"And the apartment? The money? With his family's character, you think they'll ever pay you back?"
"My lawyer will handle it."
Violet went quiet for a few seconds, then swore under her breath.
"This is long overdue."
"Cornelia, these past few years you've lived like an unpaid maid."
"His mom's back hurts, you go sit with her at the doctor's. His sister's prepping for grad school, you fix up her portfolio. His company's just getting off the ground, you come home after work and do his books."
"And what did it get you? The keys to your own wedding home went to his one true love. Your appointment to register the marriage got bumped so she could go first."
"Does Duane actually think he's some hot commodity?"
I leaned against the train window, listening to her rant, and felt something in my chest loosen just a little.
Back at the apartment, Duane's messages kept popping up, one after another.
【Where are you?】
【Why is the closet empty?】
【Cornelia, are you serious right now?】
【Did you go to Violet's?】
【I'm warning you, don't try to scare me with this breakup nonsense.】
I didn't reply.
Ten minutes later, he sent a photo.
In it were the keys, sitting on the entryway cabinet.
Next to them lay the couple's ring I'd taken off.
That ring was silver.
Five years ago, Duane bought it for me with the bonus from his first project.
He was broke back then. He even got the size wrong.
It sat loose on my finger, but I was happy about it for a long time.
Later, once he had money, he said he'd make it up to me with a diamond.
Five years of making it up. He never did.
My phone buzzed again. A voice message this time.
I tapped it open.
Duane's voice was a little hoarse.
"Cornelia, where the hell are you?"
"I admit my mom handled last night badly, and Willow doesn't know any better."
"But you can't just move out over this."
"Five years together, and you toss it the second you decide to?"
I stared out at the blurred night beyond the glass and didn't answer.
Soon enough, Willow updated her social feed.
She'd posted a photo of the new apartment, that red-corded set of keys laid out on the coffee table.
The caption read：【Some places aren't mine to keep, and that's okay. At least tonight someone's here to watch the city lights with me.】
In the corner of the photo, half of Duane's shirt cuff peeked into frame.
Violet saw it too. She was so furious her voice cracked.
"He's got the nerve to call you? He's looking for you and touring apartments with Willow at the same time?"
I studied the photo for a few seconds.
Then I closed the app and messaged my lawyer.
【Please send the demand letter to Duane and the developer tonight.】
My lawyer replied：【You want to send it now?】
I wrote back：【Yes.】
The station announcement came over the speakers.
"The train is about to depart. All remaining passengers, please board now."
I pulled my suitcase along, following the crowd toward the ticket gate.
My phone suddenly buzzed like crazy.
It was Duane calling.
I hung up.
He sent a voice message. In the background, Willow was crying, low and stifled.
Duane's voice had gone completely frantic.
"Cornelia, you'd better explain this to me."
"Why is the developer telling me you confirmed the withdrawal of the down payment?"
"Why does the demand letter say there's no engagement between us?"
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
I stood in front of the gate and typed, head down.
【Duane.】
【I'm not trying to do anything.】
【I just don't want you anymore.】
The second the message went through, I pulled out my SIM card and dropped it in the trash bin beside me.
Behind me, someone shouted, sharp and urgent.
"Cornelia!"
I turned around.
Duane stood outside the station entrance, clutching the silver ring I'd left behind, his eyes red enough to scare you.
