Chapter 3

I’d just woken up, and Ryder was already standing by the front door, ready to go.

"Your clothes are all here. The files are organized too."

His brow was slightly furrowed, and his strong, bony fingers pushed back a stray lock of hair as he meticulously checked the luggage.

"The calming incense got a bit damp, so I didn't bring it. I'll buy you a new one later."

"I packed your plushie in a separate bag..."

"Throw it away."

I said flatly.

That plushie, Ryder had given it to me.

It was meant for Ivy. She refused it, and then he just passed it on to me.

The pathetic thing was, I’d treasured it.

Ryder paused, looking stunned.

"Why? Didn't you like it? Just keep it..."

This was the first time he hadn't obeyed my order.

"Ryder!"

The girl skipped into the small yard, light on her feet, and threw herself into Ryder’s arms.

"Thank you so much for yesterday! I came to thank you in person."

Ryder stiffened, his hands hovering awkwardly, unsure where to place them. His ears, unseen by her, burned bright red.

His scorpion tail was held high, as if afraid to accidentally hurt her.

I glanced at the back of my hand.

Last night, his venomous stinger had grazed me, leaving my hand red and swollen, almost breaking the skin.

Perhaps I was just used to it, but I barely felt any pain.

"Oh! Is this that plushie I didn't want?"

Ivy picked up the beautifully wrapped plushie, examining it.

"How did it get here? Did you give it to Aurora?"

Ryder glanced at me.

He hesitated.

"Uh… no."

I turned my face away, my hand hanging by my side unconsciously clenching.

He said, "I just forgot to throw it out when I was home. It’s trash, really."

His scorpion tail flicked.

The plushie was sent flying into the overflowing trash bin.

Its soft, plush face, still plastered with a cheerful smile, rolled into the depths, becoming soaked and soiled.

"I knew it! Why would you give my unwanted junk to Aurora?"

Ryder’s eyes flickered to my pale face, a tremor running through his pupils before he quickly looked away. I couldn’t tell if it was guilt, or a flicker of pain.

He was afraid Ivy would misunderstand.

So he chose to hurt me. And, of course, what comparison was there between us?

Even gifts, I only got what she didn't want.

I unclenched my hand.

My palms were marred with crescent-shaped indentations from my fingernails.

"Throw away all my luggage. I'll buy new things."

"I don't want any of it anymore."

I looked at Ryder.

"And that includes you, Ryder. I don't want you anymore."