After they left, I also made plans with Mrs. Green to visit the villa. Her villa wasn't very large, just a three-story building, but it came with a spacious yard.
She'd had the yard professionally landscaped, planting some of the trendy flowers and plants. There was even a huge persimmon tree at the entrance.
"It was renovated just two years ago," she said.
"It was originally meant for my son's wedding."
Mrs. Green smiled, her eyes crinkling with happiness. "He bought a house in the capital, so this place was left empty. I'm planning to sell it..." When she mentioned her son and daughter-in-law, her face lit up with joy, and the wrinkles around her eyes radiated warmth. I was very pleased with the house.
This trip was for a platform event, and when I got there, the editor-in-chief told me that a film company had taken an interest in my novel and wanted to discuss the rights.
They also wanted to meet me in person.
I was beyond excited and couldn't wait to call Jared to share the good news. But he didn't pick up.
I called him 53 times and sent 109 messages over the next two days and three nights, asking if he was alright, hoping for some sign of life.
He ignored me completely.
When I got back, I knew one thing for sure: he no longer deserved to share any part of my life.
I paid the deposit and asked Mrs. Green to help me with a few things.
With the house deal set, I was relieved.
Just as I finished sorting things out, Jared sent me a message asking me to send him money.
This man, now, was asking me for money with a straight face, completely unapologetic.
I replied, "The payment for this month hasn't come through yet. If you're in a hurry for cash, just use your credit card."
He called me and said his credit card doesn't have much credit left.
He also said that a lot of places don't allow credit card payments now.
"Well, figure something out then," I said with a smirk.
"Gabrielle, you… you weren't like this before," he said.
Yeah, I wasn't like this before.
Whether it's a man or a woman, when you enter a relationship, it's supposed to be about growing old together. Not necessarily to weather all the storms, but at least to support each other and take responsibility for what you're supposed to. He added, "Gabrielle, didn't you save up some money?"
"That's just nonsense!" I purposely mocked, "You know exactly how much we spend, don't you? You haven't made a single penny in over two years."
"Rent, utilities, and you still insist on fancy brand-name clothes?"
"Jared, you can't possibly expect a woman to support you, can you?"
I hit a sore spot, and Jared immediately hung up the phone.
Then he sent me a message: "Gabrielle, you're absolutely impossible." I didn't reply.
For the next few days, Jared and Yvonne were inseparable. He got several credit cards from different banks, took out online loans, and spent his days wining and dining his 'first love.'"
In their eyes, it seemed like I didn't even exist anymore.
Once, at home, they were hugging on the balcony, sharing a passionate kiss.
Later that night, I accidentally walked in on them tangled on the sofa, engaging in their usual intimate games.
Meanwhile, while Jared and Yvonne were caught up in their fiery passion, I quietly moved out my belongings. Slowly, silently, I took everything that belonged to me and left no trace of myself in his life.
Three days after I moved into my new villa, Jared suddenly called me. The lease was up, and Mrs. Green wanted the property back.
