle now, a complete contrast to the way he'd just yelled at me.

"Aren't you the one who's always scared of thunder? Like I'd ever leave you alone," he said softly.

"Mittens ran off, and we're not gonna find him anytime soon. There's no point wasting our energy," he added dismissively.

"Relax, no one's blaming you for this," he reassured her.

From start to finish, he didn't even acknowledge I was there.

Emily nestled in his arms, but she shot me a triumphant grin, her eyes full of satisfaction.

I pushed down my anger, telling myself that finding Mittens was the only thing that mattered right now.

I went to the property office to check the security footage. Sure enough, Mittens had slipped out when someone opened the door.

So, Mittens was definitely outside.

With thunder crashing and it being pitch-black outside, Mittens must be scared out of his mind.

The rain was pouring down in torrents. Clutching my umbrella and flashlight, I pushed my way through the bushes, searching desperately for Mittens.

Those tight little nooks and crannies—where Mittens always liked to squeeze himself in—were exactly the places I checked first.

When the rain finally eased up, I'd stand under my umbrella in every hidden corner, waiting alone in the shadows, hoping for a miracle.

Softly calling Mittens' name, I'd crack open his favorite can of food and leave it in the corner, then wave his cat toy, praying he'd hear me and come out of hiding.

For two hours straight, I scoured the entire complex six times, searching every inch.

I didn't miss a single corner—there wasn't a spot I left unchecked.

I hated Emily, hated Alex, and hated this stupid thunderstorm.

But most of all, I hated myself—for not keeping Mittens safe.

Six years ago, on a rainy night, I found Mittens huddled by the side of the road, shaking with fear.

I tried to pick him up and take him to the vet, but he was terrified of people and just kept hissing at me.

That's when Alex came by. He took off his jacket, wrapped Mittens up, and held him close, his eyes full of concern—he didn't care at all that Mittens was filthy.

That's how Alex and I first met.

We ended up naming him Mittens after we found him.

I was crouched in the corner, unable to stop sobbing, when all of a sudden, something soft and furry brushed up against me.

I turned around, and there he was—Mittens.

Mittens stared at me with those big, round eyes, like he was saying, "Why are you crying, human? I'm back!"

I just broke down crying and grabbed Mittens, hugging him like crazy.

By the time I got home with Mittens in my arms, the sky was already turning pale—it was 5 AM.

My hair was completely drenched, clinging to my cheeks, and I looked like a drowned rat.

Alex heard me come in and stepped out of the guest room. When he saw me soaked through, he froze for a second, looking a bit awkward. He put a finger to his lips, signaling me to keep quiet so I wouldn't wake Emily.

"Emily's in the master bedroom. It was raining so hard last night, I didn't let her go home," he said.

"Are you hungry? I'll make you some pasta," he added.

He reached out to take my hand.

I let out a cold laugh and snatched my hand away from him.

Inside, all I had left for his phony act was nothing but complete disgust.

He just stood there, totally stunned. He'd never seen me act like this before—up until now, I'd always been the gentle, polite one in his eyes.

I set Mittens down, then burst into the bedroom and ripped the covers off the bed with all the strength I had.

Emily woke up with a start and screamed her head off.

I snatched up a hanger and chased her out of the room like she was a stray dog.

Then I carried Mittens, his cat food, and his litter box into the room and locked the door behind me.

Once I'd put on fresh sheets, I finally lay down on the bed, completely ignoring Alex's shouting and cursing outside.

When it came to Alex, my heart was shattered beyond repair, and whatever love I once had for him was completely burned out.