Chapter 3

Ever since Preston and I started dating, I've been making him a birthday cake every single year—always manually. I don't miss it because I always like to surprise him with my creativity, but in the past few years, his attitude towards me has changed.

And now when I glanced at the screen of his phone, I knew right then who it was for again. I'd seen that little cartoon avatar on his phone and it was Penelope's profile picture. For his assistant again!

My fist slowly clenched. I didn't say a thing, making the living room feel so unnerving quiet.

I just can't comprehend how Preston was completely unaware of how unreasonable and insensitive his request had been. He wanted me to make his assistant a birthday cake? For what? To make it look like he really likes her?

"Well, you can really make that, right?" He looked at me, waiting for a yes.

I let out a heavy sigh and eventually, I just nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "Send me the picture for my reference," I said, standing up. "I'll head out now to buy the ingredients."

I glanced at him one last time, thinking that once I finish this cake, I'll finally be done with him.

I headed to the door, feeling the heaviness in my heart and every step.

Before I could reach the doorway, Preston's voice, cut through the silence behind me.

"Claudia…" he started, his voice was unsure.

I didn't bother to turn around.

"Anything else? Do you still have any requests?" I asked with my flat tone.

There was a pause before he spoke again. "Uh... I'll send you money for the ingredients."

I didn't show any reaction and just continued walking without a word.

The store was just nearby so I just walked out. My phone suddenly buzzed and I saw Preston already sent me an amount. Without thinking, I clicked on my chat history on my phone and there, I laughed bitterly at the number of messages I sent to Preston. Maybe out of the 50 messages I sent to him, I would only receive 5 replies from him.

How pathetic I am. It was so draining to care about him anymore. I smirk then my fingers automatically deleted all our messages.

When I entered the store, I immediately grabbed the things I needed for baking.

"Hey, miss. Do you still have these brand? I want two of these..." I asked the staff about my favorite particular product.

"Yes, ma'am. Give me a minute!" She smiled and turned around.

I continued to get other ingredients. I still have stocks at home so I'll probably just use those. After I bought everything, I went straight home because I wanted to finish it right away.

I went straight to the kitchen and prepared the ingredients. I started baking.

When I was making the fondant, my phone suddenly rang. I saw Chloe's name on it, my childhood best friend.

Suddenly, the sadness on my face disappeared and was replaced by a smile. Actually, I have two best friends, Solene and Chloe, as far as I remember Solene was also busy with her own business.

I excitedly reached for my phone and answered her call. "Hello, Chloe?! I missed you!"

"Gosh, Claudia! It's been a while!" I heard her shout and giggle. "I've missed you so much! I heard you're going home sooner! You're going back here in Australia!"

I shook my head. I know mom told her about it even though I kept it a secret because I was planning to surprise them.

"It's true, Chloe. I'm going home, finally..." I said with a smile.

I missed our home, my family and also Chloe and Solene, my childhood friends. Because since I moved in with Preston, I feel like my environment has shrunk and I don't have any other friends. My world revolves around Preston even though all I've received from him is the silent treatment for the whole year and I can't believe I endured that.

"Is that for good, Claudia? I mean, you're not getting back there anymore?"

I smiled. "For good..."

"I hope it's final, Claudia! Is Preston aware?" I could feel the bitterness in her voice. "You know... there's something in him that makes me feel like I shouldn't trust him because he'll only hurt you. You two have been together for years now but yet, there's still no ring on your finger! What's his plan, right?!"

My smile faded.

I didn't want to talk about anything related to Preston anymore so I said goodbye to Chloe because she would only intrigue me about my life with Preston. Since day one, I know she's not fond of Preston. She knew me really well. She knew when I was so tired and drained.

"I will tell you everything once I go home, Chloe. I'm really busy right now. See you sooner, bye!"

I ended the call.

I continued what I was doing while thinking about my imminent departure from Preston's side. Looking at myself, I already know that if Chloe and my parents see me now, they will pity and laugh at me.

I hate how I've become like this over the years. I look pathetic and follow everything Preston tells me even if it's against my will. I feel so drained and empty and I think the only solution here is to walk away.

"Finally!"

I raised both of my arms and stretched it. After five hours, I finally finished making the cake that Preston requested. It looks so perfect. I know he has nothing else to say about it. For so many years that I have been baking, I have almost perfected making cakes.

I put the cake in the box and waited for the person to deliver it to Preston, I just left it outside on the chair for pick up and I started cooking my lunch.

Preston wasn't coming home for lunch so I didn't wait any longer. After I ate lunch I went up to the room to get some sleep since I was a little tired from baking the cake.

When I woke up, it was around 7 p.m so I quickly took a shower and wore a simple nude dress, I planned to go out for dinner. I knew a simple but fancy restaurant so I went there, Preston and I used to eat here often but now it seems he forgot to invite me here anymore.

"Everything is $120 ma'am." the cashier smiled at me.

Since Preston sent me a large amount earlier to buy ingredients, that's what I'm paying for now for my food. While I'm enjoying my food, my phone rang. Preston's name flashed on the screen.

My brows furrowed. Why is he suddenly calling me? Does he need anything else? Or does he need me to buy something for him?

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey, where are you?" he muttered on the other line, sounding almost... concerned or I just misinterpreted it?

I was picking at my food. "What's up?" I asked, sidestepping his question.

"Nothing much," his voice softer now. "I just wanted to say… the cake you made was delicious. As always."

A slight shock registered to my face. There was a brief silence between us because I don't know what to say. Why he's so calm now? He's not annoyed this time huh?

Then he spoke again, in a lower voice.

"Thanks. I know it was a lot of effort."

Before I could open my mouth to respond, I heard Penelope's sugary voice in the background.

"Claudia!" she called out, her tone was light and overly sweet. "I heard from Preston that you made my birthday cake today and it really tasted so good! Thank you so much, Claudia. You're so talented! I wish I could do that… but I'm so clumsy, that's why Preston's always calling me his little dummy."

I could already picture her pouting as she spoke right now.

"You're welcome, Penelope." I said and let out a fake smile even though they won't see it.

"Oh, by the way! I want you to come here, Claudia! Please? As an appreciation for you for making my birthday cake!" Penelope giggled. "I know you will enjoy it here so fix yourself now!"

Before I could even process her words, her voice loss on the other line.

I also did not get a chance to respond because Preston's voice returned to the line.

"Well, you don't need to come, Claudia." he said, a bit firmer this time, before hanging up.

My stomach felt like it ran out of air and I had trouble breathing for a few seconds. He changed his attitude towards me so quickly. When it came to Penelope...he changed. I bet he didn't want me to see how he treated Penelope in front of other people.

I thought I was numb from the years of him treating me like this but I haven't. I'm still hurt. We can't even celebrate our anniversary. And even just simple quality time between the two of us, he can't give it because he's with someone else, like now.

How I hate myself for being nice. That I can't even show them my anger because I'll still think about their reaction, especially Preston. Because when I get angry, he gets angrier.

Honestly, I already lost my appetite but because the food I ordered was expensive, I forced myself to finish it all.

A few minutes after eating, my phone buzzed again. I lazily looked at it and it was a message from him.

There's a message and his location pinned attached.

From: Preston

[If you do stop by, please grab a bag of tomato-flavored chips for Penelope from the convenience store.]

I sighed and couldn't help but let out a sarcastic faint smile.