Chapter 3

On my way back, I stopped by the office to complete my resignation paperwork.

I'd already received the offer letter from a public institution.

After six months of hard work, I'd finally secured an official position at the local TV station in my hometown.

Edward had no idea about my decision.

He'd never let me move back to my hometown.

After five years with him, this was the first time I'd actually listened to my own heart.

My grandma's health had been getting worse these past two years, and I just wanted to be closer to her.

I might not be able to keep the man I loved, but at least I still had my family.

I picked up the photo of Edward and me from the desk. With the Northern Lights glowing above us, he made promises that night.

Looking back, it all just seemed laughable and sad.

I sighed and tossed the photo straight into the trash.

I sold all the jewelry and bags he gave me on second-hand apps for some quick cash.

While I was in the middle of packing, I went to take a shower.

When I came out, the living room, which had been spotless before, was now a total mess.

That was when it hit me. Edward still had a spare key to my place.

From the bedroom, I heard a dog bark, followed by Amy's playful laugh.

I rushed in and saw a teddy peeing right on my bed.

Amy was standing there, laughing hard.

"Benny, you're amazing," she cheered.

All the clothes I hadn't packed up were soaked in dog pee, stained bright yellow.

My suitcase, which I'd just closed, was sprawled open on the floor, with everything inside tossed around.

And right on top of the offer letter I'd placed with care, there were a few piles of foul-smelling dog poop.

My chest felt like it was on fire, anger blazing inside me.

I shouted, "Get the hell out."

I frantically grabbed the offer letter and scrubbed it down with disinfectant.

The startled dog pressed up against Amy's feet, hoping she'd protect him.

But Amy lifted her foot and kicked him, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

"Get away from me. You're disgusting," she snapped.

The dog yelped and scrambled off.

Seeing my shocked look, Amy flashed me a taunting smile.

"Nancy, even a dog can play your boyfriend for a fool. Bet you hate me to death now, don't you?" she said.

I ignored her completely. All I cared about was salvaging my offer letter.

But Amy just wouldn't quit. She snatched up her coffee and splashed it all over my offer letter.

"So what now? Even though you're leaving soon, I'm still not satisfied," she said with a smirk.

There was no way I could hold back for even one more second.

I gave her two sharp slaps right across the face.

And right at that moment, Edward walked in and saw us.

"Nancy, what are you doing?" he shouted.

He dropped the cake he was holding and slapped me twice.

Then he scooped up Amy, who was putting on her most pitiful face, holding her in his arms.

He looked just like the perfect protective husband.

Amy's lips were quivering.

She whined softly, "Benny just messed up the place a little, and Nancy went off on us, hitting me and yelling."

Edward cut her off, his voice low and his eyes burning with cold fury as he stared at me.

He snapped, "Amy was worried you'd be upset, so she talked me into coming back for your birthday and even ordered you a cake. And this is how you treat her?

"I bought that dog for Amy. If you've got a problem, bring it to me. Leave her out of this."

I covered my burning cheek, my eyes red and brimming with tears.

I turned to leave.

Edward gave a cold, mocking laugh.

He sneered, "You did something wrong, and now you just want to walk away?

"Either apologize to Amy, or let her slap you back twice. She's already not in a good mood. She can't get slapped by you for nothing."

I grabbed the water cup from the table and hurled it to the ground.

"This is my place. If you don't get out right now, I'm calling the cops," I shouted.

The air went dead silent for a moment.

After a moment, Edward scoffed, "Nancy, someone like you doesn't deserve to be Mrs. Collins."

I let out a bitter laugh.

After five years together, Edward still had no clue what I really wanted.

Guess I got lucky not marrying him.