Chapter 2

After ten years together, I never imagined our breakup would be this casual.

That afternoon, Carter's cousins were organizing a poker game in the group chat. I didn't want to ruin everyone's holiday mood, so I forced myself to go.

Just as I reached the billiard room door, I heard them talking about me.

"Is Serena not coming today? Are you two fighting again?"

"Yeah, because he saved a seat for Chloe at lunch but not for her."

Someone laughed mockingly. "She's throwing a fit over that? How old is she? If there's no seat, find one yourself. Serena's so damn dramatic."

"Right? Remember that hiking trip? Carter and Chloe hiked ahead without waiting for her, and she got pissed. We couldn't even eat together on the way down because of her tantrum."

"When I get married, I'm definitely not picking someone this jealous. Honestly, someone easygoing like Chloe seems way better."

Carter sighed.

"What can I do? That's just her personality. I spoiled her since we were kids. I'll deal with it."

Someone laughed. "Keep spoiling her, and soon you won't be able to say a single word to another girl."

A soft, gentle voice chimed in.

"Serena's so lucky to have such a great boyfriend like Carter. I could never be that fortunate."

Chloe hadn't left at all.

Carter's friends immediately started egging them on. "Well, tonight your Carter can spoil you for once."

"Really? Then you won't take my Pocket Queens, will you, hubby?"

She used a playful tone when she said it.

I heard Carter's voice, tinged with amusement, respond to her.

"Fine. I won't."

Everyone laughed.

Then Carter spoke again.

"Don't go spreading this around as a joke, or I'll have to spend the next few days apologizing to my girlfriend and won't have time to play poker with you guys."

I let go of the door handle. Laughter continued to drift from inside the room.

Carter knew damn well how much I hated the ambiguous relationship between him and Chloe.

He claimed he was afraid of making me angry, yet he didn't stop Chloe from calling him "hubby."

At the end of the day, it was because he was absolutely certain I could never leave him.

But this time, he was wrong.

Shortly after, Chloe posted on Instagram.

[First time playing poker with the big bros and sisters during the holidays. Lost so bad!]

In her selfie, her forehead was covered with sticky notes, and a large hand was affectionately pinching her cheek.

That familiar engagement ring stung my eyes.

I scrolled through and saw Carter's comment underneath.

[Who's bullying you? I'll get revenge for you. LOL]

I turned off my phone and called my dad.

"Dad, I'm coming to spend Christmas with you in Silverpine. I'll be there around midnight."

He paused, sounding surprised.

"What made you change your mind?"

I fought to keep my voice steady, hiding the sadness.

"I miss you. I've spent the past few years with the Harringtons. I want to come home."

My dad immediately picked up on my distress.

"Of course, sweetheart. I actually already washed your sheets and made up your bed."

"Should Dad come pick you up right now?"

Hearing the warmth in his voice, my chaotic emotions began to settle.

"No need. Someone's picking me up. Just leave the door unlocked for me."