Chapter 2

Alex came home in the middle of the night, and he was loud, not caring one bit that I was already asleep.

Two minutes later, he stormed into the bedroom and yanked me up from the bed, rough and impatient, dragging me out of my half-awake daze. "They're my friends. Who gave you the right to use my account and say something like that to them?"

His face was cold as ice. "And who told you you could snoop through my messages? Even if I forgot to log out, don't you know how to respect others' privacy?

"And that nonsense about only knowing how to 'deal with people'? Did you think that made you sound clever? It only made you look rude."

I was shaking with anger, and all the pain I'd finally managed to swallow earlier came rushing back. Before I even realized, I had slapped Alex across the face.

He froze. A second later, his expression hardened. "You've got no manners at all. I must've been out of my mind to ever get with you."

A moment ago, I had been heartbroken. But right then, I didn't even want to cry anymore. All I felt was burning anger.

I was about to grab the bedside lamp and hurl it at him when his phone rang. It was Claire.

Alex's expression shifted instantly, softening as he picked up. "Claire? What's wrong?

"No, no, it's nothing—don't worry about it. Lana knows she was wrong. I'll make her apologize in a few days.

"Yeah, she'll apologize in the group chat. I won't bring her to ruin the mood, okay?"

He was still talking when I suddenly shoved him hard. He stumbled, his phone slipping from his hand and hitting the floor.

I snatched it up and snapped, words flying out of my mouth like bullets, "Apologize my ass! You're all animals. Who the hell apologizes to animals?

"And you, I don't care if you've got a PhD, you're still the other woman. Stop pretending you're innocent."

"Enough!" Alex lunged forward in a fury, but I tossed his phone right out of the bedroom.

He hesitated for half a second, then ran after it to comfort Claire.

I quickly slammed the bedroom door shut, locked it tight, stuffed something against my ears to block out his pounding, and finally slept in peace.

When I woke up the next morning, I saw the messages Alex had sent the night before: [Cut it out. If you apologize to my friends, I can still consider you my girlfriend. Otherwise, I can't live with a shrew like you.]

[And don't even dream of comparing yourself to Claire. You're not even worth a strand of her hair.]

I sneered and blocked him on the spot.

By the weekend, I contacted the hospital and scheduled the termination of my pregnancy.

Honestly, I should've thanked Claire for coming back right when the baby was only two months along. She helped me flush the last bit of foolishness out of my system.

I was still young. I didn't need to waste my time on someone who didn't love me.

*****

Right after I woke up, I received a message from Clair: [Lana, it's a shame you missed the party tonight. But don't worry, I'll take good care of Alex.]

Attached was a video of Alex kissing her, with everyone around egging him to put a ring on her finger.

Strangely, watching something like that barely stung anymore.

I replied calmly: [I get it. I wish you two all the happiness. Oh, and about the ring — Alex should buy you a new one. Mine probably won't fit you anyway.]

I put my phone down and looked at the ring on my right middle finger, feeling ridiculous.

I had gotten it right after I found out I was pregnant. I had hinted gently that I wanted a ring.

Alex had stayed silent for a long time before finally agreeing.

Back then, I was so insecure because he was so distant. His "yes" felt like a lifeline.

Once I put on that ring, I'd told myself I was overthinking, and that the next one he gave me would be an engagement ring.

Turned out, I hadn't been thinking nearly enough.

I twisted the ring off. After wearing it for so long, it took some effort, and my finger throbbed afterward.

But when I looked at the red mark it left behind, all I felt was a little freer.

*****

Alex never contacted me during the days I stayed in the hospital. Maybe he was still angry.

In the past, I would've been beside myself, probably checking out early—no matter my condition—just to beg for his forgiveness.

But now I was just grateful he didn't show up. It made it easier for me to pack up and run.

Luckily, after tossing all the stuff Alex gave me, there wasn't much left to pack. One suitcase was plenty.