Jessie's POV
Did I go overboard? Should I go back and clarify that I wasn't blaming his sickness, just that I was done with him?
Maybe I am unreliable and inconsistent, just as my mother claimed. A week, and I couldn't stay married. Maybe I'm meant to be with Grey. He's the only relationship I've been consistent with.
I hope he has fully moved out of the house. I sit outside, waiting for Nick. Or is it too soon to be asking him for favors? When I see a black Range Rover, I stand and cross my fingers that my parents aren't inside. I don't know if Oliver has already told them.
I know hell will break loose when they find out what I've done. The car stops, and I see Nick step out. When no one else gets out after a few minutes, I sigh in relief.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know who else to call," I say.
I could have ordered a cab, but a cab driver wouldn't listen or calm me like Nick can.
"Where are your bags?" he asks.
I point toward the house. He walks past me, and after a few minutes, he returns with two duffle bags. These are my only belongings. The clothes, shoes, and perfumes in my closetâall bought by Oliver.
I follow him as I notice some workers pulling the curtains aside, trying to catch a glimpse of the scene. I don't care what they gossip about.
Nick places the bags in the back seat and opens the passenger door for me. I get in and wait for him to leave before Oliver shows up, if he even cares, to confirm that I've actually left.
I tell Nick where to go, and he surprises me by saying he already knows where I've been living.
The drive is silent. I text Layla about what I've done, and she seems proud of my bold move. What I don't tell her is the lump in my throat, remembering what I said to Oliver. I was hoping that, with time, I wouldn't feel so bad about my words, but it gets worse with every passing moment.
His sickness should never have been part of the argument.
I sigh as Nick drives toward my old house. Bittersweet memories flood back like a slow-moving film. Our home, Jessie, Grey would say with excitement. We're going to have so many children running around. He always reminded me of our dreams.
I loved this house, the possibilities it offered, a new start. It was like a naive, untouched maiden.
Now, the memories it holds are broken.
Why did things get so complicated?
Nick stops the car.
"Please don't tell my parents or anyone where I am," I beg him.
"I won't, but take your time. Just know they will eventually find you," he replies.
I nod in agreement. "Thanks again," I say.
"You'll be fine," he assures me.
I open the door and step out. Nick follows with my bags toward the house. I still have my keys. I unlock the door, and we step inside. Nick places the bags by the entrance and bids me goodbye.
I turn on the lightsâeverything in the house is the same, but I'm not. I take the bags and head toward the bedroom. Did Grey come back here? The room isn't as neat as per my standards.
First, I unpack, change the bed sheets and blankets, and take a quick shower.
When I'm done, I check the kitchen for something to eat. I find my favorite frozen broth in the freezer. I decide to boil some rice and head to the living room while I wait for it to cook.
I'm deeply engrossed in my phone when I hear the front door open. My head snaps up, and I see Grey stumble in, dressed in a suit and carrying his usual laptop bag.
He stops when he sees me. He opens his mouth, then shuts it. "What are you doing here?" we both ask at the same time.
"It's my house," I answer.
"Right," he mutters. "I should probably go."
He turns to leave but stops. "Actually, I'll leave when you answer this question."
"Why couldn't you fight for me the same way I fought for you?" he asks.
He's unbelievable.
"You cheated on me with Talia. What was I supposed to fight for?" I respond.
"I never cheated. Maybe I flirted, but I never cheated. I love you," he says.
"I saw the panties in your office. Talia even confirmed it," I counter.
"I reviewed the CCTV footage. She put them there for you to see."
"Why would she do that?" I am confused.
"Ask your parentsâthey finally won," he says, defeated.
"How are my parents connected to Talia?"
"In exchange for their account, they asked her to ruin our relationship."
"You're making that up. My parents live hours away. They would never do that."
"They fired my father," he replies.
"He stole from them," I remind him.
"He worked for them for years, and as soon as we became friends, he's suddenly a thief? You know they never liked me. I was just the son of the helpânothing more."
Grey never lies. Even when he's guilty, he admits the ugliness. The puzzle pieces start coming together. Of course, they wouldn't keep their end of the deal. I left the family, but they still interfered in my life.
I should confront them. How could they? Look at the mess they've created in my life. At one point, Grey and I were happy, even with all the demons he had. I wonder nowâdid Iris run away, or was that just another ploy to get me to do their bidding?
"What's burning?" Grey's voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I suddenly remember the rice. "Oh, shit," I mutter, rushing to the kitchen.
I quickly turn off the stove. "There goes my rice," I say as Grey walks in.
"I'm sorry," he says. "I can order something if you don't mind."
"Go ahead," I say, taking the pot with the burnt rice to the sink and soaking it.
"Is it okay if I change into something comfortable?" he asks.
I nod.
He calls for a delivery as he heads to the bedroom. He takes his time, and by the time he returns, the food has arrived. He's now dressed in grey sweatpants and a fitted white T-shirt, and I can tell he's showered.
"Should we eat here or in the living room? I'd like to watch some sports," he asks.
"The living room is fine," I say, wondering if I'm digging myself into a deeper mess.