I thought it was just pressure, that she wasn't ready.
But when Brad suddenly returned, Chloe left everything behind to be with him.
I had just realized, after all these years of emotional investment, that I was nothing but a substitute.
How could someone who suddenly appeared in her life compare to her first love? Especially when I had always been the pathetic one, chasing after her affections.
[Congratulations. I'm out, making room for you.]
I texted Brad emotionlessly.
My heart felt like ashes now. I didn't have the time or energy to think about anything else, only wanting to take care of Grandma's funeral arrangements.
"We're so sorry, Osborne. We didn't raise our daughter well."
Chloe's parents were actually very kind to me.
Her mother, Samantha Kade, wore a look of embarrassed shame.
Her father, Oscar Kade's face was grim, clearly suppressing his anger.
At the funeral, they apologized to me in hoarse voices.
Chloe still hadn't returned. It was apparent she had hung up on their calls, too.
She was determined to be with her first love.
"It's not your fault; it's just that she and I weren't meant to be."
I managed a strained smile as I said this.
I struggled through my grandmother's funeral.
Returning to the home I shared with Chloe, I lay on the sofa motionless.
It took a while before I forced myself up.
I packed up all my belongings.
This home, once familiar, now feels alien.
When Chloe agreed to marry me, I was thrilled; I designed and decorated every corner of this place.
I was so busy, day and night, but utterly invigorated, vowing to create a nest of love that Chloe would adore.
Looking at this house now made me feel utterly unfamiliar.
There was not a trace of warmth left.
The love has dissipated.
It had lost its reason to exist.
Leaving the divorce papers, I took my pitifully few possessions and left.
[Sign the papers as you wish. I'll handle the formalities in a month.]
After sending the text to Chloe, I left our former home without a backward glance.
