Chapter 3The Day I Stopped Waiting

She didn't know we broke up yet. As soon as she entered, she started criticizing me out of habit.

Mrs. Thorne never liked me. Every time we met, she had to act superior.

I used to endure it, thinking time would make her accept me.

This time, she started scolding immediately.

"Natalie, you eat my son's food, use my son's money, how can you let the house get this messy?"

"I don't know what Liam sees in you. Average looks, no background, can't even do housework. Useless."

"I know you had no parents to teach you, but you can't be this sloppy. Look at this pigsty. How can anyone live here?"

"Hurry up and clean this mess, then come home with me. We have guests coming. You need to cook and help out."

She rattled on like a machine gun. I didn't even get a chance to say we broke up.

Finally, when she paused for breath, I said, "I'm not going. I have things to do."

Mrs. Thorne interrupted, "What things? Writing your little stories? Fine, if you come, I'll give you $1,000 as payment."

The $1,000 stuck my next words in my throat.

Whatever. We broke up. Might as well make some money.

When I got to the Thorne estate, I realized Mrs. Thorne had ulterior motives.

She had invited Bella's family for dinner and wanted me to serve them as a maid.

I should have been hurt. But shrinking into the corner, watching Liam walk in with the three members of the Blackwood family, I weirdly understood what he meant by "not a match."

The elegant Blackwood parents walked in front. Bella and Liam walked side-by-side behind them, looking like a perfect young couple returning home.

I had been here many times. As a teenager to stand up to them, in my twenties to make Mrs. Thorne accept me.

Serving tea, washing clothes, cooking.

I was as virtuous as could be.

But the smile Mrs. Thorne gave me was nothing compared to the beam she gave Bella over a simple gift.

The ruby necklace on Mrs. Thorne's neck was a casual gift from the Blackwoods, worth six figures. To people like them, it was nothing.

I laughed at myself. How naive I was to believe love conquered all, wasting half my life on Liam.

Six more days, and I could jump out of this swamp.

Even though it was a marriage of convenience with Jake, I was happy.

I was a creature of habit, afraid of change.

Unless absolutely necessary, I wouldn't leave a bad situation.

But now that I was really changing my life, I felt a rush of excitement.

When the Blackwoods arrived, I had to leave. Mrs. Thorne venmoed me the money and told me to leave through the back door.

In ten years, to prove I wasn't a gold digger, I never accepted expensive gifts from Liam or took advantage of his family.

Suddenly getting paid, I regretted it. If I knew we weren't getting married, I should have taken more. Wasted the title of girlfriend.

As I unlocked a shared e-bike, Liam chased me out.

Turns out he knew I was there the whole time.

Liam's face was grim.

"Natalie, where are you going?"

Me: "Back to move out. Didn't you tell me to leave? I haven't finished packing."

Liam let out a breath.

He yanked me into his arms.

His tone was frustrated.

"Why do you have to throw tantrums with me?"

He stroked my hair like he had countless times before to soothe me.

"You used to be such a good girl. Why is your temper getting worse?"

"Just because I refused Grandma's suggestion to get engaged, you act out? Can't you be more sensible?"

I turned my head, burying my face in his neck.

Allowing myself one last intimate contact.

"I can, Liam. I can be sensible."

Sensible enough not to put you in a tough spot, sensible enough to let you find your perfect match with Bella.

He misunderstood. He thought I was compromising. He let out a long sigh of relief.

"Good. My family is hosting the Blackwoods for business today. Don't mind it."

"There's nothing between me and Bella. I just see her as a sister. After dinner, I'll come find you. Wait for me at home."

He kissed my forehead and turned back.

I watched his tall back, remembering the boy from ten years ago who walked up to me, nervous and blushing.

Voice trembling, confessing, "Class President, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Once upon a time, the sea was deep. Only 3,000 days later, this relationship had reached its end.

I sighed silently. Maybe love dying young is the norm.