You'll Miss Me When I'm Done

Last night, I stayed up late writing my resignation letter, and I handed it in first thing this morning. My boss called me into his office to talk.

He's been really good to me over the years and has helped me get promoted.

When he found out I was leaving, he looked confused.

"Hailey, is something going on? Why do you need to resign?"

I just smiled and explained, "Well, I just want to try living in a new city."

He got the hint and didn't pry any further, quickly signing off on my resignation.

My colleagues, who I'm pretty close with, were sad to see me go. They wanted to take me out for dinner after work, but it was raining by the time we reached the company lobby, though I hadn’t noticed when it started.

While we were waiting for a cab, someone suddenly called my name from behind.

"Hailey!"

A black Audi pulled up not too far away.

Peter slowly rolled down the window, his gaze landing on my wet hair with a frown.

"Get in. I'm here to pick you up."

I didn't move. Just then, I heard a cheerful voice from the passenger seat.

"Hailey, I told you Peter really loves you! He came to pick you up on a rainy day—oh, I'm so jealous!"

Seeing my blank expression, Josie chuckled and explained.

"Oh, I didn't bring an umbrella today, and Peter was nice enough to give me a ride. You don't mind, right?"

I chuckled. "Yeah, not at all!"

But I still didn't feel like getting in the car.

Peter waited for a bit, starting to get impatient. Just as he was about to say something, my colleague's cab arrived.

We both hopped in and as I closed the door, I heard Peter's urgent voice.

"Hailey, I came all this way to pick you up. Where are you going?"

I replied calmly.

"I've got some stuff to take care of. My colleague is going my way, so I'm not heading home yet."

Then I rolled up the window, shutting him out.

While I was having chili con carne with my colleagues, Peter called me a bunch of times. Swear, he was getting annoying!

I put my phone on silent, flipped it over, and kept chatting with my colleagues.

After the meal, my colleague's husband came to pick her up.

"Hey, want my husband to give you a ride home?"

I shook my head and smiled. "Oh, no, thanks. You guys go ahead."

I stayed at the resto, enjoying my meal when Peter walked in, soaked.

This time, no clingy childhood friend was trailing behind him. He looked both lonely and disheveled.

As soon as he stepped in, his eyes went straight to t

In the car, the air was heavy. He seemed mad, and I didn't even feel like appeasing him.

I just put on my Bluetooth headphones and continued listening to my podcast.

I don't know how long it went on, but then Peter suddenly spoke up.

"Hey, I've been kind of ignoring you lately because Josie is pregnant, and her husband is overseas, leaving her all alone."

We grew up together, and I care about her more than most; she's like a sister to me, you know, so I can't help but check in on her."

As he spoke, his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. I could tell he was a little nervous, especially when he mentioned Josie.

I remember two months ago, Peter's rarely used notes app was filled with pregnancy planning lists.

There were two columns: one for the mom and one for the baby.

I still remember how annoyed he got when we talked about our future, our marriage, and the idea of having kids.

"I don't have time for kids. No plans for that for the next five years!"

But when it comes to Josie, all his boundaries seem to shift.

The podcast switched to the next episode, and I casually changed it, nodding along.

"Yeah, since you two grew up together, it makes sense to care a little more."

The dumbass stared at me, dumbfounded.

"You… you really don't mind?"

Normally, whenever his childhood friend came up, we'd argue like crazy, and it would end in a fight.

But now, I was chill, and Peter was thrown off.

I couldn't help but laugh. "What's there to mind?"

After all, I'd already quit my job, and tomorrow, I'd sell my small apartment. Then, I'd leave this city for good.

Everything here has nothing to do with me.

Not even Peter mattered anymore.

When I got home, he handed me a nicely wrapped gift box.

"Babe, I know I haven't been spending much time with you these days. Don't worry, once I get through this hectic schedule, I'll make it up to you."

"It's only two weeks until our wedding. Have you thought about where you want to go for our honeymoon?"

When I didn't take it, Peter opened the box himself, revealing an old-fashioned gold necklace inside.

Just on the way to the front door, I came across Josie's post.

[Ugh, my silly childhood friend! Sure, this necklace's gold. But it's so old-fashioned I wouldn't wear it even if he paid me! LMAO.]

[Well, look, he actually bought me something new to make up for it. OMG! I love it!]

That necklace she was trashing was the same one my jerk fiancé was holding.

No way I'd take someone's garbage. I just grabbed a towel and headed for the bathroom.

"I'm really tired today. Let's just talk later."