Chapter 3

I didn't reply to Ethan. I just focused on prepping for my move overseas.

During a quick break.

I scrolled past Chloe's Instagram post.

[So lucky to have people who remember me every single year! ❤️]

It was a carousel of five photos.

Each one showed a birthday gift Ethan had given her over the years.

A Miu Miu dress, Dior sunglasses, a Chanel handbag...

And this year's gift—a limited-edition Cartier ring.

That ring must have cost Ethan three months of his salary.

How hilarious.

In our seven years together.

Ethan had given me plenty of gifts too.

Hand-woven flower crowns, knitted scarves...

A three-dollar necklace, a four-dollar canvas bag...

He always said:

"The price tag doesn't matter, it's the thought that counts."

"Besides, to keep up appearances for you, I have to buy Chloe the best and most expensive things."

"Don't you care about Chloe the most?"

Thinking about it now, it was just ridiculous.

I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

The receptionist walked past and smiled.

"Getting married soon, huh? Look how happy you are."

I took a sip of my coffee.

"I am happy. But I'd be happy even without getting married."

When work ended that evening.

Ethan was waiting for me outside the office.

Before I could say anything.

He impatiently pulled me into the car.

"Babe, what took you so long? We're going to be late."

Before I even opened the passenger door.

I saw Chloe sitting in the front seat, her feet propped up on the dashboard, scrolling through her phone.

The "Wifey's Seat" sticker on the dashboard had been half-peeled off by her.

Chloe grumbled an explanation:

"Don't look at me, I definitely don't want to be Ethan's wife!"

"Honestly, I'd rather be his dad!"

Ethan shot back immediately:

"Watch your mouth! Who are you calling son? Respect your elders, you should be calling me big brother!"

He turned to me, completely unfazed.

"It's fine, babe. I can stick another one in the back seat. I'll buy you a whole pack."

Chloe made a move to get up.

"Rainey, are you mad? Fine, I'll go to the back. Rainey is my favorite anyway!"

Ethan pressed her leg down.

"Forget it. Since we're already here, you can just be our little third wheel."

My phone buzzed. It was the movers letting me know everything was packed and moved.

I guess it was time to tell Ethan.

Tonight, we were going to the place where we had our very first date.

Good. Let's end it where it all started.

Looking at all the couples around us, Ethan grabbed my hand and sighed.

"On our first date, I was too shy to even touch your hand. And now, we're about to get married!"

Chloe chimed in loudly.

"You better thank me, your honorary mother-in-law! Without my master plans, Rainey would've never said yes so fast!"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll put you at the head table at the wedding! Happy now?"

"Then buy me boba!"

"The usual? Black tea with salted cream, 30% sugar, no ice? Don't you get sick of it? Rainey, what do you want? Chloe and I will go grab it."

Just then, a couple of content creators with cameras walked up to us.

"Hey guys! We're filming a couples' Q&A for National Couples' Day. How long have you two been dating?"

Ethan looked a bit awkward and pulled me from behind him.

"Oh, you have the wrong person. Rainey is my girlfriend."

But Chloe suddenly grabbed Ethan's hand, holding it tight, her smile brilliant.

"Babe, I'm sorry! Don't try to make me jealous with someone else!"

Then, she whispered in a voice only the three of us could hear:

"It's just a TikTok video. I'm the birthday girl today, let me have some fun! Rainey won't mind!"

In front of the camera, their fingers were tightly locked.

Chloe talked smoothly about their "relationship details."

Ethan looked at her with a gentle, adoring gaze.

They looked so perfect together.

The crowd of onlookers pushed me aside.

I just smiled, pulled out my phone, and took a picture of their intertwined hands.

Ethan.

You found me in the crowd, and now you're returning me to it.

Thank God, I don't love you anymore.