The sound of the security guard greeting me at the entrance of my home pulled me back to reality.
Just like that, I walked from the hotel to home.
It was ridiculous to think that there was no second place except here for me to stay in this city.
My friends and even my clients were all aware that Mr. Brown, the CEO of the Alix Group, would never leave his beloved girlfriend behind to attend social events.
How funny it was that I had been famous for flattering Alice...
I glanced at my watch.
Three hours had passed.
I turned on my phone and unexpectedly received messages from Alice.
In the past, whenever there was a contradiction with Alice, I was definitely the first one to admit my mistake, regardless of right or wrong.
Just like in today's wedding banquet scene, Alice always gave me a deadline.
I always bought gifts before the deadline to apologize.
It was impossible that I had no grievances.
But the love in my heart still made me swallow them.
It was the first time that Alice had contacted me with such eagerness.
I was a little curious. I opened the unread messages from her.
From the initial messages, I could read that Alice was angry.
But towards the end, her attitude softened a bit.
[Felix Brown, you are wrong today, and so am I. I will give you another chance.]
When I saw this last message, I happened to be standing in front of my house.
The whole staircase was filled with a strong smell of paste.
I felt a sudden worry that I had forgotten to turn off the gas at home.
In a hurry, I opened the door.
Just as I walked in, I saw Alice in the kitchen, looking helpless.
Seeing that I was back, Alice ran out of the kitchen with a proud look.
"You're considered to have some sense. Bring the apology gift and let's see how many gifts it takes to forgive you."
Seeing that the gas was turned off, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I was a bit tired after walking for so long.
I avoided Alice, walked straight to the sofa, and said coldly, "Didn't you say that if I didn't apologize in half an hour, you wouldn't come back? What's wrong? Are you so happy with your ex that you've lost your memory?"
Hearing my words, Alice, who was still full of pride just now, restrained her smile.
"Felix Brown. Don't mess with me or I will really not marry you at the end of this year!"
I sat on the sofa and watched Alice through the thick smoke in the house.
I suddenly forgot why I fell in love with such a girl.
Maybe it was because of the tiredness, I inexplicably felt a lot of annoyance.
Casually putting my legs on the coffee table, I looked at Alice with anger on her face.
"I have said at the wedding. Our wedding is canceled."
I was ready to face the storm from Alice.
But unexpectedly, it did not come.
Alice was stunned for a few seconds and then sat next to me.
She leaned close to me and hugged my waist.
"Felix, are you really angry with me? I even cooked for you. Look. I even got burned."
While speaking, she freed one hand from my waist, put it in front of me, and murmured softly.
"You see."
I lowered my head and glanced at her hand.
Indeed, it got burnt and turned red in one spot.
Just now, the irritability had dissipated a bit, but there was not the slightest compassion in my heart.
She was sticking to me, I felt only heavy and sticky.
Thinking back to the scenes at the wedding banquet, I pushed her away from my chest unconsciously.
I got up and went to the study.
My alienation might have truly made Alice feel startled.
So when I found the band-aid from the study, Alice was still in the place.
Seeing Alice sitting on the sofa in a daze without any intention of getting up, I suddenly didn't feel like bending over anymore.
I casually threw the band-aid in front of her.
"Stick it on. If you don't stick it on, it will recover."
After that, I turned around and walked towards the bedroom.
Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my back.
Then I heard the sound of the ashtray hitting my back and then falling to the ground.
Before I even turned around, I heard a furious curse from Alice.
"Felix Brown. I have given you enough face today. If you continue like this, the consequences will be unbearable for you!"
Then she slammed the door and left, carrying her bag.
I took off my shirt and looked at myself in the mirror.
My back had been scratched by the ashtray and had bled a lot.
After taking a shower, I threw myself onto the bed in the study.
Since the day when Carl returned, Alice had a big fight with me and we slept in different rooms.
Thinking of Alice's words before leaving, I couldn't help but feel sad in my heart.
Before going to bed, I came across the post that Alice had published on social media.
[If you are safe and sound, every day will be sunny.]
The picture attached showed the back view of a man singing in a bar.
It was Carl.
You're really affectionate.
I originally intended to sleep but received messages from the common friends Alice and I had.
[Felix, did you really have a fight with your goddess?]
[Felix, be careful. Don't just focus on your career.]
The reckless Alice made me feel a bit angry.
Thinking that since some things had been decided, they should be acted upon as soon as possible.
I found the contact information of the real estate agent who helped me buy the house, and sent a message about selling the house.
Then I fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, I was awakened by the knocking of the real estate agent.
Someone came to see the house early in the morning.
Unexpectedly, this house was quite popular despite the current sluggish real estate market.
Thinking that I would leave here soon, I started packing my things after having a quick breakfast.
I was interrupted by a loud knock on the door.
As soon as I opened the door, Alice's disdainful face came into view.
Next to her was Carl, who was full of smiles in his eyes.
I had messed with them all day yesterday and I really didn't want to deal with them anymore.
I only took a glance at them and then closed the door.
The moment the door was about to close, Carl forcefully pushed it open and pulled Alice into the room.
I went back to the room and continued packing my things.
Seeing this, Alice stepped forward but was stopped by Carl.
Then Carl looked at me.
"Felix, it's just a joke. You have no need to be angry. I'm here to apologize to you."
I smiled softly and continued my packing.
Alice couldn't help it anymore.
She came forward and interrupted my packing with a slap.
"Felix Brown, why can't you be as magnanimous as Carl? He is clearly not at fault, yet he took the initiative to apologize to you. Look at your attitude.
"And why are you still packing up here? Are you trying to play the trick of running away from home?"
I didn't want to get entangled with these two people anymore.
I threw down things in my hand and stood up to glance at Alice.
"Since you're back, pack your things as well."
"Why should I pack my things? This is my home! If anyone should leave, it's you!"
Alice could no longer control her emotions.
She shouted at me with all her might.
The sharp sound pierced my ears and made them ache.
I instinctively took two steps back and leaned against the door of the study.
"Your home? Have you ever put in any effort for this house? Forget it. It doesn't matter now, because I have sold it."