Chapter 3

They had traveled across half the globe, and in every photo, her expression was always gentle and affectionate as she looked at Hendrix. But when it came to me, her gaze was always cold, distant.

Suddenly, I remembered a post Rebecca had made before her first love passed away. [I want to travel the world with you.]

It hit me now—Hendrix not only replaced me, but he also replaced the man she could never forget.

The ringtone of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. It was Rebecca calling.

"Come to Hendrix's place now."

I didn't reply and just hung up. It seemed like I wouldn't get to see her unless I went.

I took a cab to Hendrix's house. Whether it was intentional on his part or not, the door wasn't fully closed. I stood in the doorway, watching as Rebecca lovingly kissed the small scar on Hendrix's hand, her voice filled with concern.

"I know it's all his fault. Don't ever do something so stupid again."

I pretended I didn't hear her and walked in. As soon as Rebecca saw me, her face fell, and she snapped, "Do you have any manners? Don't you know how to knock before entering someone's home?"

Before I could speak, Hendrix pretended to speak up for me and pulled her aside.

"Come on, Ms. Little. Don't be upset with me over Spencer. I should be the one going over there to apologize to him."

Rebecca crossed her arms, scoffing. "He made you relapse with your depression; why should you apologize?"

Hendrix looked at me with a gleam of amusement, stoking the fire.

I ignored him and sat down, getting straight to the point.

"Did you call me over to hear you apologizing? Just get to it. I have business to discuss with Rebecca."

Hendrix bit his lip and tugged at Rebecca's sleeve, feigning innocence. "Ms. Little, wasn't Spencer supposed to be apologizing to me?"

I stared at him incredulously, finding it hard to believe he had the nerve to say that.

Rebecca, once again siding with him, turned toward me with a cold, accusing glare.

"Spencer, I've thought about it. Originally, Hendrix should have apologized, but you didn't accept his apology then. Because of that, his depression came back. You're fine now, but Hendrix is going to need long-term treatment. All of this is your doing. You should apologize to him."

Her words hit my ears like a mocking echo, and I couldn't help but laugh. Nine years of this ridiculous, sad relationship.

Fine, this would be the last time. That was what I told myself.

I sighed, my tone flat with no emotion.

"Fine, I'm sorry. It's all my fault for not accepting your apology."

Rebecca's face showed disbelief, her eyes scanning me with suspicion.

Hendrix, now holding Rebecca's arm, looked at me with a smug smile.

"Ms. Little, I heard Spencer's great at cooking. I've always wanted to try his cooking. Since he's here, maybe he could make us a meal as an apology?"

I glanced at Rebecca, silently waiting for her to respond.

She never liked the food here, so I'd learned to cook her hometown dishes to cater to her tastes. I'd never cooked for anyone else.

She knew what he was doing. His request wasn't just casual; it was meant to humiliate me.

Rebecca hesitated, her eyes flicking between me and Hendrix, before she gave in.

"If Hendrix wants it, you should do it."

Hendrix beamed, pulling her closer and planting a few playful kisses on her cheek. He then led her to the couch and turned to me with a mocking tone.

"Well, thanks, Spencer."

I walked to the kitchen, expressionless, and began preparing the meal.

The knife slipped, cutting my finger and leaving a trail of blood. The aftereffects of my illness made it hard for me to stay steady, but I gritted my teeth and finished cooking.

When I brought the food to the table, Rebecca was already nestled in Hendrix's arms, cooing at him in a sickeningly sweet tone.

She gave me a knowing glance, as though waiting for me to say something.

"The food's ready," I said, my face impassive as I removed my apron.

Rebecca walked toward the table, glancing briefly at the dishes, then back at me. She noticed the cut on my hand and rushed forward, concern flashing in her eyes.

"What happened? How could you be so careless? Get the iodine!"

I calmly pulled my hand away from hers and looked at her, my expression colder than before.

"Alright, since I'm done cooking, it's time for me to talk about something important. Rebecca, let's get a divorce."