Beneath the Perfect Disguise, I Quietly Slipped Away Chapter 3

I still went soft.

I wanted to communicate properly.

But for three whole days, Connor didn't answer calls and didn't come home.

I swallowed my grievances and texted him:

I shouldn't have lost my temper without communicating first.

But you did lie about working overtime. You were with her.

Tonight is our sixth anniversary. I'll wait for you at home.

Can we... talk? Please?

I waited from daylight until dark.

He didn't come back.

Close to 11 PM, I decided to go to the office to find him.

That’s when I ran into Marcus.

My former supervisor.

The man Connor fired because he had a bad attitude toward Madison.

He dragged me into a dark alley.

"Screw him. I can't touch the boss's woman, but I can definitely touch you."

I dialed Connor's number over and over.

No one answered.

I screamed for help.

If a passerby hadn't intervened, my injuries would have been far worse than just a bruised face and body.

When my phone finally rang, I shrieked, jumping like a frightened bird.

Seeing the name on the screen, the emotions I had held back all night collapsed.

I almost sobbed out loud.

"Connor—"

"Hello?"

Madison's voice rang out, gentle and sickly sweet.

"Connor is in the shower right now~"

"I saw you called a lot."

"Who is this?"

It felt like someone had shoved burning charcoal down my throat.

My flesh was seared, burned rotten.

It hurt so much I wanted to tear my vocal cords out.

Hanging up the phone—such a simple action—drained all my strength.

I limped to the police station.

Filed a report, gave a statement, got a restraining order.

When it all ended, the clock pointed to 12:01 AM the next day.

Connor finally called back.

His tone was still high and mighty.

"Are you ready to apologize?"

I understood instantly.

He did it on purpose.

Those unanswered calls on our "anniversary"—

They were his punishment for my "lack of trust."

Tears flowed over my swollen face.

They burned like acid.

My voice sounded raspy, like broken bellows.

"Connor. We're done."

The other end of the line was silent for only a second.

Connor sneered.

"Fine. Don't come crawling back begging me."

He hung up.

He agreed to the breakup without a second thought.