bChapter /bb2 /b

    Driving back home, Dax stumbles groggily into the bedroom and crashes into bed.[]

    I sit alone on the couch until dawn.]

    The moment sunlight hits the dried tear stains on my face, I finally dial mywyer’s number:[]

    “Sorry for calling so early, but please draft me a divorce agreement.“]]

    When I hang up, my phone suddenly pings with a message–a calendar reminder:[]

    Today is my birthday.]]

    1

    nce at it briefly, then flip my phone face down on the table and head to the bathroom, wanting to wash away all the

    exhaustion.

    When I finished, Dax walks in.]]

    He wraps his arms around my waist from behind and nuzzles his head against my shoulder intimately.]]

    “Morning, honey. You’re up early.“]

    Acting as if nothing happenedst night.]

    It’s always like this.]]

    All our conflicts go unresolved–as long as I don’t bring them up, he just ys dumb and pretends everything’s fine.]]

    I say nothing, just stand to the side watching him hurry through washing up, grinning foolishly every now and then.[]

    Then he cheerfully tells me, “I need to go check out Kai’s camping site projectter. You stay home and rest.“]

    I’m about to speak when he turns away, fingers tapping away at his screen.]

    Someone’s knocking at the door.[]

    Dax immediately drops his phone on couch and heads out.]]

    This gut feeling makes me grab his phone.]]

    The screen’s still lit up, showing a group chat called “OG Squad” with messages flying by.[]

    b[/bI’m downstairs,e bow down to your Daddy Ivy~]]

    I scroll up.

    Each message is like a thousand needles stabbing straight through my heart.[]

    [They fight over everything. Ember’s way too dramatic–I never thought you two would work out.]]]

    80.49

    Chapter b2 /b

    [Having an outsider mooch off our crew for five years is exhausting. Just divorce her and get with Ivy already!][]

    Ivy sends a hugging emojib: /b[I’m totally over it! Dax said he’s buying me this amazing mping site. Some people work their whole lives and still can’tpete with having a good bro~]]

    Dax’s reply right below: [Now you know daddy’s worth, huh?]]

    [Mwah~ Today we’re going to check it out first. But remember, NO girlfriends allowed!]]

    [Yo Dax, you hear that? Ivy says if you show up, she’s sharing a tent with you tonight to properly ‘thank‘ you!]]]

    Ice–cold dread shoots straight to my head, making everything go ck.[]

    How pathetic![]

    Ivy was the one who invited me into their original group chat, even changed the name to “Lucky 7.“[]

    Turns out they made a whole new group behind my back.

    It’s not like I never tried to fit in.]

    But in their little native circle, I’ll always be the outsider who doesn’t belong.[]

    My hands shake as I fight the urge to smash this phone, instead taking screenshots of all those messages.[]

    When Daxes back in, I’ve already put his phone back where it was.

    He picks it up, looking like he wants to say something:

    “Babe, these people act like they’ve never seen the world. They’re insisting on tagging along. Just stay home and wait for me, okay?”

    I calmly grab my purse: “Kai’s been my friend for over a decade. I should be there for this investment too.“]

    Dax freezes, blocking my path: “You know you don’t vibe with their personalities anyway. I’m not bringing you–saves everyone the awkwardness.“[]

    With that, he turns to leave.[]

    bI /bgrab his arm and look him straight in the eye: “Today is my birthday.“]

    I don’t say anything more.

    This is hisst chance.

    A the same moment, Ivy’s impatient foot–stomping echoes from the doorway.[]

    Dax instantly gets annoyed, shrugging me off roughly.]

    “Why are you acting like my mom? Always with the guilt trips. What’s the big deal about birthdays?“[]

    My knuckles m hard against the table, and my heart aches just as badly.]

    80.79

    “Tsk!” Unable to wait any longerb, /bIvyes in to drag him away and happens to see this scene.[]

    She stands on her tiptoes and pats Dax on the head.]

    “How did daddy teach you? Be gentler with girls. I think Ember’s dramatic, high–maintenance personality is actually pretty cute–you should appreciate what you’ve got, son!“[]

    Dax snorts: “That’s just how she is. Always looking for drama. Can’t be happy unless she’s stirring up trouble.“]

    He ignores mepletely, reaching out to grab Ivy’s waist: “Who were you calling ‘son‘ just now? So disrespectful!“]

    Ivy giggles as she spins away: “Ooh, you almost touched daddy’s chest! Pervert!“]]

    Dax smirks and actually goes for it: “Oh yeah? These aren’t exactly Victoria’s Secret material.“[]

    They allugh and head out together.]

    I stand there feeling like all the air has been sucked out of the room.]

    Watching them disappear behind the elevator doors, I call Kai.[]

    “I’ming to the mping site to find you.“]

    No questions asked. “Okay.“]]

    Growing up with Kai taught me the difference between friendship with boundaries and… whatever this mess is.]

    Two years dating, three years married.[]

    I need to see with my own eyes exactly how disgustingly my marriage with Dax is going to end.[]

    b(/b0)

    b(/bb0/bb) /b