I quickly hired five makeshift construction teams and tirelessly turned the luxurious villa into a bare shell. Looking at my sleepless night's work, I felt no joy, only a sense of disgrace and worthlessness.
"Anne, I'm exhausted. Can I sleep at your place?"
"Of course, besides me, what else in my house isn't given by you? Welcome home, sis."
I smiled, took off the big diamond ring from my ring finger and placed it on the lock button by the entrance door. From then on, everything about Michael was left in that yard, shattered to pieces.
Following Anne back to her place, I was utterly exhausted and couldn't hold back anymore. I collapsed on her bed and slept soundly for an entire day.
When I woke up in the evening, there was a message from Michael on my phone: [Come home tonight, I have a surprise for you. And prepare my favorite snacks. I want to devour both the snacks and you.]
Sure enough, he treated me like a plaything. He thought he was being affectionate, sending dozens of heart emoji stickers, yet he had no idea that just a minute earlier, his fiancée had updated her social media: [Who else is as generous as me, letting you go to your flings at the drinking table?]
Michael replied, [Honey, you're the most generous.]
Then, Sarah Walker, that woman, messaged me: [I went to your place. I chose the most expensive bag for you, no need to thank me. By the way, Michael sprained his waist last night, so take it easy during your little games.]
I hated her nonchalant display of blatant bragging and sarcasm beneath her calm demeanor.
I also hated being unknowingly dragged into their games. Somehow, I found the courage to reply provocatively, [Don't worry, I'm on top."]
The typing on the other end stopped. I finally felt a bit of satisfaction.
Michael messaged again: [What do you want to eat tonight? I'll bring it home for you. How about some chicken soup?]
He still didn't know that the house was gone and so was I. With a sarcastic smile, I replied, [Make sure to eat well, there's a surprise waiting for you at home.]
Getting up to take a shower, I left without looking back, with Anne in tears. I boarded the flight back to the coastal city.
I discarded my phone card, severing all ties with Altheris from then on.
Michael, carrying the limited-edition designer bag, excitedly pushed open the villa's door and was stunned. He even thought he had walked into the wrong place. After rubbing his eyes and repeatedly checking the villa's address, he confirmed it was indeed his home.
But overnight, it had turned into a wasteland-like garbage dump. He reflexively called out for my name, but in the empty villa, there was nothing but cold, shattered concrete.
He began to panic. Taking out his phone, he dialed my number. The repeated shutdown notifications made him realize that he was trembling. He then called several of his close friends one by one:
"Hey, did any of you tell Taylor about Sarah coming back?"
"No!"
"Did you block Taylor from seeing your social media posts?"
"Every time we have a gathering, we block her."
"So, has she tried to contact me?"
"Yes, often in the past, but not these past few days."
Michael's frown deepened. Just as he was about to curse, he spotted the diamond ring on the door frame.
It was the ring I refused to take off, even during our play. The one I said made me his wife. The ring he thought I would wear forever.
