Chapter 3Becoming Better Alone

Over the next few days, I deliberately avoided Justin.

I left the house at seven every morning and didn't return until ten at night.

Even on weekends, I’d schedule meetings with clients or stay at my best friend’s place.

When Justin invited me to dinner, I’d say, “I have a client meeting.”

When he asked me to watch a movie, I’d say, “Working late, maybe next time.”

When he asked why I was so busy, I’d say, “Lots of projects lately.”

The truth was, I just didn’t want to be in that house.

After Sienna moved in, the living room became her domain.

Her cosmetics were on the coffee table, her clothes hung on the balcony, and her and Justin’s laughter always drifted from the living room.

That house felt less and less like my home.

On Friday night, I browsed rental listings on my phone.

My best friend messaged me: “Are you moving out?”

“Yeah, I want a change of scenery,” I replied.

“Finally coming to your senses?”

I didn't answer the question, just kept looking at listings.

Justin walked up behind me, saw my phone screen, and his face changed.

“You’re looking for a place?” His voice was a little strained.

“Yeah.” I locked the screen and put my phone down.

He sat opposite me, his eyes complex. “Are you moving out?”

I looked up at him, calmly stating, “This apartment is yours, and Sienna lives here too. I don’t feel very comfortable.”

“Sienna’s moving out in a few days,” he quickly explained.

I smiled. “It’s fine; I’m used to it anyway.”

“You’re saying you’re used to it again.” He frowned. “What exactly do you mean? I told you, I only see Sienna as a sister.”

I didn't answer, just got up to get water from the kitchen.

Justin followed me, pressing, “Are you upset with me?”

“No.” I took a sip of water. “I just think it’s better to live somewhere more comfortable.”

“But this is our home…”

“It’s your home.” I cut him off, looking into his eyes. “I’m just temporarily staying here.”

He froze.

I turned and went back to my room, hearing his frustrated voice just before I closed the door: “Claire, you actually don’t believe me!”

The next day, a colleague from work invited me to lunch.

Mid-meal, she suddenly asked, “Are you and Justin doing okay?”

I paused. “Yeah, why?”

“Just… is he good to you?” My colleague hesitated. “I don’t mean to stir trouble, but I saw him with another girl the other day, and they were very intimate.”

I smiled, saying nothing.

My colleague sighed. “He cheated, why don’t you break up with him?”

Then, she paused. “Forget it, pretend I didn’t say anything.”

I knew what she wanted to say.

She wanted to say, you don’t look happy at all.

She wanted to say, he seems to care more about that Sienna.

She wanted to say, you deserve better.

But I knew all these things myself.

That evening, Justin messaged: “Let’s go out for dinner tonight. We haven’t eaten together in ages.”

I replied: “No, I have a client meeting.”

“Another client meeting?” He sent a question mark. “You’ve been busy every day this week.”

“Yeah, a lot of projects lately.”

My phone vibrated several times, all messages from him.

“What exactly are you busy with?”

“I miss you.”

“Are you avoiding me?”

I looked at these messages, finally just replying with two words: “No.”

Then I silenced my phone and continued looking at rental listings.

My best friend was right; I really should move out.

I had already scheduled viewings for this weekend.