chapter 4
779 Words
After graduating, I initially worked for a listed company.
The workload was heavy and demanding, but my supervisor at the time held me in high regard, and my future prospects looked promising.
Back then, I was so busy that I scarcely had time to see Ryan Blake, who complained bitterly about it.
After we got engaged, he said:
"Chloe Moore, you really ought to quit that job. It would be far better for a young woman like you to find something more family-oriented."
"How will you look after me and the children with such a demanding job? I don't fancy a future of eating takeaways every day after we're married – that's hardly healthy."
"Leave the money-making to the man. You can stay home, look after the children, and enjoy a life of leisure."
At the time, I thought Ryan Blake had a point—someone had to look after the home.
Though I never intended to be a housewife.
I still quit that job and found a low-paying but easy clerical position near home.
I wiped the tears blurring my vision.
Ryan Blake, so my concessions and sacrifices meant nothing to you.
I scrolled further up and saw...
On my birthday, while I was closing my eyes to blow out the candles, he was still flirting with Ella Grace.
Ella Grace posted a mirror selfie in lingerie:
"Too bad certain people can't see it."
"Tempting me?"
"Hmm? Are you coming?"
Ryan Blake replied with a few resigned emojis:
"Chloe Moore's birthday today, so it's not possible. I'll come see you tomorrow."
Ella Grace teased:
"Oh, right. Well, I've forwarded it to Zhou Hai then."
A few minutes later, Ryan Blake replied:
"Is your fiancé any match for me?"
"Just you wait."
It turned out that after eating the cake that day, his claim that his best mate had been in a car crash and was in hospital had been a lie too.
He'd merely been rushing off to sleep with another woman.
A sour ache spread from my chest throughout my entire body, leaving me almost numb.
I trembled as I picked up my phone.
The chat logs were too vile to bear.
I recorded all that sickening content.
After emerging from the bathroom, I quickly touched up my makeup and hurried back.
Ella Grace had been searching everywhere for me. The moment she spotted me, her first glance darted to her handbag.
Her tone, tinged with agitation, carried a hint of accusation:
"Chloe Moore, where on earth have you been?"
"The morning coffee was a bit icy, and I felt a bit unwell, so I popped to the loo."
I handed her the bag with a smile, teasingly adding:
"What? Worried I'd run off with your bag?"
"This bag's rather valuable, you know. I wouldn't dare leave it lying about. Best tuck it away."
I know nothing about handbags.
I only recognised it because it was from the same brand as the scarf Ryan Blake gave me.
I'd just seen it in the chat history.
This bag was the gift Ryan Blake gave Ella Grace after their first time together.
The scarf, however, was a complimentary gift included with the purchase of the bag.
Our fifth anniversary with Ryan Blake.
He forgot to prepare a present and just handed me the scarf to fob me off.
The funny thing is, at the time I was genuinely touched that he'd bought me such an expensive gift.
Yet I worried he'd continue spending recklessly without restraint.
When I shared this bittersweet happiness with Ella Grace,
Ella Grace said with an envious look:
"Ryan Blake really goes out of his way for you. How many straight men would bother with such thoughtfulness?"
Looking back now, they were both taking me for a fool.
Seeing my expression unchanged, Ella Grace relaxed.
She pulled her phone from her bag and urged me to take more photos:
"Make sure they look good—I'll be sharing them later."
I smiled and agreed, lowering my gaze to conceal the chill in my eyes.
Who was she sending them to?
My fiancé?
You lot really are... brazenly disgusting.
After she'd tried on the wedding dress, I feigned feeling unwell and excused myself to leave.
Ella Grace looked slightly disappointed and said:
"Oh, alright then. We haven't been shopping together in ages, and I was hoping to buy you a wedding present today."
"Chloe Moore, do go home and rest properly."
The wedding is the day after tomorrow—you absolutely mustn't have any mishaps."
Watching Ella Grace's insincere affection, I found it utterly laughable.
How had I never noticed her acting was so affected before?
- Writer
