He Flaunted His Mistress; I Vanished Forever

3: 3

By ten o'clock, Jeffrey still wasn't home.

A few cardboard boxes sat scattered across the living room.

Four years. I'd assumed there would be a lot to pack.

But once I actually started, I saw how little of it was mine.

More than half the closet was Jeffrey's custom suits and dress shirts.

The bathroom counter held the men's skincare he always used.

Even in the shoe cabinet, my shoes took up only a small corner at the very bottom.

I folded the few things I wore most and laid them in my suitcase.

Everything else was what Jeffrey had bought for me.

Expensive bags. Heels that never fit.

I packed it all into boxes and stacked them by the door.

The keypad lock beeped.

Jeffrey pushed the door open, carrying a faint smell of liquor.

He frowned at the boxes on the floor.

"It's the middle of the night. What are you fussing with?"

He crossed to the couch and sat down, rubbing at the space between his brows.

"Just packing up things I don't use." I ran tape across a box to seal it.

Jeffrey didn't question it.

Eyes closed, he said, "Pour me some hangover broth. My stomach's off."

I stood and went to the kitchen and poured a cup of warm water.

Before, whenever he went out drinking, I'd have the hangover broth ready ahead of time.

But tonight there was nothing.

I handed him the cup.

Jeffrey took a sip, and his frown deepened.

"Why isn't this the broth?"

"It's late. I didn't go buy the ingredients." My voice was flat.

Jeffrey opened his eyes and looked at me for a few seconds.

"Are you still angry about this morning?"

He set the cup down, caught my wrist, and pulled me down onto his lap.

"Genie just started. There's a lot she doesn't understand. As her senior and her boss, it's only right that I look out for her a little more."

"You've always been someone who sees the big picture. Don't nitpick over something this small, all right?"

I looked at his face, so close to mine.

I'd loved this face for four years, once believing that if I was only understanding enough, one day I'd finally thaw his heart.

Now I could see it. He'd given that heart to someone else.

"I'm not angry." I gently freed my hand from his and stood up.

"It's late. Go take your shower."

Jeffrey stared at his empty palm, stunned for a moment.

But he didn't press it. "I knew you'd be the sensible one."

He got up, walked to the bathroom door, then seemed to remember something.

"Oh, right. This weekend I've got a business trip to Lakeport. About three days."

"Genie's coming along. She's never traveled far, so tomorrow put together a list of things she should keep in mind for the trip and send it to her."

He seemed to think that as long as he called it work, I was obligated to accept it without a word.

"Okay." I nodded, without a moment's hesitation.

Jeffrey went into the bathroom.

I picked up my phone and opened Eugenia's work account.

I sent her a detailed travel guide for Lakeport.

I'd marked every restaurant and sight perfect for a couple to check off.

Once it was sent, I tossed the phone onto the couch.

I turned and walked out to the balcony, pushing the window open to let air in.

The truth was, I didn't like woody scents.

I liked citrus. Fresh and clean.

But Jeffrey said citrus was cheap and beneath his standing.

So over these four years, I'd even switched my body wash to the brand he chose.

I looked down at my hands.

From all the housework, the edges of my nails had gone rough.

Jeffrey had never once noticed those details.

The sound of running water stopped.

Jeffrey came out toweling his hair and saw me still standing on the balcony.

"Why aren't you in bed?" He came over and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, his warm breath spilling against the side of my neck.

"Once this stretch is over, I'll take some vacation days and bring you to see the ocean."

"No need." I calmly pushed his arms away.

"It's turning cold lately. Get some rest."

Jeffrey's arms froze in midair.

He watched me walk toward the bedroom, and something like irritation flickered in his eyes.

But he said nothing. He only closed the balcony door.