It Doesn’t Matter Anymore novel Chapter 24

12.0%

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

The company had offered me several transfers before, but because of my attachment to James,I had turned them down,passing up great opportunities. Now, at last, I saw things clearly. There was still time to move forward.

Walking through the familiar doorway, a wave of complex emotions washed over me.I had called this house my home for four years, once believing James and I would grow old here together.Initially,he treated me incredibly well.

I remember the time when he stood for hours under the scorching sun just to snag a pair of limited–edition hiking boots for me.After returning from a trip with a nasty flu,he took care of me tirelessly, day and night,for two full days.On another occasion,during a business trip to a rural area,he was so worried about my safety that he changed his work schedule just to accompany me.

Back then,I was convinced I was the happiest woman alive,sure that our journey together would last forever.By the second year, our initial thrill had faded, but our bond felt more solid.I believed that a quiet love was the most genuine

kind.

Things started to unravel at the end of the third year, when he became fixated on board games, often lingering in game stores, and our conversations dwindled.Trying to bridge the distance, I made efforts to join him, yet he always made excuses not to include me.Eventually, I found myself secretly tailing him.

That’s when I discovered he was a regular at a maid–themed board game café.Inside, on the leaderboard,his name was decorated with a heart,linked to one of the café’s maids.It dawned on me–the“childhood friend“he often talked about

was just a cover.

From that point, our arguments were relentless, and silence became our default mode of communication. He kept insisting that Lorelai was like a kid sister to him, yet their closeness was deeper than most actual relationships.She said she was upset over a breakup, and he spent the night at her place,comforting her till morning. During our hiking trip in the Alps,one call from her claiming she was bored, and he abandoned me in the wilderness. The gourmet meals I painstakingly prepared for clients, he gave away to please her.

After repeated letdowns, I finally understood that when someone stops loving you,they don’t bother to pretend anymore. Once I made up my mind to leave,I slowly started packing my things and sending them back to my hometown.James didn’t even notice.

One weekend, he mentioned Lorelai wanted to take us out to dinner.I planned to decline, but his mood turned sour:“Are you done with your antics yet? Lorelai is being courteous by inviting you, don’t you dare insult her!“I thought about it–since we were breaking up anyway,I might as well attend and put an end to everything.

“Alright, I’ll go.”

When we arrived at the restaurant,James told me to head upstairs while he went to park the car.Standing outside the private dining room,I could hear laughter and cheerful voices inside.Everyone seemed to be having a great time.

“Lorelai,James treats you so well! We’re all green with envy!”

“Anyone can tell he fancies you!”

Lorelai sighed dramatically.“Too bad he has a girlfriend.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify