Chapter 3

"You think I’m not good enough for you?"

I walked straight to the bedroom without looking back. "I have a business dinner tonight. Need to change."

Vivian chased after me in her heels, but I locked the door behind me.

"Fine! Ryan Gallagher, you’ll regret this!"

A loud bang echoed outside as she kicked the door hard enough to shake the walls.

Half an hour later, the living room was empty.

My phone buzzed. Vivian was throwing a tantrum in the company group chat: [Drinks on me tonight. Who’s in?]

Dead silence.

Only Ethan Winslow, her ever-loyal lapdog, instantly replied with three [heart] emojis.

I knew this routine too well. Every time we fought, she’d pull this stunt—humiliating me in front of our colleagues. In the past, I’d come crawling back, only to be laughed at.

Today? Not a chance.

I immediately called a realtor to view an apartment. The new place had great lighting, so I signed the lease on the spot. Then I contacted another agent to list our current home for sale.

I’d paid for this place in full and handled every detail of the renovation. But back then, to make Vivian feel secure, I’d put both our names on the deed.

Now that the company had grown, this modest apartment probably didn’t meet her standards anymore.

"Mr. Gallagher, Ms. Lancaster’s signature is required for the sale," the agent reminded me.

I texted her—only to see a red exclamation mark.

Blocked. Again.

In the past, I’d borrow a colleague’s phone to call and grovel, begging her to unblock me. She’d sneer over the line, "Do you even know what you did wrong?"

Looking back, I’d been pathetic.

This time, I dialed her number directly. "Come home tonight. We need to talk."

"Busy," she snapped, her voice icy.

"It’s about the house."

"You think I’ll just jump when you say so?" She let out a cold laugh. "Ryan, is this how you apologize? Have I been too nice to you lately?"

Gazing at the traffic outside the window, I kept my tone flat. "I’m sorry. I was wrong."

What was one more lie after all the others?

As long as it got the house sold.

Sure enough, her voice softened instantly. "Wait for me."

After hanging up, I listed the property online at 20% below market price. Then I met a friend to sign the equity transfer agreement.

My friend was so thrilled his hands shook, insisting on celebrating. I’d planned to decline, but considering Vivian’s unpredictable schedule, I went along.

Three rounds in, I excused myself to the restroom. Passing a private room, familiar laughter made me pause.

Through the cracked door, I saw Vivian collapsed against Ethan’s chest, laughing uncontrollably at something he’d said. Seizing the moment, he dipped his head and stole a kiss.