As I curled up on the couch, Melody’s Instagram post suddenly popped up: “Someone who truly loves you remembers everything you like.”
In the photo, Noah was sandwiched between them, with Melody’s head resting affectionately on Rhys’s shoulder–looking exactly like a perfect family of three.
And that Hermès handbag on the table was the very one he had taken away yesterday.
Even the comments section was as lively as a wedding reception:
Rhys’s best friend, Jack, lead the cheering squad: “That bag has a million–dollar waitlist! Rhys, big move to make your lady smile!”
Somehow, I suddenly remembered my birthday last year when Rhys gave me a discounted scarf and Jack had been there too, teasing him: “A ten–dollar scarf? Rhys, is that all Viv’s worth to you?”
Rhys had responded flatly, “She prefers discounted stuff.”
Meanwhile, I’d held the scarf silently, never letting them know that the only reason I always lingered in clearance sections was to save money to buy better things for father and son.
Throughout these years, Rhys’s friends had never once treated me as a “bro’s wife“; they not only looked down on me but whispered behind my back things like “Melody is three years younger than Viv, with a prestigious degree and better social skills” and “Viv’s always suspiciously paranoid, it’s exhausting just looking at her.”
So, in Rhys’s social circle, I was a joke–a clingy wife, a stumbling block preventing him from pursuing his true love.
Suddenly my fingers froze when I saw Rhys’s reply in the comments:
“Anything to make Mel happy,” followed by three sun emojis that stung my eyes.
Below, Jack twisted the knife deeper by adding, “Someone’s gonna throw a fit now. No matter how high and mighty the ‘queen‘ tries to act, she’ll never compare to our Mel’s casual wish!”
Though no names were mentioned, everyone understood the implication.
Seeing this, I exited the app without hesitation, drank a cup of warm milk, and fell into a deep sleep.
When I opened my eyes again, Rhys was standing by the couch, irritably clutching his suitcase with Noah beside
him.
“Viv, your husband and son are away, and you don’t even call or check in? You just sleep like a baby? Are we not worth your concern anymore?”
14:05
Screw You, Ex! My New Life’s Hotter Than Your Money!
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Chapter 4
I remained silent, reflecting on how in the past, when I’d asked if his plane had landed safely, if he’d reached the hotel, or what he was eating–he found me annoying and intrusive.
Yet now, I’d stopped asking altogether, he complained that I didn’t care.
“You said you were on a business trip, so naturally I didn’t want to disturb you. Besides, didn’t you and Noah have Melody keeping you company?”
Rhys looked at me with complete shock, not expecting me to be so calm when Melody’s name came out of my mouth.
After a moment, his face reddened, and his tone softened: “Viv, there’s really nothing between us. I’m just repaying a favor I owe her. How many times do I need to explain this?”
I gently raised my hand to stop him, my lips cùrving into a perfectly measured smile: “No need to explain. I understand everything.”
Suddenly, he nudged our son, who was standing nearby.
Then Noah stepped forward with obvious reluctance, holding out a plastic necklace: “Mommy, I bought this for you with my allowance! Even though you’re not nice to me, Daddy taught me to return evil with kindness!”
Hearing this, I casually pushed his hand away, “I appreciate the thought, but why don’t you save it for Auntie Mel?” which caused Rhys to fume beside him.
“Viv! Don’t be so ungrateful. Your son is offering you a way to save face, and you’re still putting on airs!”
But I ignored him, went to the kitchen, poured myself a glass of warm water, and simply said, “Get some rest, Rhys.”
Under his furious gaze, I returned to the bedroom and locked the door.
The next morning, as sunlight filtered through the curtains into my bedroom, I wheeled my suitcase out, taking one last look at the home, I’d lived in for five years, leaving everything behind–even the people I once treasured most.
Rhys slept until late morning before finally waking up, stumbling into the living room while rubbing his temples, only to find it empty with even my belongings vanished from my room.
Frowning, he dialed my number but couldn’t get through.
Suddenly, an inexplicable uneasiness washed over him.
Without hesitation, he grabbed his car keys and rushed to the design firm.
The director spotted him immediately upon his arrival and approached with a smile.
“Rhys, what brings you here? Is there something unfinished with Viv’s resignation paperwork?”
Hearing this, Rhys’s pupils dilated in shock, his car keys clattering to the floor as he stammered, “What did you say? Resignation?!”
14:05
Screw You, Ex! My New Life’s Hotter Than Your Money!
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Chapter 4
The director pushed up his glasses in surprise and explained, “Yes, Viv resigned three days ago. She’s going to Cambridge for a five–year program. Didn’t you know? Her flight was today. She’s probably already there-”
Crew You. I’x! My New Life’s Hotter Than Your Moneyt
