During the ride, I sat in the back seat. Bobby kept glancing at my somber expression.
“You didn’t get into the scholarship program, did you?” he guessed. He knew today was the announcement.
“Hmm…” I responded briefly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make you some hot chocolate to cheer you up.”
“Hmm…” I repeated the same answer, giving him no reaction. Then I closed my eyes. I wasn’t really asleep. I was trying to suppress my anger.
But I heard something that made my blood boil.
“Is she asleep?” Grace asked, her voice low but teasing.
“Of course,” Bobby replied casually. “Irish always falls asleep quickly after a long day at work.”
Grace chuckled softly. “Then can I tease you now?”
Bobby laughed. “Be patient, darling. Wait until we get to your apartment.”
“I can’t wait…” Grace murmured, leaning closer to Bobby. From the corner of my barely open eyes, I saw her unbutton the top of his shirt, her hand stroking his chest flirtatiously.
I clenched my fists, trying hard to hold back my tears. They talked as if I wasn’t there, as if I were a lifeless doll.
When we arrived at my apartment, Bobby tried to act sweet. He made me hot chocolate, just as he had promised. But I didn’t care. I only stared at him coldly, saying nothing.
Suddenly, Bobby’s phone rang. It was a call from Grace. I could clearly see her name on the screen. Bobby pressed the speaker button, and Grace’s voice filled the room.
“Bobby, the AC in my apartment is broken. Can you come over now?”
Bobby glanced at me briefly before answering. “I have to ask Irish first. If she says yes, I’ll come. If not, you’ll have to find someone else.”
I gave him a bitter smile. “Why bother asking for my permission? You always do whatever you want, don’t you?”
“Oh, come on, Irish. Don’t take out your disappointment on others. I’m just helping Grace fix her AC, and then I’ll come right back. Go to sleep, and good night, darling…” he said, kissing my forehead before leaving.
I started at the door he had just closed, fighting back my tears. In a few days, I would be gone. And when that day came, I would never look back.
#Irish’s POV
That morning, the cold air stung my skin as I stepped out of the bedroom. But the chill in the air was nothing compared to the searing heat suddenly burning in my chest. Grace was standing in our living room, her smile bright as she adjusted Bobby’s tie—my husband’s tie.