Chapter 3

I didn't go to the car at all.

After the doctor pulled out the needle and put a band-aid on my wrist, I called an Uber straight back to the apartment.

I called a moving company to pack up all my personal belongings.

The apartment was filled with things I had carefully decorated over the years.

I picked up my Ragdoll cat, who was hiding in the corner.

This cat was incredibly expensive. Leaving him behind would be a waste, so I decided to take him with me as a souvenir.

Zack hated his shedding and never wanted to touch him anyway.

Just as the movers carried the last large box out of the door, the front door swung open.

Zack walked in, supporting Lily.

Lily’s foot was wrapped in a ridiculously thick layer of bandages.

Without even taking off her shoes, she climbed directly onto the master bed, rolling around and leaving sand all over the sheets.

"Chloe’s bed is so soft."

"Zack, can I sleep here tonight?"

Zack agreed instantly.

"You can sleep wherever you want."

But when he turned around and noticed the living room was mostly empty, his face darkened.

"What kind of stunt are you pulling now? Why is the place such a mess?"

I stroked the cat’s fur gently.

"They're my things. I’m just taking them."

"Put the cat down."

"Lily just said she wanted to play with the cat to ease her depression. Where do you think you’re taking it?"

I let out a cold laugh.

"She needs a cat for her depression, so I have to give her mine as a toy?"

"Zack, are you her boyfriend or her vet? How do you buy into these ridiculous excuses?"

Zack took two steps closer.

"It’s just a cat, Chloe. I can buy you as many as you want."

"Lily’s situation is delicate. Do you really have to pick a fight over this?"

Just then, laughter came from the hallway.

Kyle Benson walked in with Zack’s other friends, carrying cases of beer.

Seeing my suitcases, Kyle let out a whistle and blocked the doorway.

"Oh, look who’s playing the runaway card."

"Hotels aren't cheap these days. Do you even have money in your account?"

"Don't come crying to Zack for a place to stay in a couple of days."

The others chimed in.

"A girl needs to know her limits. Don't push your luck when you’re being offered a way out."

"She really thinks she’s some kind of high-society princess."

Zack sat down on the couch and lit a cigarette.

He stared at me, silent.

I held the cat tightly and shoved Kyle out of my way.

"Move."

Kyle was startled by the coldness in my eyes and unconsciously stepped aside.

I walked straight toward the elevator.

Zack couldn't sit still anymore.

"Chloe, if you step through that door today, our courthouse appointment next week is off."

"Think carefully."

"If you walk out, don't expect me to come begging you to come back."

I pressed the elevator button and turned to smile at him.

"Sure."

"It’s a promise, then. Let’s just say those five years were wasted on a dog."