They Were Lovers Behind My Back

Chapter 2

Alaric hadn't taken a word I'd said seriously. "This isn't the time to say things you don't mean. Isadora, come home with me and calm down."

"I am calm."

I stepped back, avoiding his outstretched hand. As the tension grew, Cosima hurried to smooth things over.

"Come on, Alaric. You know Isadora likes to sulk. Why argue with her? She's just a child. She won't be happy until we fuss over her."

Alaric frowned, his voice turning cold.

"Cosima, stop indulging her princess act. Does she think the whole world revolves around her?"

For a moment, his words took me back.

I'd gone with Alaric to the airport 3 years earlier.

I'd clung to him, crying like a child.

He'd comforted me gently. "Don't worry. Even if we're thousands of miles apart, I'll still treat you like my princess. I won't let anything hurt you."

He'd promised to treat me like a princess. Now he was mocking me for expecting it.

I didn't have the strength to say another word. I turned and went upstairs.

Cosima tried to follow, but Alaric stopped her.

"Don't spoil her, Cosima. Don't worry. She'll give in within 3 days."

I clenched my fists and thought about the overseas assignment my company was offering.

He expected me to come around in 3 days. I was planning to leave for 3 years.

That night, I couldn't sleep.

It wasn't because I was upset. I'd forced myself to change my sleep schedule so I could talk to Alaric despite the time difference.

I opened my social media feed. The first thing I saw was Cosima's post, tagged with a hotel's location.

In the photo, Alaric was holding a bowl of instant mac and cheese.

The photo had a caption:

Are we really close enough to make instant mac and cheese together in a five-star hotel?

Alaric had left a comment beneath it.

Alaric: Of course we are.

I stared at the screen until my eyes ached.

In our 5 years together, Alaric had never cooked me a single meal, not even when we'd lived together before he moved abroad.

He always said he hated cooking and was allergic to the smell of frying food.

'Apparently, I'm what he's allergic to.'

After a sleepless night, I went to the office in the morning and immediately put together my application for the overseas assignment.

My manager studied the paperwork in confusion. "Didn't you say you were planning to get engaged next year?"

I gave a bitter smile. "I've let someone else have him."

My manager said nothing more and approved 7 days of leave so I could apply for my visa.

I went home for my passport. The moment I opened the door, I saw Alaric on the couch.

Cosima lay in his arms, so drunk she'd passed out.

"You're just in time," Alaric said, already giving orders. "Isadora, make Cosima some broth for her hangover."

I stood in the doorway. I hadn't even had a chance to put down my bag.

"What are you doing back here?" I gritted my teeth. "What's the matter? Can't afford the hotel anymore?"

Instead of getting angry, Alaric smiled.

"Isadora, are you jealous?"

He got up, came over, and pinched my cheek.

"I knew you still cared about me."

I cut him off.

"Are you about to tell me you and Cosima were only putting on a show yesterday, just to make me jealous?"

Alaric paused, then nodded.

"Of course. I like seeing you jealous."

I laughed.

Sometimes, when someone leaves you utterly speechless, all you can do is laugh.

He got to watch me burn with jealousy while he carried on with Cosima.

Even when he fought with his girlfriend, there was another woman waiting to comfort him.

Alaric always made sure he got what he wanted.

"What's so funny?" he asked, puzzled.

Usually, by this point, I'd be in tears, begging him to forgive me. I'd promise never to argue with him again, then plead with him to come home and see me, just once.

"Why shouldn't I laugh?" I asked evenly. "I let Cosima have you yesterday. I don't cry over things I don't want anymore."