Chapter 3

It was the first time after so long that Tessa heard Benedict speak to someone like he was coaxing a child. He used to speak to her like that, too. When did things start to change? A dull, persistent ache spread in her chest as she watched Tracy picking through the things in the house. "I don't like this one. This is so old-fashioned." She tossed the decorations and portraits Tessa had carefully arranged straight into a sack. Even the gifts she and Benedict had exchanged over the years were in there. Benedict looked at her dotingly, as if nothing was wrong. Well, fine. At least now Tessa didn't have to throw them away herself. Once Tracy was done, she batted her eyes and asked sweetly, "Tessa, where do you think these should go?" Tessa was about to tell her to toss them, but Benedict cut in, "Put them in the attic. We should've cleared out that junk ages ago." Junk? That was eight years of memories and love, but now it was just junk? Tessa turned and walked briskly into the dressing room, pulling out all the jewelry and handbags. They were all gifts from Benedict. She nearly lost it in front of them. Taking a deep breath, she quickly snapped photos and listed everything for sale online. If he didn't care about those memories, then she might as well get rid of them. Benedict appeared at the door, confused. "What are you doing?" She brushed it off casually. "Nothing. Just wanted to look through some things." He looked like he was about to say more, but Tracy tugged on his arm. "Benedict, come to the party with me tonight, okay? I don't want to go alone. It's scary." He agreed without hesitation. "Alright." At 9:00 pm, Moonlight Bar was packed. Tessa downed her drink in one go, her face flushing red. Her best friend, Alexis Clark, leaned in curiously. "How much did you make selling all that stuff?" "A few hundred thousand, maybe," Tessa replied. "But it is still not as much as what he's spent on Tracy in just one month." Alexis scowled. "What a jerk. I can't believe he turned out like this." Tessa let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah. Guess I was blind." Alexis was about to offer comfort when a familiar voice drifted over from the next private room. "Benedict, seriously, I've got to hand it to you. Eight years with some older woman and you're still not sick of her? "Now that you're with someone hot and young like Tracy, aren't you tempted? "I mean, Tessa's still decent-looking. When you finally dump her, let me have a go." Tessa didn't hear Benedict say anything. Instead, it was Tracy's voice that followed. "Benedict's just too kind to break up with her. "But Benedict, be honest, do you like me more or Tessa?" Tessa heard Benedict answer, "Of course it's you." The next second, she grabbed her glass and strode straight into the private room. "What are you all talking about? Mind if I join?" The room fell into an awkward silence. Everyone exchanged looks. It was Tracy who finally broke it. "Tessa, this is just young people having fun. You wouldn't understand." Someone snickered. Tessa turned to her with a cold smile. "Tracy, I hope you never grow old. May you stay 20 forever." Tracy's expression turned sour in an instant. Tessa wasn't done. "And Benedict, don't you think your friends all have filthy mouths? Or have you just gotten used to it?" Tracy heard the mockery in her voice and wanted to stand up, but Benedict held her back. "Tessa, she's just a kid. Why stoop to her level?" Once again, he stood in front of Tracy, shielding her. Tessa let out a cold laugh and walked away. But as soon as she stepped outside, a wave of weakness hit her, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.