"Aurora! Enough! You're acting like a harpy. How many times have I told you that Rebecca and I are just friends? Is it wrong for me to help her out?"

Is she your only friend? All your old classmates are around. Why does she always come to you?

But before I could say more, Jackson's phone rang. His annoyed expression shifted instantly to one of tenderness.

"Rebecca, don't worry. Take your time and tell me everything."

I could hear Rebecca's cries coming through the phone.

"Jackson, I'm in so much pain. My head feels like it's going to burst, I think I have a fever. I'm feeling terrible and I'm really scared. Can you come over and be with me?"

"Hold on, I'm on my way!"

I watched Jackson's every move with a detached curiosity. How would he handle this?

He turned to me, full of apologies. "Aurora, stay calm. I need to step out for a bit. Don't wait up for me."

"Next time, I'll be with you to try the wedding dresses next time."

He said this and rushed out, practically running.

I couldn't believe a word he said anymore.

I took another shower, letting the water cascade over me.

It was strange. I wasn't sad, and I didn't feel like crying.

I suddenly felt drained.

I wanted to give up on this one-sided relationship that seemed to only matter to me.

I pulled out the notebook from my nightstand, the one I kept for tracking my relationship.

I'd promised myself I'd forgive him 99 times, but on the hundredth, I'd be done for good.

Flipping through the pages, I saw the records had long surpassed 99.

I'd just been holding on for too long.

I closed the notebook, packed up my things, and left.

I had to give Jackson some credit.

He always complained about my stuff cluttering the house, so I kept a place of my own.

I used to live in the same neighborhood, but when that place was sold, I found a rental closer to work.

It was handy for when I had late nights and needed a break during the day.

Jackson never seemed to notice how few things I had.

He once looked at my nearly empty closet and said it was how a wife should be, minimal and not overly glamorous.

I glanced at his colorful shirts hanging in the closet and stayed silent.

My phone buzzed unexpectedly.

I thought it might be Jackson realizing I was missing, but it was a message from Rebecca.

Jackson was staying over at her place, with clothes scattered everywhere.

[Jackson was too tired, so he's sleeping here for now. Don't worry.]

Worry about what?