Chapter 2

Andrew texted me before he got home.

After all these years together, whenever he was running late, I'd always wait up for him with a midnight snack, no reminders needed.

I just brushed it off, "I didn't check my phone."

Andrew paused, then handed me a box. "Didn't you mention wanting a necklace before? I got you one."

I glanced away from the TV, saw the familiar style, and said politely, "Thanks, but I'm not really into necklaces lately."

Earlier that day, Vivian posted a photo of herself wearing that necklace, saying the style was way too old for her.

Andrew leaned in, picked up the necklace, and went to put it around my neck. "Just try it on."

His hand felt like it still carried Vivian's warmth, and my reflex was to push his hand away. The delicate chain snapped instantly.

Andrew frowned. "Is it really such a big deal that you have to go to work on your own? Are you seriously still upset about that?"

"I'm not mad," I said.

Andrew scoffed, "Come on, Claire, don't pretend. I know you too well. You always get hung up on the smallest things. You're nothing like Vivian; she's way more chill."

Ever since I was a kid, I'd always been the type to read the room, picking up on every shift in mood, maybe a little too sensitive for my own good. Every time we argued, Andrew would just call me petty.

Whenever I broke down, crying my eyes out, he'd just sit back and watch the drama unfold, totally unfazed.

But this time, he was going to be disappointed. I just glanced aside, my voice cool. "You're right."

After watching TV for a while, I got up, grabbed my things, and headed for the door. Andrew shot me a sarcastic look. "What, storming out again?"

I met his eyes, calm as ever. "I'm going to work overtime."

His expression froze, clearly caught off guard, and he looked like he had more to say, but I was already out the door.

I was out late with my bestie Sophie Shaw, caught up in a murder mystery roleplay. Andrew called, but I just let my phone ring.

Sophie looked at me in shock. "You're really ignoring your husband's call?"

Everyone knew I was crazy about Andrew. I always picked up his calls and replied to his texts in a heartbeat. But tonight, I just couldn't be bothered. I pulled Sophie along and headed straight for the bar.

By the time I got home, the sky was just starting to lighten. I went straight to the guest room to wash up and crash.

I'd barely fallen asleep when a loud bang jolted me awake.

"Oh, so you finally decided to come home?" Andrew's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

I ignored his snark, rolled over, and went back to sleep.

Back then, he'd only pay attention to me when he felt like it, and if I annoyed him, he'd just tell me to get lost. I was always the one wagging my tail, hoping for a scrap of his affection.

But now, I didn't even bother to respond. Andrew stood there for a moment, then suddenly slammed the door hard as he left.

With no one around to bother me, I slept soundly for once.

Waking up to an empty house, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I made myself a lazy solo lunch, savored every bite, and then went to see the divorce lawyer Sophie had hooked me up with.

As soon as I walked into the law firm, I saw a video William Brooks, Andrew's best friend, had posted; it was from his birthday party.

In the video, there was Andrew, with Vivian sitting right on his lap.