chapter 3

"Open the door.

"Sweetheart!"

I arrived home and firmly locked the door behind me.

"I brought your favorite donuts from your favorite place.

"Come on, don't be upset, alright?"

As soon as the door opened, Amelia pushed past me, slipped into my slippers, and made a beeline for the shower.

Meanwhile, my aunt settled herself on the couch and began scrolling through videos on her phone.

"Amelia, what is your problem?

"This is my home!" I retorted, my expression souring.

"Colton's apartment actually, and we're pals," she countered. "Is that an issue?"

"Plus, Colton hasn't complained. You've been freeloading here for years—think it's all yours now?

"Cassidy, remember, you're just the fiancée, not the wife yet."

Amelia sneered and marched right in.

"Darling, your aunt and Amelia are crashing here tonight. I'm taking them on a trip tomorrow. Your mom's anxious if there aren't any men around.

"Amelia's got a sharp tongue, but she's harmless.

"Eat your donuts before they stop being soft."

Colton took one brought it to my lips.

"Ahhh! Cockroach!"

Suddenly, Amelia burst from the bathroom, completely naked and shrieking, knocking over a massive vase that was toppling towards me.

"Cassidy!"

Colton's face turned pale as he dashed protectively towards me, only to witness Amelia slipping, falling backwards. Without a second thought, he caught her in his arms.

The heavy vase struck my lower abdomen, and the sheer agony was mind-numbing.

Upon realizing, Colton came over, lifting the vase off me.

"Thank goodness you're unhurt." Seeing no blood, a sigh of relief washed over his worried features.

"I'm so sorry, Babe!

"I was just terrified Amelia would bash her head, so..." Regret flitted across his eyes.

I shook off his embrace, laughing hysterically, tears streaming down.

The man who vowed to protect me didn’t hesitate to rescue another woman!

Amelia glanced at me, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips.

"Colton, could you get me a towel?

"My toothbrush from before—"

Noting her slip, she quickly tried to backtrack: "Cassidy, um, do you have a new toothbrush?"

I scoffed to myself — with how reckless she is, it’s only a matter of time before she catches something nasty.

"I'll handle it. Sweetie, stay put. I'll grab some medicated wine for your stomach soon."

Colton applied the salve to my bruised stomach, blowing on it childishly to ease the sting.

Wrapped in a towel, Amelia emerged. Colton handed her a glass of water and started drying her hair.

Their seamless camaraderie mirrored how Colton and I used to be.

"Amelia sprained her wrist," Colton attempted to explain.

Eyes stinging, I retreated to my room, packing my belongings.

I paid for this place's down payment. I'm still footing the mortgage. It’s time to clear out the unnecessary.

Amelia strolled in.

"Cassidy, hypothetically speaking..."

"If Colton left you, would you do what your sister did and leap off a building?"

She asked cautiously.

Maintaining a neutral expression, I replied, "If anyone's jumping, it's him, not me."

"Great! That’s great.

"I really don’t want Auntie to lose another daughter," she muttered under her breath.

My expression grew frosty. I shot a look at her.

"I didn’t say anything! Why are you glaring at me?

"Honestly, what's your deal every single day?"

Amelia huffed and stormed out.