Chapter 3

Rodney stormed off in anger after finding no money or card, and the peace that followed was a relief. Work had been going smoothly, and I was eagerly waiting for the neighboring city's institution to start enrolling students.

A week later, I got a text from Rodney: [Go to Clevel Hospital to finish Macey's discharge procedures.] I read it silently, then ignored it. It was my day off, and I was enjoying a quiet afternoon, making myself some noodles for lunch.

Just as I was finishing my meal, Rodney showed up with Macey in tow. His eyes flared up when he saw me eating.

"Cecilia, why aren't you at the hospital?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

I finished the last bite of my noodles and casually put the bowl in the dishwasher. Before I could slip away to my room for a little peace, Macey's soft sobs cut through the air.

"I'm sorry, Cecilia. I didn't know you were busy today," she apologized, her voice shaky.

"Busy? It's her day off," Rodney grumbled, his irritation rising.

I was about to walk away, but before I could, Rodney grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

"Cecilia, I know I wasn't there when you had the car accident. Can you forgive me for that?"

I hesitated. If he hadn't brought it up, I probably would have forgotten about it. Apparently, he knew I needed someone to take care of me back then, and yet he'd been preoccupied with Macey, who'd also been in the hospital after her accident.

"Fine," I said, my voice cold.

Rodney let out a relieved sigh and walked into another room. He opened the door, revealing a bed with fresh sheets and a new quilt cover. It didn't take much to figure out that Macey had stayed there before.

"Cecilia, I gave the sheets to Macey. We don't need them. I hope that's okay with you," he said, looking uncomfortable.

I shot him a look, barely suppressing a sigh.

"I don't mind," I said flatly.

Had he asked me this a few days ago, I might have been fooled for a little longer. But now? Watching them fumble around, pretending like everything was fine, it was almost laughable.

The next day, Macey asked Rodney to rent a place for her. Meanwhile, George from the institution contacted me, saying I could go ahead and check out the new location. Since I'd be working there long-term, I needed to make preparations.

Thankfully, my mom had warned me not to share rent with Rodney, so I didn't hesitate. I packed my things, left all the gifts he'd given me behind, and was ready to go. I thought they were just out to rent a place, but then Macey sent me a picture of a house purchase contract through Rodney's account.

I stared at the photo, the truth sinking in. It was the same house Rodney had rented for me, but this time, he'd bought it, with the deed in his name only. Then, Macey forwarded me a recording.

"Don't worry, Macey. There's always a room for you here. I won't let Cecilia bully you again."

I read the message with a dry chuckle. Let Macey have him. I was done.

When I arrived in the neighboring city, I found a peaceful community and picked out a house. I went to the real estate agency, signed the contract, and used the $500,000 my parents had saved for a down payment. The house was huge, 2,000 square feet, three bedrooms, a living room, but it still needed renovations. So, I rented a temporary apartment nearby.

The very next day, Rodney called.

"Cecilia, where are you? Can I come see you?"

His tone was surprisingly softer than it had been.

"No need," I replied coolly, and hung up. I blocked his number without hesitation.

For the next few days, I threw myself into the institution's enrollment process. Without the constant drama from that unfaithful man, life felt a lot smoother.

Just when I thought he'd finally gotten the hint, Rodney showed up at my door.