Chapter 3
In the days that followed, their relationship unfolded like a game of cat and mouse as she tried to avoid him and he relentlessly pursued her. In the end, even the most steadfast woman can be worn down by persistence, especially when that persistence comes in the form of Harry, all sharp edges and effortless charm, wrapped in luxury from head to toe. Eventually, she gave in. They began dating in secret. For the past five years, Harry had played the role of the perfect boyfriend attentive to every detail of her life, tender in his affection and passionate when desire stirred between them. Christine had always believed they were soulmates, two people destined to spend their lives together. All they needed was time. Once his career stabilized, they would settle down and build a future together, just like her sister-in-law and her brother had. But now… it all felt like a cruel joke. Everything she believed everything that once felt so certain was nothing more than wishful thinking on her part. In Harry’s heart, she was nothing more than a convenient, slightly attractive sexual partner. A stand-in. A stepping stone for another woman’s place in his life. The absurdity of it all nearly made her laugh. She wandered aimlessly through the streets, her mind blank, until her phone suddenly vibrated in her hand. She picked it up on reflex. It was her father. “Christine, you promised you’d think about taking over the company. How’s that coming along?” Christine bit her lip at the sound of her father’s voice. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. She took a shaky breath and forced her voice to remain calm. “I’ll head back once I’ve wrapped things up here, Dad.” Her father, clearly satisfied with the answer, praised her for being so responsible and thoughtful. Because after all, love may fade, but life must go on. Or rather… her love had faded, while Harry’s love had only just begun. Human sorrow and joy never align. Christine cried until her eyes were swollen red for the man she thought loved her. Meanwhile, Harry was blushing with anticipation… for someone else. If a relationship begins with deception, then at the very least, it should end with dignity without dragging it out into a mess of humiliation. Christine decided she would return to Boston. From this point on, she and Harry would go their separate ways, two parallel lines destined never to cross again. Her father had a few more words of advice, but she only half-listened. Eventually, her father sensed her disinterest and simply reminded her to take care of herself before ending the call. Her villa stood halfway up the hillside, not far from the mountaintop campsite. Without realizing it, her steps had already carried her home. Inside, she caught sight of a photo on her vanitym, Harry kissing her cheek, both of them smiling. His scent still lingered faintly on her skin. The realization made her stomach churn. She stumbled into the bathroom and vomited until she was weak and dizzy. She sat there for a long time, curled up on the cold tile floor. Finally, she gathered the strength to stand. As she opened the bathroom door, she was startled to see Harry rushing in. “You disappeared without a word and didn’t answer your phone! Are you trying to scare me to death? Murder your own ‘husband’?” His voice was deliberately scolding, with that playful edge he always used to charm her. Once upon a time, she would have melted. But now, she couldn’t even bear to look at him. How could he speak with such affection, how could he look at her with those teary eyes, while loving another woman? Her throat tightened. Her voice was hoarse as she replied, “My stomach started hurting, so I came back. I had my phone on silent and didn’t hear it.” At her words, his expression shifted to panic. “If you’re feeling sick, why didn’t you tell me sooner? I’ll take you to the hospital right now.” His concern looked so real. It would’ve fooled anyone. Christine felt a surge of bitter amusement. His acting was flawless. If she hadn’t heard those vile words with her own ears, she might have believed him.