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.]]]

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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