chapter 4

"Babe, will you sleep with me tonight?

"I just learned a new move~"

Amelia's voice, intentionally deep and alluring, echoed from outside the door.

I snapped my suitcase shut and rolled it along. Colton approached, his cheeks flushed crimson.

"You're coming too?"

He eyed the suitcase, clearly irritated.

"It's yours."

Content, he hugged me tightly. "Finish the proposal before I return," he instructed.

"Once the plan's approved, they're making me the general manager.

"Soon, we'll marry and start a family.

"Cassidy, I'll make you happy. Do you trust me?"

His eyes shone with sincerity, just as they did when he first confessed his love.

Colton's work skills weren't exceptional. I handled all his projects while he simply memorized them.

I murmured a soft "Mm."

"I'll sleep on the couch tonight. I don't want to wake you early."

He leaned in for a kiss, but I turned away, so it landed on my cheek.

"Colton, are you involved with Amelia?"

I asked directly.

Colton jolted. "Baby, don't overthink this."

Regaining his composure, he declared, "I love only you. I'm loyal. I'd never stray!

"If not for you saving me from those subway tracks, I wouldn't be here.

"Cassidy, I adore you and won't forget your grip on my hands!

"Are you feeling jealous?

"I'll make it up to you next holiday, promise?"

He rattled off sweetly, nuzzling my nose.

I offered another subdued "Mm."

My last trace of doubt dissolved.

I returned to my room and continued cleaning. Without hesitation, I tossed all of Colton's things into trash bags.

Five years of accumulation was substantial. I spent the night, bag by bag, hauling everything to the trash room.

"Baby, why are you up so early?"

Colton called, scrambling to hide the telltale marks on his neck.

"I just woke on the couch, freshened up."

His grin was flawless, but his excuse was feeble.

I replied with a frostbitten "Mm."

At my desk, I shredded Colton's proposal.

I picked up my phone and messaged his boss, Mr. Hammond.

His reply was instant: "Understood! My queen. "

Meanwhile, Amelia’s burner account was buzzing—filled with flirtatious posts, her face conveniently hidden, and her words skirting just close enough to hint at me.

After the trip, Colton phoned the moment he landed, noting my line was perpetually busy.

That's when he realized I hadn't replied to his messages for days.

"Colton, take me home, stay over, I'll miss you~"

Amelia was clinging to him.

"I can't reach Cassidy at all. What if something happened?

"Just get a cab home yourself."

Colton replied, heading to the parking lot. Amelia stomped furiously.

"Cassidy, are you there?

"I'm home!"

Arriving, Colton found the door locked. Unease crept in.

"Cassidy, are you alright? Did you collapse inside?"

Panic set in, sweat dripping as he feared the worst.

Just as he was about to call a locksmith, he saw me exit the elevator, and he exhaled deeply with relief.

"Why won't the door unlock? I thought you... "

"I changed the lock."

I inserted the key to open the door, trying to shut it behind me.

Colton blocked it with his hand. "Cassidy, what's happening?"

Flatly, I replied, "We're done. Engagement's over."

I pointed to the trash room. "Your things are there. Nothing's missing.

"Oh, and I got you a breakup gift. Enjoy!"