Chapter 5
I walked into the bathroom and locked myself in.
I turned on the shower, letting the warm water crash down over me. But I felt nothing, not even a hint of warmth. The mirror fogged up in seconds, my face blurred behind the mist.
It had been three years, over a thousand days and nights.
We were inseparable: planned our future, met each other's parents, fought, and always made up like nothing ever happened.
I always thought that even if we didn't have some epic, earth-shaking romance, at least we had that steady, quiet bond, like family, like we understood each other without even needing words.
Turned out that it was all just a lie.
That so-called "exclusive seat" was just wishful thinking on my part.
His passenger seat? Other women could adjust it however they wanted, leave behind earrings, lipstick stains, even condom wrappers.
His passenger seat? Someone else could take pictures, flaunt it, and even hold hands with him right there.
And me? I was a fool, guarding that "exclusive" label, thinking it actually meant something.
The water was hot, steam curling around me. I wiped the fog off the mirror, and there I was, pale, but my eyes were sharp, clear, and cold.
Brian, Chloe, you two really know how to play the game.
Let's see who was really going to be up all night on New Year's Eve.
I turned off the water, dried off, and slipped into my pajamas.
In the mirror, the last flicker of emotion in my eyes faded away, leaving nothing but a cold, bottomless abyss.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, Brian was already leaning against the headboard, scrolling through his phone.
He saw me and patted the spot next to him. "Come on, I've warmed up the bed for you."
I walked over and lay down on my side of the bed, leaving a whole person's space between us.
He moved in closer, his breath warm against the back of my ear. "Emmy, are you still mad about this afternoon?" His hand slipped around my waist.
I tensed up for a split second, but didn't pull away. With my back to him, my voice came out flat. "No, just tired."
He chuckled softly, his hand starting to roam, lips brushing against the skin of my neck. "Tired? We don't have to get up early tomorrow. Let me see if you've gotten skinnier".
His touch, which once made my heart race, now sent a wave of pure revulsion through me.
That cloying perfume still hung in the air, making my skin crawl. I suddenly grabbed his hand as he tried to reach into my shirt.
"Brian," I said softly, but there was a chill in my voice that made him pause. "I'm really tired today. I've got to get up early tomorrow to get ready for the New Year's Eve dinner."
He was silent for a few seconds, then slowly pulled his hand back, his tone flat with a barely concealed irritation. "Fine, go to sleep."
He rolled over, turning his back to me.
In the darkness, I lay awake, listening to his breathing grow slow and steady. Only when I was sure he was asleep did I quietly get up, grab my phone and jacket, and slip out of the bedroom, closing the door behind me.
The living room was dark, lit only by the faint glow of the city outside. I sat down on the cold couch and turned on my phone. The screen's light illuminated my blank face.
My friend who was digging up dirt for me sent over a quick update, just a few lines: [Chloe, 25, local. Planner at a media group, six months in. Middle-class background, party girl, super social, knows what she wants.
[She recently landed a 'big fish', probably a junior manager in your field, last name Cole. More details will take time. Extra dollars for a rush job.]
I replied: [Priority. I want everything, especially about her and Brian. Money's not an issue.]
[Understood. You'll get the first batch in 48 hours.]