Chloe froze.

It was the first time I’d ever used such a distant tone with her.

Then, a look of understanding crossed her face.

"I get it. You're trying to force me to cut him off, right?"

I pulled up a screenshot on my phone.

It was from her group chat with her friends, where she was whining about how she couldn't get over Jason.

She even said if she had to choose again, she'd drop me in a heartbeat to chase after him.

Right, her epic first love.

Even after he'd emotionally manipulated her and cheated, that shiny filter never really wore off.

"If we break up now, we can both walk away with some dignity."

Chloe was still trying to argue. "I can't forget him because of the pain he caused me!"

She followed me, trying to grab my arm.

"That chat is ancient history, Leo. What are you even jealous about?"

I found my suitcase and started throwing all my clothes into it.

Coincidentally, the shipping box for that belt was lying carelessly on the floor.

I pointed at it.

"You ditched our engagement party to give your ex a belt, and you're asking me what I'm jealous about?"

Every single detail proved she still had feelings for Jason.

I'd been blinded by love.

No matter what excuse she came up with, I believed her.

And then she slapped me in the face with it at our own engagement party.

"It's just a belt. If you like it so much, I'll buy you one, too."

As she said it, she was already pulling out her phone to order one.

I took her phone and set it aside.

"That's okay. It's not like I can't afford my own belt."

This just made me feel like I was begging for scraps.

"Jason needs the money. You should probably save it for him."

Over the past month, I'd fought with her about Jason more times than I could count.

The disappointment had been building up, bit by bit.

Chloe clearly didn't understand my reaction.

"If you want it, I'll buy it for you. You're a grown man, stop being so jealous all the time."

That last part was clearly laced with impatience.

"I'm heading to the office. You stay here and think things through."

When she said it, she was like a proud peacock.

As if she was absolutely certain this was just me throwing a tantrum.

The door slammed shut, and everything went quiet.

My half-packed suitcase was at my feet.

I let out a bitter laugh.

Juggling her ex on one side while keeping me on a leash on the other.

In her eyes, I, Leo, was nothing more than a loyal dog.

And dogs don't have the right to criticize their masters.

I zipped up the suitcase and checked into a hotel.

Even though I'd bought the house, her name was on the deed too.

And I just didn't want to be in the same room as her anymore.