Chapter 1

It was past midnight when I went to the airport to pick up my boyfriend, Simon Wilson, who had gotten back from his business trip.

I hadn't been in his car for half a month. A Hello Kitty fuse bead craft replaced the lucky charm I gave him.

Simon grinned and explained, "I made it myself when I was bored. It was kind of fun."

I smiled too. "She must be hard to please, huh? You didn't even dare to take it off after you got home."

Simon got mad and accused me of making things up and not trusting him.

He slammed on the brakes hard. The car pulled over on a roadside out in the suburbs. He said coldly, "Get out. We'll talk when you calm down."

A minute later, the car sped off, leaving nothing but exhaust fumes behind.

But the one who got left standing on the road was Simon, not me.

*****

The Hello Kitty fuse bead craft was pink and lovely.

I stared at it for a few seconds and then cut off Simon, who was rambling about work. "It's cute. Where did you get it?"

Simon froze for a second, glanced at the swinging fuse bead craft, and played it off casually. "Oh, I made it for fun. It's been trending lately, and it's fun."

"Oh, I see. So, what happened to the lucky charm I gave you?"

His expression stiffened for a moment, like he was trying to think it over. After a long pause, he replied, "I can't remember where I put it.

"I'll check when I get the chance. That charm is worn out, time for something fresh."

I let out a mocking laugh. "She must be hard to keep happy, huh? You didn't even dare to take it off after getting back home, and you're bold enough to leave it right where I can see it."

The car went silent, only the wind rushing past the windows.

Simon cleared his throat. There was an awkward edge to his voice that he didn't notice. "Jessica, what are you talking about? I made this for fun when I was bored. There is no other girl."

I shook my head. "Don't lie to me. We've been together for seven years. I know you better than you know yourself."

Simon stayed silent.

I watched his jaw-clenched profile, amused. "Who is it? Is it that new receptionist?"

He didn't say a word.

"That clerk from the resource center?

"Linda from admin?

"Or that new intern in your department?" I watched the veins pop out on Simon's hand as he suddenly tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

I raised an eyebrow and smiled. "So it's her, the new intern Lily Lane."

A shrill screech of brakes cut through the air. The car, which had been running smoothly, lurched to a sudden stop.

Simon's expression darkened. "What nonsense are you talking about? You're imagining things. It's ridiculous!"

I looked at him. "Why are you so worked up? Am I making things up, or are you getting mad because you got caught?"

Simon turned to face the windshield ahead, his voice cold and stiff. "Get out."

I frowned, glancing at the pitch-black night and the desolate trees outside. "What did you say?"

"Get out of the car!" Simon snarled under his breath. "You're being so suspicious and unreasonable. Get out and head home on your own. We'll talk when you calm down."

I stared at his face, twisted with rage. My expression gradually turned icy.

A minute later, the car sped off, scattering leaves and leaving only a trail of exhaust behind.

I caught sight of Simon in the rearview mirror. He stood there, looking angry and lonely.

I gave a cold snort, tightened my grip on the steering wheel, and stomped on the gas.

Simon cheated on me and still dared to throw a fit at me. I wasn't someone to push around.

Thinking about booting him out of the car earlier gave me a rush of satisfaction I didn't expect.

Even the pain of being betrayed felt a little less sharp.

Simon and I had been together for seven years. We started as two broke newbies at work, and now both of us had steady careers.

I'd thought we might take the next big step in life, but it turned out there was no need for that anymore.

*****

During the wee hours, it was hard to get a taxi out on that suburban road.

Simon stumbled into the apartment looking disheveled right after I zipped up the suitcase and finished packing the last of the things.

His neat suit was all crumpled, mud covered his shoes, and his messy hair stuck to his forehead.

When he saw me packing, his anger flared up even more. "Jessica, don't go too far.

"I've been away on a business trip for ages and got back a short moment ago, worn out from all the traveling. You didn't ask if I was okay. Instead, you jumped to conclusions and accused me out of nowhere.

"All because of a fuse bead craft, you left me on a suburban road in the middle of the night.

"Do you have any idea how hard I struggled and how far I walked before I found someone who'd give me a ride?"