Unreturned When the Fog Cleared Chapter 03

Unreturned When the Fog Cleared Chapter 03: Breaking Up
In the end, Julian Rhodes let go, saying awkwardly, “You should get some rest. I still have work at the office, so I’m heading back to work late.”

With that, he turned and practically fled.

Thera Sutherland watched his retreating figure as tears streamed down her face.

He used to pick her up from work with hot soup when she worked late. He used to remember all her likes and dislikes. He used to stay by her bedside all night whenever she was sick…

All that genuine kindness had once made her believe she had found a lifetime of happiness.

But in the end, their seven-year relationship had run its course.

Thera Sutherland wiped away her tears, pulled out her phone, and scheduled an appointment to get a replacement divorce certificate. She also booked a flight to leave in three days.

Early the next morning, Thera Sutherland was startled awake by a commotion downstairs.

She went downstairs and saw Sylvia Chevalier standing in the living room, surrounded by several suitcases.

Yara Rhodes was affectionately holding Sylvia Chevalier’s arm. “Sylvia, you’re finally here!”

Sylvia Chevalier smiled and patted her hand, then turned to Julian Rhodes and said gently, “Julian, my mom was worried I wouldn’t be able to settle in, so she packed all this for me. I hope it’s not too much trouble.”

Julian Rhodes’s tone was casual. “We grew up together, and Mrs. Chevalier has always looked after me and my sister. You don’t have to be so formal with me.”

Catching sight of Thera, the smile on Yara Rhodes’s face instantly vanished, her tone dripping with sarcasm:

“What are you doing just standing there with that long face? Sylvia is going to live here and keep me company from now on!”

Sylvia Chevalier took a step forward, her voice soft and gentle. “The doctor said Yara can’t handle any emotional distress. I’m here to stay with her and keep her spirits up.”

Thera didn’t respond, simply watching them in silence.

Julian Rhodes spoke in a low voice, “Thera already agreed.”

“This is my house! Since when do we need her permission?” Yara Rhodes scoffed. “If she doesn’t like it, she can just move out.”

With that, she turned to Sylvia Chevalier and said sweetly, “Sylvia, come on! I’ll take you upstairs to pick the best room!”

Before long, a series of CLANGS and BANGS echoed from upstairs. Thera went up and found the area outside her bedroom in a complete mess.

Her clothes and handbags had been tossed on the floor, along with bedside lamps, framed art, and other items from the bedroom.

The things she and Julian had carefully chosen together were now tossed on the ground like garbage.

Yara Rhodes stood in the middle of the bedroom, hands on her hips, ordering the household staff to move things.

Sylvia stood in the doorway and began to explain leisurely, “I was worried I’d disturb Yara’s rest if we shared a room, but if I’m too far away, I won’t be able to look after her. This bedroom is the closest to hers, so…”

Julian Rhodes walked over, glanced at Thera, and was about to speak.

But Thera cut in, her tone flat, “Fine. Take whichever room you want.”

Then she crouched down and began to gather her things.

“Thera,”

Julian looked down at her, a hint of guilt in his voice. “You’ll have to put up with the guest room for now. We can redecorate after some time…”

“You already let her move in. What difference does it make which room I’m in?”

Julian stood there in silence, his gaze falling on a stuffed rabbit on the floor.

They had won it at an amusement park on their first date.

He bent down to pick it up, his voice tight. “We won this on our first trip to Funderland. We waited in line for half an hour for it. You don’t want it anymore?”

Thera paused. “Might as well throw it out. It’s old, anyway.”

“Thera!” Julian clutched the toy, hurrying after her. “What in the world is wrong with you? You were never like this before…”

“Nothing.”

Her voice was tinged with self-mockery. “Making space for you two because of Yara’s illness… isn’t this what you wanted?”

Julian opened his mouth, but not a single word came out.