Chapter 5
Chrissy's POV
At three-thirty in the morning, the electronic lock at the entrance beeped.
Zavier walked in, bringing cold air and the scent of alcohol.
The living room's main lights were off, with only a dim floor lamp glowing.
His movement paused as he changed shoes, clearly noticing the several large black trash bags in the middle of the living room and me sitting silently on the sofa.
"What are you doing up in the middle of the night making a mess?"
He loosened his tie, his tone edged with impatience, and walked straight to the bar to pour himself water.
As he approached, a heavy scent of rose perfume mixed with red wine wafted over.
That was Lexi's favorite fragrance.
I lifted my eyelids and looked at him quietly.
"Cleaning out some useless things."
My voice was hoarse, completely flat.
Zavier stopped mid-drink. He turned to examine me in the dim light.
Perhaps my excessively calm demeanor unsettled him. He put down his glass, walked over to sit beside me, and reached out to put his arm around my shoulders.
"The crew had an important investor meeting today. My phone was on silent. I didn't hear your calls."
He lied smoothly, not even blinking.
"Once we get through this busy period and the film wraps, I'll spend some quality time with you, okay?"
I shifted slightly, avoiding his hand.
His hand froze in midair. His expression darkened instantly.
"Chrissy, what are you throwing a fit about now?"
Zavier's patience seemed exhausted, his voice rising several octaves.
"I already told you it was work! Can't you be reasonable? You weren't like this before. The film is at the most critical stage. Do you really have to cause trouble for me right now?"
I looked at his face, slightly twisted with anger, and suddenly found it laughable.
"Work?"
I let out a light laugh, looking straight into his eyes.
"Going to a revolving restaurant for candlelit dinner, sending red roses. That's part of work too?"
Zavier's pupils shrank sharply, panic flashing in his eyes before being replaced by anger.
"You're spying on me? You went through Lexi's Instagram?"
He shot to his feet, pointing down at me accusingly.
"Chrissy, when did you become so unreasonable? Lexi was upset today. As her director, what's wrong with comforting my actress? Why do you have to think the worst of everything?"
"Think the worst?"
I rolled the phrase around in my mouth, my heart desolate.
He'd trampled our seven years underfoot, yet turned around to accuse me of being cynical.
"Zavier, do you remember what today is?"
I didn't argue with him. I just asked that question calmly.
Zavier froze. The anger on his face solidified instantly, replaced by the awkwardness and guilt of being caught.
He opened his mouth as if to explain, but ultimately just grabbed at his hair in frustration.
"Chrissy, I'm sorry. I genuinely forgot with how busy I've been."
He sat back down, trying to take my hand, his tone softening.
"You know how important this film is to me. Once the movie wins awards, we'll get married. Just bear with me a little longer, okay? We went through life and death together. Surely that means more than some meaningless anniversary?"
Marriage.
For the past seven years, that word had been my greatest hope.
But now, coming from his mouth, it sounded like a cheap bargaining chip to cover his betrayal and neglect.
He thought that mentioning our "life-and-death bond" would make me forgive him unconditionally, just like I always had. He thought Chrissy could never leave him.
I looked at him and suddenly smiled.
"Alright."
I pulled my hand back, stood up, and looked down at him.
"I understand. I won't make a scene. Get some rest. You have a big night shoot tomorrow."
Zavier clearly hadn't expected me to give in so easily. He stared blankly as I walked back to the bedroom and closed the door.
The moment the door shut, I heard him let out a long sigh of relief in the living room.
He thought he'd placated me.
But he didn't know that when a woman stops arguing with you, stops demanding explanations, that's when she's completely given up on you.
Two more days.