Back at the old, rundown cottage my parents left behind, I leaned against the wall beneath their faded portraits and finally allowed myself to cry. Once the tears had flowed, I tidied up a bit before heading out to buy some essentials. After that, I settled in.

Lying on the bed from my childhood, my anxious heart suddenly found peace. I had the best sleep I’d had in ages, without worrying about Saul Moore’s moods or whether he was eating well or dressing warmly.

In my dreams, I saw my long-gone parents. I barely had a moment to talk with them before the dream twisted. Saul appeared, questioning my harshness towards Jane Bradley, tugging at my sleeve, urging me to apologize to her.

A surge of anger rose within me, and just as I was about to retort, the abrupt ring of the phone jolted me awake. Dazed, I answered, only to hear Saul’s voice, full of frustration: “Maddie, where have you been? Did you forget about the company’s signing event today? Everyone’s showing up with a partner, but mine is nowhere in sight. Are you trying to embarrass me?”

Fully alert now, I held back my irritation and distanced the phone slightly. “If that’s what you think, then sure.”

“Maddie!”

Saul’s voice rose noticeably before I heard the sound of footsteps through the receiver. He must have moved to a quieter spot to continue our conversation.

He sighed, his tone softening. “Maddie, today’s important for the company. Please don’t do this. Come over, the signing ceremony is about to start. Once the event is over, I’ll explain everything, okay?”

His voice carried a hint of pleading, and for a moment, my grip on the phone relaxed. Before I could reply, laughter and teasing remarks reached my ears: “Wow, Jane, you look like a bride today!”

“Absolutely, when you look closely, Jane and our little Saul really complement each other.”

Jane spoke with a shy tone, “Don’t say that, I just threw something together.”

When I hadn’t responded for a while, Saul called out to me again.

I chuckled dryly. “Saul, seems like your partner is already in place. Don’t contact me again.”

Not waiting for his response, I quickly hung up the call. I knew that if I didn’t, the growing sadness might become overwhelming.

I didn't want to dwell on the past, but the memories of the last five years had completely seeped into my life. All those days and nights, I had devoted to loving him. I never imagined living in a world without him. He used to be the man who put me first, making endless promises of forever. But now, he's someone who no longer needs me. Tears fell onto my pillow, jolting me out of my reverie. My heart ached with an unrelenting pain.

Before I could process my emotions, a loud noise came from the door, startling me. My first thought was that it was him, and my body moved before my mind caught up. Opening the door barefoot, I realized just how foolish I had been.

"Maddie, is that really you? You're back?" Violette Baker from the neighborhood committee greeted me enthusiastically, patting me on the shoulder.

"Yes, Violette, I'm back. Did you need something?"

"Oh, right, I got a bit carried away," she said, transitioning to a more serious tone. "Maddie, you should come downstairs. There are several cars blocking the road at the entrance, and they're here for you. Our community streets are already narrow, and the neighbors can't move in or out."

With a frown, I followed Violette downstairs, immediately spotting Saul Moore's black car parked at the entrance. As soon as he saw me, his bodyguard opened the car door, and Saul stepped out.

I turned to leave, but his cold voice halted me, "Maddie, stay right there!"

Ignoring him, I quickened my pace, but within moments, his bodyguard blocked my path.

"Maddie, what is the meaning of this?" Saul caught up to me and, with no warning, slapped me across the face. "You've gone too far!"

I turned my face to look at him, all the love gone from my eyes. For a moment, he hesitated, then spoke coldly, "Do you have any idea I left a room full of guests just to come and get you at the country club? Let's go."

I didn't want to respond but saw the alley filling with curious onlookers. I didn't want to become the latest piece of gossip any more than I wanted to be near Saul Moore. Considering my options, I walked toward Saul's car, still in my pajamas.

The back window rolled down, and Jane Bradley, in a Victorian-style dress, looked at me apologetically. "Maddie, I'm sorry. I'm feeling a bit unwell, so Saul asked me to sit in the back with him. You'll have to sit up front."

Saul joined us, noticing my gaze lingering on Jane, looking a bit embarrassed. He opened the back door, trying to smooth things over. "Jane's not feeling well, so I thought a drive might help. You don't mind, do you, Maddie? There's plenty of room in the back for all three of us..."

I quickly looked away and climbed into the front seat. "I don't mind."

Saul was visibly annoyed by my attitude but said nothing. He slammed the back door and commanded coldly, "Drive."

As the car started moving, curious neighbors watched us. Saul's expression darkened, and he muttered, "I can't believe anyone can actually live in a dump like this! Wearing a designer suit here is just absurd!"

Hearing his words, I shot him a glare through the rearview mirror and replied, "Since you're so particular, you really shouldn't have come today."

"You—"

Jane spoke up softly, "Saul, did I upset Maddie again by coming along? Maybe I should switch places with her."

Saul glared at me through the rearview mirror and said sharply, "You stay put! Let's see what she can do!"

I pretended not to hear, closed my eyes, and let my mind drift. I needed to gather my strength for the confrontation I knew was coming. Saul Moore, if you’re not planning to let me go easily, don’t blame me for playing every card I have.