Ended My Six-Year Relationship with a Cheater

Chapter 2

As I stepped out of the jewelry store, my phone buzzed. It was a new post from Brittany Walker, Landon's so-called "distant cousin." In the photo, Landon was kneeling, holding the same custom diamond ring I'd just seen, surrounded by flowers. Brittany stood across from him, grinning with a bouquet of roses in her arms. The caption read: Romantic until death!

I couldn't help myself, I hit like before quickly turning off my screen. But then, another message from Brittany popped up: Olive, Landon and I are just joking. Please don't take it seriously.

I paused, a bit stunned. But for the first time, her words felt hollow. I found I didn't care nearly as much as I used to. After a moment, I typed back: Got it. Have fun!

As I walked past an ATM, I noticed a young girl nearby, huddled against the wall, clutching her phone, tears streaming down her face.

"Buddy, he transferred all my money. My mom's still in the hospital... what am I supposed to do?" she muttered through her sobs.

I kept walking, my steps steady, not wanting to intrude on her pain. But a gust of wind carried her voice to me again, trembling with bitterness: "Buddy, I hate this world so much…"

With a sigh, I turned around and walked over to her, offering a small smile. "Hey, how about a trade? I'll give you something I have, and in exchange, let me buy you something sweet."

She looked up at me, blinking in surprise, then pulled a few pieces of White Rabbit candy from her pocket. "Miss, are you low on blood sugar? Here, take these, no need to trade."

I wasn't hypoglycemic, but I remembered someone telling me that sweets can help heal the heart, even if just a little. I accepted the candy, unwrapped a piece, and popped it into my mouth, savoring the small burst of sweetness. It spread on my tongue, and for a brief moment, I felt my mood lift. I unwrapped another piece and held it out to the girl. She hesitated but then took it from my fingers and ate it.

With a gentle push, I tucked my handbag into her arms, keeping the remaining candy in my hand and waving it lightly. "It's only fair to share. If you don't want these, I'll just toss them in the trash."

I gave her a reassuring smile. "This world isn't as bad as it seems, you know."

Then, with a final glance at her, I walked away, feeling a lightness in my heart. Whether it was the taste of the candy or the joy of helping someone else, something inside me felt just a little bit brighter.

The walk home took two hours, and by the time I opened the door, I found Landon lounging on the couch in his nightgown, engrossed in his phone. As soon as he glanced up and saw me, the smile slipped from his face.

"Why are you back so late?" he asked, his tone sharp.

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "I didn't expect it to take so long."

His brow furrowed. "You walked back?"

I nodded slightly, and he sneered. "You should've taken a taxi. I can't believe you'd walk all the way when you're sick."

I didn't argue. After all, there was no real hardship in what I'd done. I had spent six years with him, and if he wanted to scold me, I'd accept it.

As I walked home, I was quietly saying goodbye to the past. I was letting go of that rainy night when love first bloomed, bidding farewell to the young man who had carried me through long streets while battling a fever.

During dinner, I noticed Landon glancing at me repeatedly. I pretended not to notice, taking small sips from my bowl of rice. It wasn't until I set my bowl and chopsticks down, feeling eighty percent full, that I heard him speak.

"I noticed you liked that post on Instagram today," he said.

I froze, momentarily startled. I vaguely remembered that my actions might've given him the impression I was moving on. Quickly, I pulled out my phone. "Sorry, I'll remove it now."

He stood up abruptly, pressing my phone down. "That's not what I meant."

Surprised, I looked up and met his gaze, which was filled with confusion.

"I mean, I'm glad you're getting along with her," he clarified.

A strange mix of relief and something I couldn't quite place washed over me. In the past, I had cared so deeply for Landon that I'd been hostile toward Brittany. I not only ignored her posts but also scolded both of them whenever I saw anything related to them. Landon had grown tired of our constant fights, often calling me a shrew.

I offered a noncommittal smile before excusing myself to the bathroom. After a soothing bath, I unconsciously made my way back to the master bedroom. But just as my hand grasped the doorknob, I heard a man's voice from inside.

"Fool, if you promise not to touch her, I won't. Trust me."

"Be good. I'll accompany you tomorrow. Go to sleep."

My heart sank. I released the doorknob and turned away, heading instead to the study.