80
The entire press conference went by without a single word from Gracie–she hadn’t answered any of Frederick’s calls. He sat in his office, his face dark, staring silently out the window.
Just then, Giselle entered, carrying a lunchbox. She was dressed in a revealing designer gown, deliberately showing off her curves. On her arm was the limited–edition handbag Frederick had bought her.
She slinked over like a water snake, wrapping her arms around his neck and pouting coquettishly.}
“Frederick, don’t be mad anymore. A woman like her isn’t worth your anger. Come on, eat something, okay?“}]
With a faint frown, Frederick took the chopsticks she offered, clearly irritated.
“I’ve been so worried about you all morning,” Giselle continued. “I even made your favorite dishes. Who would’ve thought Gracie would ghost you like that? She didn’t just stand you up and break her word–she’s been completely unreachable. She humiliated you in front of everyone at the press conference.”}
She didn’t notice Frederick’s face growing gloomier as she kept fanning the flames.”
“She must’ve done it on purpose–getting her revenge. I never imagined she’d be this manipulative. Now every media outlet is speculating whether your marriage is falling apart.“>
“Enough. Don’t mention her again. I don’t want to talk about it,” Frederick said, cutting her off.”
Giselle smirked, but didn’t press further. She picked out some food and served it to him with a smug sense of intimacy.
<->
Meanwhile, I finally arrived in Florida after a long flight. It was only the second time I’d seen Azrael since we graduated.
“It’s been so long, Gracie. I’m really glad you came to visit,” he greeted me warmly.
Azrael had changed a lot. Back in school, he used to wear thick glasses and dressed plainly, often fading into the background. But now, he exuded the confidence of a successful businessman–relaxed, charismatic, and stylish.}
“It’s been a while, Senior,” I replied with a smile.
He brought me to his apartment and helped me settle in before offering to show me around and help me get familiar with the city.
I was curious about Florida, but the exhaustion from the journey was catching up with me. “I think I’ll rest a bit first.“}
“Of course,” he said. “We can go tomorrow. Just let me know if you need anything.“}
The room fell into a brief, peaceful silence. I turned on my phone and was stunned by the sheer number of missed calls–nearly a hundred. One after another, messages from Frederick filled the screen. Just moments ago, he sent another.
[Gracie, where the hell are you? You have thirty minutes to get back to the villa. If not, I’ll cut off all the food, water, and electricity to your pet shelter.]
Right after that, he called again.
Wearily, I picked up. Frederick paused for a beat, clearly surprised, then his voice brightened slightly.
“Gracie, you finally answered! Where have you been? Why didn’t you pick up? Do you know how worried I’ve been?“}
I couldn’t help but laugh at his fake concern.}
“Worried?” I replied coolly. “If it wasn’t for the press conference, would you have called or texted me this much?“>
Frustrated at being called out, his voice turned impatient. “Don’t assume the worst of me. Yes, I wanted you at the press conference, but I’m your boyfriend–I’d worry even if that weren’t the case.“>
“I don’t need that kind of worry, thanks. If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.“}
“Wait!”
I paused, annoyed. “What now, Frederick?”
“Where are you? Why did you leave without saying anything? I’m not signing the divorce papers. Just come back.”
“You already have Giselle. Why do you still need me? Let’s stop dragging this out, Frederick. It’s better for both of us if we part ways cleanly.”
With that, I hung up, unwilling to hear more.”
As for the pet shelter, I had made arrangements before leaving–entrusting my friend to relocate all the animals. I wasn’t going to
abandon them.
Even after I cut the call, Frederick kept texting.”
[Gracie, if you come back, I’ll break things off with Giselle.]
I scoffed and ignored him, tossing the phone aside and went to sleep.
After resting for a day, I began exploring Florida with Azrael. The novelty of being in a new city was refreshing. At each stop, I asked him to take photos of me, which I posted to my Instagram feed.”
Naturally, Frederick could see them.
Sure enough, not long after I posted, Giselle gave my post a like. Shortly after, Frederick sent me a message.N
[You’re with Azrael? Do you even know what kind of family he comes from?]
(I don’t care what kind of family he’s from. And frankly, I don’t care to know. But you constantly messaging me is getting annoying.]” Furious at my reply, Frederick hurled his phone to the floor.”
While Azrael and I were traveling and enjoying life, Frederick and Giselle also arrived in Florida.)
I never expected Frederick to show up outside Azrael’s apartment, waiting for me like a storm about to break.
“Gracie, have you had enough fun?” he said coldly. “Isn’t it time to come home?”
“Exactly!” Giselle chimed in, her voice sharp with indignation. “You’re acting like such a child, Gracie. Do you know how embarrassed Frederick was when you disappeared during the launch? The media ran with it–everyone online is speculating about your marriage!“}
I didn’t even blink. Wrapping my arms around Azrael’s, I leaned in closer, my voice calm but cutting.
“Anyone with eyes can see what’s wrong with our marriage. Frederick, I cheated. Let’s get divorced. No drama, just closure.“”
The moment the words left my lips, Giselle’s expression lit up with glee. She couldn’t hide the satisfaction on her face, ignoring Frederick’s gloomy expression.
“I told you, Frederick,” she said, barely able to contain her excitement. “There’s definitely something going on between her and Azrael. And now she has the audacity to say we’re the problem? She’s long been cheating! Look at her–couldn’t wait to run into his arms the moment she decided to divorce you.“!
Frederick’s eyes darkened. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his jaw tight as he stared at me.>
“Is it true?” he asked.
“Yes. It’s true.”
The moment I confirmed it, Frederick swung and punched Azrael in the face.}
It happened so fast that I froze for a moment before rushing to pull him back.
“Stop it, Frederick!” I grabbed his arm, trying to separate them.
But he shoved me away roughly, and I stumbled, crashing into the stairwell wall. My forehead hit the sharp corner of a step–hot pain radiated across my skull.
Azrael retaliated immediately, landing a punch on Frederick before running to my side. He cradled me carefully in his arms, his voice Maced with panic.
Off to the side, Giselle saw everything but only fanned the flames.}
“See? Look at them!” she sneered. “A pair of shameless adulterers. And after everything you did for her, Frederick! She’s nothing but a cheap, disloyal tramp!“>
Before she could say more, Frederick turned and slapped her–hard.
His eyes were blazing, his finger pointed at her in fury.
