“I was worried you’d be upset after the accident, so I came to keep you company. This afternoon was really an accident. My phone was on silent, so I didn’t get your message. Thank God it wasn’t serious, or I really wouldn’t know what to do, babe.”
His voice was soft, his eyes full of affection that used to melt me so easily.
But now, it only pierced like a blade.
This jerk had no idea that on my eighteenth call, when he finally picked up, I’d heard his voice.
He was telling Zamora, “She’s just like a cheap dog I raised. I can’t get rid of her no matter what.”
I lowered my eyes, my throat tightening.
When I stayed silent, he followed my gaze and noticed the phone in my hand—the screen still paused on that Instagram video.
He reached over, took it, and pressed the power button.
“Stop watching.”
“This video isn’t what you think it is,” Ross said in a low voice. His tone was gentle, but there was a hint of impatience behind it. “I only went along with her for business reasons.”
“The richest guy in the Forrers is planning to invest in a new company. If I can close this deal, we’ll be listed on the market soon. She… She’s just a stepping stone.”
He paused for a moment, softening his tone. “Yes, Zamora is my ex, but we ended things a long time ago. It’s been eight years since we last spoke. I don’t have any feelings for her anymore.”
“I only got close to her because her birthday party is coming up next week, and the richest guy will be there. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. Once I get the contract signed, I’ll dump her publicly, okay, babe?”
I stayed silent for a long time before whispering, barely audible, “And me? What about me? These past few days… What does that make me? Your other woman? Or your ex?”
Ross froze, his brows knitting slightly, as if my words had cut him.
He gripped my hand tightly, his voice panicked. “Don’t say that. How could we ever break up? It’s just a week. That’s only seven days, babe. Just hang on a little longer, okay? You’ve always been the most understanding. Once the company goes public, I’ll give you the grandest wedding.”
I smiled, my tears slipping down.
Understanding.
He always praised me for being understanding, patient, considerate, and quiet.
But I was really exhausted.
I didn’t want to be “understanding” anymore.
“Alright,” I said softly. “I understand.”