Chapter 2

For six years, I'd never once seen Caleb cook a meal for me.

Even when we were crazy in love, I'd pout and beg him to make me some food, but he always turned me down.

He always said he hated the smell in the kitchen, but looking back, it was a lie. Turned out he just never loved me enough to bother.

I said, my tone icy and full of sarcasm, "Go ahead and keep her company if that's what you want. Get out of my house with her tomorrow."

As I watched Caleb grow more and more distant, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I slammed the door and retreated to the bedroom.

The next morning, I felt much better from the surgery.

When I walked into the living room, I just happened to see Caleb and Norah having breakfast together.

Norah said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness, "Good morning, Madelyn.

"Oh, Caleb didn't make enough breakfast. Looks like there's nothing left for you, Madelyn. Please don't be mad."

Norah really had a talent for getting me worked up first thing in the morning.

I glanced over. On the table was breakfast Caleb had picked up, and there was also a homemade omelet he'd cooked just for Norah.

I stared at Caleb, expressionless, not saying a word.

A flash of panic crossed Caleb's face, but he covered it up with a quick excuse. "I figured you wouldn't have much of an appetite after the surgery."

Without a word, I walked straight to the table and, right in front of them, dumped all the breakfast into the trash.

"I told you, I want both of you to pack up and get out of my house today," I said, my voice cold and unwavering.

Caleb shot up from his seat and slapped me hard across the face.

He shouted, "Madelyn, can you just stop being so unreasonable?"

He glared at me, then turned to Norah, his voice softening. "Don't worry, you can stay here. No one can kick you out. I'm the boss here."

I clutched my cheek, rage and disbelief crashing over me. He actually hit me.

I spent six years with him, and only now did I realize what he was really like.

Maybe seeing me barely able to stand, tears streaking down my face, made Caleb's heart soften a little. He came over and reached out, wanting to comfort me.

"Madelyn, I got carried away just now. Does it still hurt?" Caleb asked, his voice shaky, like he finally realized how wrong he was.

With tears streaming down my face, I shoved his hand away, refusing to let him touch me.

As I watched his left hand hang awkwardly in the air, a wave of relief washed over me.

My voice was cold and unwavering. "Caleb, we're done. This is the end for us."

I leaned over, took off the necklace Caleb gave me, and tossed it straight into the trash without a second thought.

He gave me that necklace when we first got together.

Back then, he was broke. He worked a day job and hustled delivering food at night.

He saved up for months just to buy me that necklace.

I was so touched. I didn't take a dime from my family. I worked my butt off and got him a ring with my own cash.

However, now, not only did he hit me, but the ring I gave him was gone, too.

I guessed he was embarrassed to let people know who he was with.

Back when he was just hustling to get by, I worked my ass off with him. For his new company, I was up day and night, writing proposals and doing whatever it took to help him succeed.

All that stress ended up giving me a small tumor. The doctor told me I shouldn't be pulling all those all-nighters anymore.

However, Caleb just brushed it off, saying it was just a minor surgery.

How did I never realize how cruel he could be?

Caleb stared at the necklace I'd tossed aside, a flicker of guilt crossing his face.

I said, "Caleb, I think I've made it clear enough.

"Can you two just leave?"

The moment I took off that necklace, it was like Caleb vanished from my world completely.

Right now, all I wanted was for Caleb to get out of my house, out of my life for good.

Just then, Norah spoke up. "Madelyn, just because I treat you kindly doesn't mean you should actually think you're superior.

"This is Caleb's house. Who do you think you are to kick us out? You're the one who needs to get lost."

Norah's voice was shrill.

As she started mouthing off, I was just about to grab the box in the living room, the one with all the memories Caleb and I had together.

I shot a look at Norah, then glanced over at Caleb.

I said, "Do I really have to tell her where this house came from?"

Even though my eyes were on Norah, Caleb knew I was talking to him.

Norah sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Cut the act.

"You're nothing but a housewife. You don't actually think you could afford a house like this, do you?"

Before Caleb could even say a word, Norah just cracked up, like the idea of me buying this place was the funniest thing she'd ever heard.

I didn't even bother with her; I just shot Caleb a cold glare.