Chapter 1

Joseph noticed I wasn't reporting everything to him anymore.

It wasn't until after I'd signed the lease for my new place that I realized I hadn't even told him I was moving.

When my best friend invited me to her wedding with a plus-one, I went alone and gave a generous gift.

Even when my mom was hospitalized for surgery, I managed it all by myself.

I handled the transfer and signed all the paperwork on my own, without ever asking for his help.

Joseph had just stepped off the stage when he heard about it, his brows furrowing.

He said, "Why didn't you tell me your mom was sick? I know people. I could've helped arrange things for you."

Without thinking, I blurted out, "Thank you, but I can handle it myself, really."

As soon as I said it, we both froze.

Just two weeks ago, I was still the "full-time maid" Joseph couldn't stand, his personal housekeeper, always fussing over him.

I used to message him about every little thing, like which brand of cigarettes he wanted or what time I should have dinner ready.

*****

Joseph stared at me, his brows knitting together in a deep frown.

The noise of the celebration around us faded into silence.

His look of shock and confusion was so exaggerated that it almost made me want to laugh.

He had no clue, of course.

This wasn't just some random change of heart. It was the inevitable ending that had been falling apart ever since that stormy night two weeks ago.

That realization first hit me on a night when my car broke down.

The tow truck driver handed me an umbrella, rainwater streaming down its frame in muddy rivulets.

The driver said, "Miss, maybe try calling your boyfriend again? It's tough to catch a cab up here."

I dropped my gaze. At the very top of my phone screen, the call log was marked with a glaring exclamation point.

The call had lasted just thirty-seven seconds.

I shook my head, my words drowned out by the rain. "No need, driver. I'll just go with you."

By the time I got back to my apartment building, it was already past midnight.

I was soaked to the bone, hauling my suitcase behind me, looking like a total wreck.

The elevator doors slid open with a ding. Joseph and Giselle were standing there, side by side.

Joseph was wearing the performance outfit I'd ironed for him, hair perfectly in place, shining like a celebrity.

Giselle was hanging onto his arm, grinning, her sickly-sweet perfume hitting me the second the doors opened.

They were heading out to celebrate.

Me? I'd just dragged myself back from a work trip in another city, changed a tire alone in a downpour, and still ended up calling a tow truck.

Joseph's gaze snapped to me, his brows furrowing tight in an instant.

He made no effort to hide how much he was disgusted.

"Seriously, how did you end up like this?" Joseph asked, staring at the dirty water soaking into the floor around my feet.

"Hurry up and clean this mess. Mop the floor. We're heading out," he added.

His tone was so casual, like he was just bossing around some paid help.

I didn't move, just shifted to the side to avoid him when he tried to grab my suitcase.

His hand was still lingering with Giselle's perfume.

"Go ahead. Don't let me keep you from your plans," I said calmly.

Joseph seemed caught off guard by how easily I went along, his hand pausing awkwardly in the air.

Right at that moment, Giselle gave his arm a gentle shake. Her handbag tilted to the side.

A card slipped out and landed silently on the wet carpet. It was the key card for the priciest hotel suite in town.

The air froze. I stooped down and picked it up.

The plastic card was icy cold, biting sharply into my palm.

Giselle's face turned pale as she rushed to explain, "Please don't misunderstand. Joseph only booked the suite to get some inspiration for the band's new song."

Her eyes darted, a barely concealed smugness flickering in her gaze.

I clutched the key card in my hand.

These little chores used to be mine alone, my territory, my mark.

I was the one who booked flights, made hotel reservations, and planned every detail of his trips.

Joseph always complained the hotels I chose were too bland, stifling his artistic inspiration.

But now, he'd personally handed that "privilege" to someone else.

I handed the key card back to Joseph, forcing a smile.

"Make sure you remind him to bring his favorite pillow," I said flatly, looking straight at Giselle. "He can't sleep unless it's his own bed."

Giselle's face turned even paler, and she instinctively let go of his arm.

But Joseph's expression turned cold. He thought I was just being dramatic.

"What now?" he snapped, his voice sharp with irritation. "Are you mad at me again for not replying to your messages?"

I looked him straight in the eye. "Joseph, half an hour ago, my car broke down on the overpass.

"It was pouring rain. I called you. You answered, then hung up."

My voice was quiet, but I made sure every word was heard.

I continued, "I thought, at a time like that, you'd at least ask if I was alive or dead."

Disappointment crashed over me like a wave.

Joseph's face went stiff for a second, but then irritation took over.

He shot back, "That was a special situation. Giselle just won her first award. The celebration was a big deal."

His voice rose, calling me out for being difficult. "Eunice, can you stop acting like the world revolves around you?"

With that, he led Giselle into the elevator, without a backward glance.

The doors closed, my pale face reflected in the mirrored surface.

Three years by his side was nothing after all.

My phone vibrated. It was a voice message from Joseph.

I tapped it open, and his voice came through, emotionless and perfunctory.

He said, "Quit the drama. We'll talk when you get back."

That was the last time his profile picture ever lit up on my screen.

At that moment, I felt completely empty inside, like all my energy had been sucked out of me.

It was like I was letting go of everything that happened before, disconnecting from the past.

*****

Staring at Joseph's confused face, I just felt numb. There was nothing left inside me.

He was still acting like he was above it all, looking down at me as if he was doing me some kind of favor.

It was like he was silently asking, "Are you finished with your drama yet?"

I took a deep breath, swallowing the surge of emotions rising inside me.

"Joseph." I met his gaze. "Let's break up."