Chapter 2

But I suddenly laughed, "You really are just a young girl. Using such a childish trick to drive a wedge between us.

"I've known Felix for ten years. I don't need anyone else to tell me what kind of person he really is."

Jessica's face turned red. She seemed to deflate. She mumbled and couldn't get her words out.

I couldn't be bothered to engage with a young girl anymore. I gave my final warning. "I don't care what your reason is. Tomorrow, I'll have everything that isn't mine cleared out."

Jessica looked at Felix for help. But this time, he didn't say anything. When he looked at me, though, there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

*****

Life threw a curveball. My company sent me on a week-long business trip.

The apartment was still on my mind. I asked Felix to record a video of it and send it to me. He seemed indifferent and just muttered a quiet "okay."

I didn't think much of it.

He had a gentle nature. But he had a deep hatred for injustice. He quietly helped the weak all the time. That was what I loved about him.

During that time, he was very quiet.

In the past, whenever I went on business trips, he'd always fuss over me, even about the smallest things.

I used to say he was annoying. He would just say, "Because I'll miss you."

I wasn't used to the sudden silence. But I didn't text him first.

I still hadn't called him out for just renting out our apartment without asking.

It was fine to be a good person. But not at our own expense.

The video arrived on time. The apartment looked completely new. A brand new wedding photo was back up in the living room.

With that worry off my mind, I was in a great mood. I got a lot more done at work.

I booked my return flight two days early. The whole way back, I felt nothing but joy about finishing the project before the wedding.

*****

The smart lock beeped. "Unlock failed."

On the fifth try, the lock froze. My mood took a nosedive.

I gave in and called a locksmith. "Yeah, that's right. It suddenly stopped working. Fingerprint and password won't open it. Please come as soon as you can."

While I was waiting, the elevator doors suddenly opened.

This building had one apartment per floor. I automatically assumed it was Felix. I didn't even look up. "The lock is broken. The locksmith won't be here for a while."

Then a skirt hem drifted into my sight. Right after that, a crisp female voice spoke, "Amelia, um... the lock isn't broken."

While I was still stunned, Jessica had unlocked the door.

She noticed I wasn't moving. She rubbed the hem of her shirt awkwardly. "Just come inside. We'll talk."

I could probably guess what was going on. My mood completely tanked.

I walked inside. Jessica spoke first, "Amelia, please don't be mad at Feli. He felt bad for me.

"I couldn't find a place to stay, so he let me move in here first. He said you two are moving out next month anyway.

"And about the lock, I couldn't remember the password. So Feli changed it to my birthday. He said it would be easier to remember. I hope you don't mind."

Then, she looked like she'd just touched a hot stove. Her eyes kept darting to the other side of the couch. I followed her gaze. Over there sat a delicate pair of white lace panties.

After making sure I had seen it, Jessica quickly hid it behind her back. "I'll take it back to my room right now.

"Feli said things didn't dry well in my room, and bacteria could grow. So he helped me put them out on the balcony."

She muttered as she walked, "I thought you weren't coming back for two more days..."

I didn't let her finish. I just made a call. "Hello, is this the locksmith? Never mind. Don't come."

I hung up and looked at Jessica. "How long have you been living here?"

"Over a month," she replied.

"Nice." I opened my phone's notes app right in front of her and started recording. "Now, please get out."

"What?" she blurted out.

"Living in someone else's house without permission is illegal. I can call the police anytime. Are you leaving on your own, or do I have to get the cops to come and take you away?" I said.

Jessica's face went ghostly pale. Her lips trembled. "But Feli said..."

"What he says doesn't fly with me." I waved my phone. "You have ten minutes to pack your things."

Felix stepped out of the elevator and saw the door wide open. He realized something was wrong.

"Amelia, let me explain," he blurted out.

The first thing he saw was me sitting alone in the living room. Jessica was nowhere to be seen. He jumped to the conclusion that I had already kicked her out.

Before I could say anything, his voice shot up. "Amelia. Don't forget where you started. Jessie is just like you were back then. If you don't feel bad for her, fine. But there's no need to be so hard on her.

"Have you forgotten the days of living on plain bread? Have you forgotten humbly begging the landlord to cut you some slack? Wasn't it my help that got you through all that?" His chest kept heaving. He looked like I had done something unforgivable.

I had wanted to talk this through calmly. But now he'd pushed me so far that I lost it.

I let out a cold laugh. "Yeah. I took your little favors. But don't pretend you didn't have other motives.

"You just wanted to sleep with me, didn't you? So what now? You want to sleep with your little intern too?"

I regretted it the second it left my mouth.

Felix wasn't that kind of person. That was too hurtful.

I looked at him anxiously. His eyes were full of shock. His lips trembled.

After a long pause, he finally managed. "So that's how you've always seen me. You're right. Sleeping with only you for the rest of my life would be pretty boring."

"You bastard!" I couldn't hold back my anger. I slapped him hard.

His eyes swept past me without a trace of emotion. "I think we both need to take a breather."

He went into the room to pack. That was when he found Jessica inside.

She said, "Sorry, Feli. I was afraid if I came out, you guys would fight even harder. I'll go clear things up right now. Please don't fight because of me. I'm just an outsider."

Felix felt a little frustrated too. Even so, he stopped her. "No need. Go pack your things. I'll take you somewhere else to stay."