Chapter 2

Back home, I soaked in the bathtub for over two hours, until my skin was slightly swollen before I got out.

When I went to the walk-in closet to change, seeing half the closet filled with clothes, bags, and jewelry Ethan had given me, I called the owner of a luxury consignment store without hesitation.

Ethan and I had practically grown up together.

Over the years, he would give me gifts for my birthday and various holidays, big and small, each one expensive.

Mrs. Parker had even mentioned wanting me as a daughter-in-law years ago.

Because of this, I had devoted all my attention to Ethan for so many years.

I thought he must have liked me too.

But in the end, I was just deluding myself.

From jewelry worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, down to the lingerie Ethan had given me last Valentine's Day.

Anything that could be resold, I had the consignment store owner pack up and take away.

What couldn't be resold, I threw away as trash.

After doing all this, I booked a flight for a business trip that evening.

As I finished packing and was about to leave, I saw Zoe's announcement on social media.

Two intertwined hands, with a pair of simple band rings that were all too familiar.

Those rings - I had helped Ethan pick them out.

At the time, I was overjoyed, thinking Ethan was going to propose to me and give them to me.

Now it just seemed laughable!

Looking at the constant stream of congratulatory messages mentioning @Ethan and @Zoe, calling Zoe "sister-in-law" over and over.

I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't ache.

After all, for so many years, I had been eagerly waiting for Ethan to propose to me, to marry him and become his wife.

Suddenly, Zoe tagged me: "@Mia Johnson, Mia, are you free tonight? Want to come hang out?"

The group chat suddenly went quiet.

After a long while, Ethan chimed in, tagging me: "If you truly wish us well, then come. Otherwise, don't bother showing up and upsetting Zoe."

"Ethan, how can you say that about Mia? She's not that kind of person," Zoe protested.

"Babe, she's not as open-minded and reasonable as you. She's quite petty!" Ethan replied.

Watching Ethan and Zoe flirt shamelessly in the group chat, I smiled.

Forcing back the tears welling up in my eyes, I left the group chat and blocked both Ethan and Zoe on all platforms.