The minimalist decor—black, white, and gray—was spotless and gave off a cool, almost sterile vibe. It felt distant.
I looked around, trying to piece together last night’s events, but all I could remember were flashes of my tears, Chase’s comforting arms, and the weight of everything crashing down on me.
Before I could gather my thoughts, my phone rang, breaking the silence.
The name "Jason" flashed on the screen.
I hesitated for a moment before finally answering.
"Emma! Where did you go last night? Why didn’t you come home?" Jason’s voice came through, full of anger and confusion.
"Do I really need to report to you where I went? Jason, we’ve broken up." I tried to keep my voice steady, but the phone felt like it was burning in my hand.
My fingers were trembling, betraying me.
"Broken up? Emma, don’t forget we haven’t officially broken off our engagement! Who were you with last night? Was it that Chase?"
His voice grew louder, the suspicion in it thickening.
I scoffed, the bitterness in my laugh sharp. "Jason, your imagination’s running wild. Even if I was with someone, it’s none of your business."
"Emma, you better tell me the truth! If you’re messing around behind my back, I swear I won’t let you off!" His voice cracked with anger, his words frantic.
I couldn’t take it.
I didn’t want to hear it anymore.
I hung up the phone, my hand shaking as I pressed the button.
...
After saying goodbye to Chase and stumbling back home, I immediately noticed something was wrong.
A pair of high heels—someone else’s—were carelessly discarded at the door. A single stocking was thrown across the sofa, and the air was thick with the scent of perfume.
I didn’t recognize it.
A cold, sinking feeling washed over me, like something in the pit of my stomach had just dropped.
From the bathroom, I could hear the sound of rushing water—and a woman’s laughter, light and flirtatious, echoing through the apartment.
I froze, and my blood turned cold. My heart pounded in my chest, louder with every step I took toward the bathroom door.
Without thinking, I pushed it open.
What I saw shattered me in an instant.
Ava was standing naked under the showerhead, and Jason was gently wiping her down with a towel.
"Jason, you’re so kind..." Ava purred, her voice sweet and sickeningly fake.
"Ah, Jason, you’re hurting me..." she complained playfully, the words dripping with seduction.