Almost Love

Chapter 3---The Breakup

Chapter 3-----The Breakup

The next day, Elliot came back. He saw me burning the blue dress and butterfly hairpin.

"Chloe, what are you doing?" His tone was slightly serious.

"Didn't you see? I'm burning these things!"

He took a deep breath, then crouched beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. His voice was soft as he said, "If you don't like these clothes, just tell me. I'll get you new ones."

I didn't answer him. Instead, I looked up and asked, "Who is Tina?"

Elliot's face stiffened. He stood up, coldly saying, "You went into my study?"

"Yes!"

"Who told you to go in there? Who gave you permission?" He pulled me up and shouted at me.

"If I hadn't gone in, how would I have known you were treating me as a replacement? Where did you go last night?"

He let go of my hand and turned his back to me.

"It's none of your business!"

I laughed bitterly.

"Right, I'm just a stray dog you picked up. You take me when you want, and toss me away when you're done. What right do I have to question you?"

"You know that's not what I meant," Elliot interrupted me.

"Then when you said you'd take care of me, was it because I look like Tina? When you accepted my confession, was it also because I look like her?"

Elliot remained silent.

"Fine, I understand now," I said, my voice trembling.

"Elliot, let's break up."

"What did you say? Say that again."

"I said, let's break up."

"I don't agree!"

"Mr. Grant, although you promised to take care of me on behalf of my parents, after these two years together, I've taken care of you every day. I may not have any merit, but surely I've suffered enough. The debts are settled. Isn't it time to let me go?" I said sarcastically.

"Do you know what you're saying? Now go back to your room and calm down," he said, grabbing me and dragging me back to my room, locking me inside.

"Elliot, this is illegal imprisonment! Open the door! Open the door!" I cried, but the footsteps outside grew fainter and fainter.

After crying, I fell asleep on the bed.

Meanwhile, Elliot went to the bar to meet his good friend, Zachary Reed, and drink.

"To be honest, I've never seen you like this. How did Chloe know what you did last night?"

"She said she wanted to break up."

"I'm not saying this to be harsh, but man, you've got to take most of the blame here. Tina is already married. Even if she's upset, it's not your job to comfort her. Besides, last night was Chloe's birthday. You didn't even spend it with her, and then you went off with your first love. Who wouldn't be mad?"

"Her birthday..."

"You didn't seriously forget, did you?" Zachary looked at Elliot in shock.

Elliot drank the rest of his drink in one go, grabbed his coat, and left.

When Elliot got home, he brought a cake and knocked lightly on my door. By then, I had already left through the window and left him a note: "I'm gone. I hope we never meet again."

I walked out with nothing. I remembered when my fashion teacher, Ms. Johnson, had asked if I wanted to study in Hawthorn with her. At the time, I was so caught up in my relationship that I gave up on the opportunity. Looking back, it was such a shame. I took out my phone and dialed Ms. Johnson's number...