Chapter 4

After the party, I went back to my place and saw Emily had posted something new on her social media.

In the photo, she had her arm wrapped around Alex, smiling like she was the happiest girl in the world. The caption said: [Having you is a true blessing.]

I had to admit that Alex really knew how to treat a girl. I never realized he could dote on someone like that.

Everyone from Alex's company liked and commented on the post.

[You two are perfect together.]

[I second that. Seriously, Sophie is a crazy control freak.]

I didn't feel a thing reading their comments.

Every time Alex introduced me to someone, he always had that impatient look, like I was the help.

His disregard for me made his employees never take me seriously. Everyone could see how much I loved Alex, so they figured I was the kind of girl they could push around.

I guessed Alex's life would be a lot easier without me. I gave Emily's post a like and went back to whatever I was doing.

But I never expected Alex to call me minutes after I put my phone down. As soon as I answered, I could hear Emily's melodramatic sobbing in the background.

He barked, "Did you really have to like that post? Now everyone at work saw it, and Emily's embarrassed. Apologize, now."

I let out a bitter laugh. The last shred of warmth I felt for our relationship was being crushed by Alex.

Turned out, when he loved someone, he got all sensitive and possessive. It was something I never got to experience in five years with him.

"Why should I apologize?" I said, my voice flat. "And who are you to tell me to apologize?"

I told him I wanted to break up after the last party.

Alex was quiet for a few seconds, and then spoke coldly, "I'm your fiancé. Emily is my employee; she's part of the company. I can't let my employees feel disappointed.

"And you've been gone for so long. What do you even take me for? We're supposed to be getting married, and you're moving out now?

"How am I not supposed to be suspicious? You haven't even reached out in days. Do you even have any idea what it means to be a wife?"

Same old story. He always found fault with me, never once stopping to wonder if maybe he was the one at fault.

Back then, I was like any other girl in love. I'd call to see what he was up to, ask him where he was and what he was doing. All I got in return was Alex's impatience and his buddies making fun of me.

One of his buddies had said, "Seriously, who still checks up on their boyfriend these days? Mr. Grant, man, I feel bad for you thinking about your future married life."

Even after all that, I'd still wait in the living room whenever Alex went out drinking, so I could make him something to help with his hangover when he stumbled home.

Now that I didn't care anymore, suddenly, I was the one who was out of line.

I fired back, "Emily's your assistant. She's the one who should be handling your life, not me. Why should I text you? Alex, don't project your own issues onto everything."

Alex was caught off guard for a moment. It was the first time I'd ever talked about Emily with him this calmly.

He said, "Emily is only my employee. Taking care of my personal life is your responsibility as my wife. Give me your location. I'll send someone to get you tomorrow."

"That's not necessary," I replied, my voice steady. I had gotten used to living alone.

Rejected by me once more, Alex's tone grew sharp. "Don't test me. I've got ways to find out where you live. Tomorrow, I'll come pick you up myself."

I was planning to move out the next day, but I still underestimated how far Alex would go.

Early the next morning, he showed up at my door. "Open up, Sophie. I know you're in there. We're getting married soon. How long are you going to keep this up?"

He started pounding on the door, making so much noise that the whole hallway could hear him. Soon, I heard my neighbors arguing with him.

With no other choice, I had to open the door for him.