He Said ‘Of Course’ to Every Insult About Me, I Said ‘Of Course’ to Walking Away Chapter 02

He Said ‘Of Course’ to Every Insult About Me, I Said ‘Of Course’ to Walking Away Chapter 02

I turned down Liam’s offer to stay with me and got in a car heading home.

Some things I need to end on my own.

A light rain began to fall outside.

When I got home, I found Naomi lying on the couch in Ethan’s shirt, playing a game.

Jack was eating the cake I’d bought.

Before I could blow up, Naomi shrieked, “Quick, Ethan, save my ass!”

Ethan naturally took her phone and leaned against the couch to play.

They were pressed so close, moving with the easy familiarity of a couple in the honeymoon phase.

I let out a hollow laugh. That’s when they finally noticed me.

“Oh, Natalie, it started raining, so Ethan said we could crash here tonight.”

Ethan didn’t look up.

“Convenient. Tomorrow we can all head to the wedding together. One car, easy.”

“We all?”

“Ethan, are you planning on letting Naomi ride shotgun tomorrow too?”

Silence. The sound of the game over screen blared.

Ethan rubbed his brow, irritation flashing in his eyes. “Natalie, what the hell is your problem today?!”

I gave a cold laugh.

“Nothing.”

“Ethan, call off the wedding. We’re done.”

Naomi smacked her forehead.

“Oh, God, I’m so sorry. I’m just so used to acting like this—don’t be mad!”

Jack snorted. “Oh, she’s super generous. She wouldn’t even notice you.”

“But now she’s talking breakup. Ethan, if you don’t prove your loyalty, she’s gonna call her ‘big brother’ to show off again.”

Those words made my stomach turn.

Ethan’s face darkened. “Jack, watch your mouth.”

Jack muttered a fake “sorry,” but his eyes were full of defiance.

I remembered advising Ethan to watch Jack’s debt problems—something Naomi had blabbed about.

He’d held a grudge ever since.

I smiled, raising an eyebrow.

“What’s your damage, you little troll? Can’t get a girlfriend so you get off on fantasizing about crap like this?”

“Is Naomi seriously the only woman who’s ever given you the time of day? Is that why you’re so far up her ass?”

Jack’s face turned an ugly shade of purple.

He cursed and lunged at me.

Ethan’s expression went ice-cold, disgust written all over his face.

“Natalie! I never knew you could turn into such a bitch!”

Naomi, eyes red, blocked Jack and bolted out the door.

“Fine! This is all my fault. I pissed off the bride. I’m leaving!”

The two of them chased after her, not forgetting to throw a glare back at me.

Watching this, all I felt was pure satisfaction.

I opened my phone. Liam confirmed he’d pick me up for the airport tomorrow.

My pinned messages kept flashing.

[You really crossed the line this time. Naomi’s a wreck, crying her eyes out. Jack says he’s not coming to the wedding tomorrow. Happy?]

[I hope you do some serious thinking tonight, and tomorrow you apologize properly.]

I didn’t reply. I just mechanically packed my suitcase.

On my nightstand was a scrapbook I’d made myself.

I opened it. Inside were photos of Ethan and me over the years.

Page after page, another person started appearing.

At some point, Naomi began taking her annual leave at the same time as Ethan.

When Jack went back to his hometown, she’d say she was lonely.

And Ethan silently allowed her to barge into our photo album, again and again.

I tossed it in the trash.

Birthday wishes from family and friends came in one after another. It was already midnight.

I looked up. The AI program on my computer kept flashing “Happy Birthday.”

Ethan had made it for me years ago.

The day he wrote the code, he made me a sincere promise. Natalie, from now on, every single birthday—I’ll be right here next to you.”

Ethan wanted today to be my happiest, most unforgettable day, so we set our wedding date for today.

But when I opened our chat, all I saw was: [I’m staying here with her tonight.]

I opened Naomi’s latest post. She was leaning against the window, eyes slightly red.

Clutching a large hand, the caption read: [With you by my side, I’m not afraid to take that leap forward.]

The familiar watch on that wrist—the anniversary gift I’d custom-made for Ethan.

The fingers were bare, but the mark from an engagement ring was still there.

Someone teased in the group chat.

[Oooh, looks like our tomboy is finally getting lucky?]

A second later, Ethan replied: [Drop it. Naomi’s having a rough day.]

I let out a self-deprecating laugh and left the group.