The Battery Rule That Only Applied To Me Chapter 09

Owen’s attorney issued a public statement backed by the hotel’s security footage, Dad’s hospital 

billing records, and bank records showing how much my parents had contributed toward the 

house. 

The evidence also included records of changes to 

the building’s access permissions and a recording 

of Sophie and her mother talking inside the house. 

Once it all came out, public opinion turned almost 

overnight. 

Sophie’s social media account went offline soon. 

afterward. The video of her mother slapping me at 

the engagement party spread online as well. 

Our attorney also filed civil claims over the false 

allegations and Sophie’s unauthorized use of the 

house. 

Caleb was also asked to cooperate with the 

inquiry. He showed up for the mediation session 

and placed the house keys on the table in front of 

1. me. 

“The house is empty now.” 

“I had everything that belongs to you packed and 

put aside.” 

I didn’t reach for the keys. Owen slid a document 

toward him. 

“We want the Prescott family’s contribution reimbursed in cash, based on what they put in.” 

Caleb’s head jerked up. 

“That was supposed to be our home.” 

I met his eyes. 

“Not anymore.” 

That house was ruined for me the moment he 

handed Sophie the keys. I didn’t want it back. 

Caleb’s eyes reddened. 

“Winnie, I can buy another one.” 

“Don’t.” 

I gathered the paperwork. 

“Whatever home I have from now on, you won’t be 

part of it.” 

After everything was settled, Caleb asked to see 

me one last time. 

He chose the neighborhood diner we used to go 

1. to. 

When Caleb worked late, I’d wait for him there. If 

my soup went cold, I’d ask the server to warm it 

1. up. When he finally showed up, he rarely even 

apologized. 

Now he sat across from me, his voice rough. 

“Winnie, I finally understand how much it hurt your 

to wait for me all those times.” 

“I’ll make sure Sophie answers for what she did.” 

“I’ve taken care of the house, too.” 

“I’ve deleted the battery rule.” 

“From now on, whenever your phone dies, I’ll come 

get you.” 

I looked at the bowl of noodles, strangely calm. 

“Caleb, I didn’t wait for you because I enjoyed 

waiting.” 

“I waited because I believed you’d come.” 

His eyes grew even redder. I rose from my chair. 

“But when I really needed you, you never did.” 

His voice shook. 

“What if I start now?” 

I shook my head. 

“You’re too late.” 

Outside the diner, Owen’s car was parked at the 

curb. 

He didn’t ask what we’d talked about. He simply opened the passenger door for me. 

I climbed in, and my phone screen lit up. 

1%. 

I instinctively glanced at him. Owen held out a charging cable. 

“No rush.” 

“We’ll get it charged on the way home.” 

We drove off into the night. The battery indicator climbed from 1% to 2%. I watched the number and 

felt nothing but peace. 

Once, a low battery had meant punishment. 

Canceled plans. Being left behind. 

Now it was just an ordinary notification. If your 

battery ran low, you could recharge it. If you had a long way to go, you could take your time. 

Someone who truly loved you wouldn’t cancel your whole life just because you were running low for a while. 

We pulled into the underground parking garage at our new home. Owen leaned over to unbuckle my seat belt. 

“You know, seven years ago, when your phone died for the first time, you called me.” 

I froze. He looked at me, his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite name. 

“I’ve been waiting for another call from you ever 

since.” 

I gazed at him for a long time. 

“And now?” I asked softly. 

He made sure my phone was still plugged in. 

“Now you don’t have to be afraid of a dead 

battery.” 

“I’m right here.”