I knew my background was modest, and I couldn't afford to give Chloe extravagant gifts.

All I had was my heart, which I poured into making that diamond ring for her.

I'd even cut the diamond myself.

She wore it everywhere she went.

Her best friend had asked about it once, a conversation I'd accidentally overheard.

Chloe's tone was dismissive. "It's not worth much. Wouldn't be a big deal if I lost it."

When I confronted her, she said she was just saying that to her friend.

"Why be so flashy about our relationship? It just makes people jealous."

I no longer had the energy to figure out if she was telling the truth.

The algorithm really does know you best.

I liked the video, then immediately blocked his account.

I shut my eyes and slept until the sun was high in the sky.

I was about to leave anyway, so it would be a waste not to use up all my vacation days.

I'd been saving them for our honeymoon.

Since I'd been kicked off the project, I was happy to enjoy the free time.

I was just heading downstairs for a walk when I ran into Chloe in the lobby.

She'd clearly made an effort to dress up today.

Even her hair had been professionally styled.

She was radiating a whole different kind of glow.

I felt absolutely nothing.

"I knew you'd be here."

Chloe shot up from her seat the moment she saw me.

She was holding a file.

"Weren't you mad about the project? Here, I've got a new one for you."

Chloe held out the file, a clear peace offering.

"Do a good job with this, and I'll promote you to General Manager. How does that sound?"

I was already on my way out.

Why should I create more value for her company?

I didn't take it, just walked straight toward the exit.

Chloe wouldn't give up and chased after me.

"My dad was just asking about you the other day. Come home, Leo."

I shot her a sideways glance.

"Let's just sell the house and split the money however we're supposed to."

Chloe's expression fell.

"Jason couldn't find a job right away, so I thought I'd let him come over to tide him over."

"If it bothers you, I can transfer him to another department right now."

What's that saying?

Oh, right.

A late apology is worth less than dirt.

Besides, I couldn't bring myself to trust Chloe's sincerity anymore.

"Don't bother. Right now, the thought of anything related to you just makes me sick."

Maybe my parents were right.

Chloe and I were never a good match.

When she heard that, her face flushed with embarrassment.

But mostly, it was anger.

She'd been coddled for over twenty years.

This was the first time anyone had ever spoken to her like that.

And Jason, he was like a ghost you just can't shake.

He was waiting outside the hotel, driving Chloe's car.

"Leo, man, what are you doing staying in a hotel?"

He looked around, his tone dripping with contempt.

"A place this low-rent? I wouldn't stay here if they paid me."

Jason then deliberately took off his jacket, showing off the belt.

My eyes, however, were fixed on his jacket.

It was the same style Chloe had picked out for me, the one she said I should wear at our wedding.

Jason's voice was laced with faux helplessness.

"Chloe said the Ferragamo belt didn't quite match my old suit, so she insisted on taking me shopping."

"So? What do you think? Not bad, right?"