“Yuki and I are just mentor and apprentice.
She’s been good to me, so we got closer.”
“I’m not angry. It’s great to have an
apprentice like her.”
I closed my eyes, pretending to sleep.
I didn’t want to talk to him anymore.
Every word felt sickening; I was afraid I’d
show my disgust.
At home, Austin went to the bedroom; I went
to shower.
“Mia, you said it was only for two days, why
so much luggage?”
“And the ring? Why did you take it off?”
Austin’s voice came from the bathroom door.
I froze.
Damn it, I’d forgotten I’d left my luggage and
ring at home.
“Oh, I packed extra because it might be cold
there.”
く
“Oh… okay.”
I breathed a sigh of relief when he left.
I texted my boss, saying I wouldn’t go to
America; I wanted to go to the UK branch.
Since Austin knew about America, I didn’t
want to go there anymore.
He quickly replied, saying it was fine.
I’m a photographer, my work is flexible, I can
go anywhere.
My boss valued my skills, offering me the
overseas opportunity.
He’d wanted me to go before, but Austin had
always opposed it.
Now that I was determined to leave him, I
wouldn’t listen to him anymore.
10.
The next morning, I woke up at six.
I thought Austin would still be asleep, letting
me leave unnoticed.
He was awake and had made breakfast.
<
“I’ll go with you.‘
“I’ve already requested time off.”
I was shocked. Didn’t he hate being with me?
Once, I suggested a trip together; he’d said
with disgust, “I’m busy! Go alone.”
Then I saw Yuki’s post, showing Austin on a
trip with her.
“No, I have work, it wouldn’t be convenient for
you.”
He bit his lip. “What kind of work takes you
abroad?”
“Mia, be honest, are you going abroad for
good, never coming back?”
He’d guessed my intentions.
I’d planned to settle in the UK before
breaking up.
Looks like I needed to move things up.
“Yes.”
I stopped pretending.
“I’m not coming back.”
VVITY?
He rushed over, his eyes frantic.
I hadn’t expected him to be so agitated.
Didn’t he love me anymore?
“Because I’m breaking up with you.”
“Austin, I’m done.”
Saying those words felt liberating.
Seven years together, only the first two were
happy.
The last five, he was distant.
But I’d said nothing, enduring it all.
I thought silence would preserve our
relationship.
I forgot that once a relationship sours, it
crumbles.
11.
“You’re breaking up with me?”
Austin looked at me in disbelief.
His eyes widened.
“Yes, I’m breaking up with you.”
“Mio I’ll give you