Chapter 2

My hand stopped on the zipper.

Torin explained from beside her. "It was just the penalty. I couldn't go back on my word."

"None of this would've happened if you hadn't run home like that."

"Sweetheart, I've made an appointment with a lawyer. I'll file for divorce next Monday. As soon as the court approves it, you and I will get married."

He sounded so casual that I suddenly remembered our previous attempts to get married.

Every time, something had gone wrong.

Either his car wouldn't start, or he hadn't brought a valid driver's license.

This time, I'd checked our IDs, gotten the marriage license, and even booked the ceremony.

They'd started that sickening game again.

But when it was his turn with Blythe, they got a new license, found a chapel that took walk-ins, and everything went smoothly.

It was as though our wedding was the only one that could never happen.

Blythe laughed. "Last time I won, I made him ruin your next three weddings. He didn't miss a single one—what a man of his word."

I stared at Torin in disbelief.

He'd ruined all three previous attempts on purpose.

Every time, I'd stupidly thought it was just bad luck.

Seeing my expression, Torin reached for my hand.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to overthink it. Next Monday, let's go set a new wedding date together, okay? This time, I promise."

I yanked my hand away and laughed until tears came.

"Set another date? So you can ruin it again?"

"You two make me sick, Torin."

"We're done. Bet on whatever you want from now on. Just leave me out of it."

I pulled my suitcase toward the door.

Torin tried to stop me, but a second later, Blythe called out, "Three, two, one—freeze!"

The game began.

His footsteps stopped.

I kept wheeling my suitcase along. I didn't look back.

For the next few days, I stayed in a short-term rental and prepared for my transfer.

When the doorbell rang, I thought the movers I'd booked had arrived.

I opened the door. It was Torin.

For a moment, I was surprised.

Whenever we fought, I was always the one who gave in first.

He held out the perfume gift set I'd saved on a department store's website ages ago and said he wanted to apologize.

To my shame, I actually wavered.

I took the gift box and opened it.

A spring-loaded snake shot out at my face.

I screamed and threw the box.

Laughter burst out in the hallway.

Blythe stepped out from the corner by the stairs.

She clutched her stomach, laughing so hard she couldn't stand straight.

"Don't be mad, Seren. It was his penalty for losing."

"I didn't think he'd have the nerve. Your face was priceless!"

My heart went completely cold.

Torin smiled and reached for my hand.

"Okay, you've gotten it out of your system. Pack up and come home with me."

I dodged his hand.

"I told you. We broke up."

His smile faded.

"Seren, don't make this ugly."

He acted as though coming to see me meant I should smile and accept everything he'd done.

I was tired.

"I don't want to be the punch line in your game anymore."

"It's just a joke. Why are you the only one who's so sensitive?"

He looked baffled.

But when his gaze drifted to a corner of the room, he smiled again.

"You say we're done, but you kept pictures of the three of us. How long do you expect me to keep trying to make you feel better?"

I followed his gaze to the things I'd sorted out.

On top was a photo of the three of us on our beach trip the previous year.

That box was meant to go back to them.

I handed it over.

"Your stuff. Take it back."

His face darkened.

"You're serious?"

Blythe finally spoke.

"Seren, who breaks up over something this small?"

"We weren't trying to hurt you."

I looked at her.

"I told you I didn't want to play. I told you it wasn't funny."

"Why are you always the ones laughing, while I'm the only one crying?"

"My things, my dignity, even whether I get to the hospital in time—you turn all of it into bets."

I handed Blythe the other box.

"Take it all. As of today, we're nothing to each other."