Chapter 2

After breakfast, Julian cleared the table like he always did.

"Babe, I actually have some free time today. Let me take you shopping."

Our son, home for the weekend, whined about wanting to go camping instead.

Julian frowned. "What's the rule in this house? Mom comes first."

Watching him lecture our son, I couldn't help but think: without Elena, he might actually be a decent husband and father.

But how could I keep believing this act?

My phone buzzed on the table.

I picked it up. Elena had sent me a photo of her and Julian, faces pressed together.

I turned off the screen and said nothing.

A few minutes later, she texted again: "Julian has the day off. Who do you think he's going to spend it with—me or you?"

I almost laughed. She was the only one who still cared about the answer to that question.

Julian walked over and leaned against my chair. "What is it, Viv? Something wrong?"

I set the phone face-down. "Spam. It's nothing."

Before, I would have shoved the photo in his face and screamed at him.

Now I didn't have the energy. I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to slip out of his life without a sound.

Julian sensed something was off. He reached for my phone.

I pressed my hand down on it.

His phone rang.

A breathy voice came through: "Julian, come keep me company, pleeeease?"

He straightened up and stepped away.

I ignored him and went to the bedroom to change.

Half an hour later, I came back out. Julian had just hung up.

I picked up my bag. "Weren't we going shopping?"

He looked me over, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Viv, something came up at the office. I can't go with you."

I nodded. "Then go."

My easy acceptance seemed to throw him off.

I pushed him toward the door. "She's waiting for you. Hurry up, or you'll be late. Work is important."

Julian kissed my forehead with a show of reluctance. It made my skin crawl.

When he was gone, I felt lighter.

I had more important things to do today. My visa had come through, and I needed to pick it up in person.

An hour later, I walked out of the government building with a fresh visa in my hand. I felt like I could breathe again.

Julian was probably having a good time right about now.

Ten minutes ago, Elena had sent me another message: a photo of Julian's bare back in the shower, and a line of text.

"Vivian, you lose again."

I hailed a cab on the curb. "The mall, please."

I didn't need Julian to go shopping. I could buy my own clothes.

Most of my wardrobe came from him anyway.

If I was leaving, I might as well replace all of it.

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