His tone softened.
“I know why you’re mad, it’s the $52,000 I
sent Yuki.”
“She’s my apprentice, she helped me a lot,
that’s why I gave her so much.”
“The $5.20 was a token gift, we share our
finances, no need for more.”
He was impressive.
It was always my fault.
He’d forgotten that he never shared finances
with me.
He bought me gifts when he felt good,
く
household goods.
When he was unhappy, he wouldn’t buy
anything.
He’d even suggested a prenup.
“I’m afraid you’ll leave me someday, I need to
protect myself.”
“Austin, do you think I’m stupid?”
I asked.
“Let’s forget about that. What about the
house, the watch, the hotel room with Yuki?”
“You were with her on my birthday. You think
I don’t know?”
He fell silent, only his breathing audible.
I was about to hang up when he spoke, “You
know.”
“I’m sorry, I can explain.”
“Yuki… it was because I was drunk…”
“Stop. Don’t bother.”
“You don’t need to explain. I won’t forgive
you. I only believe what I see.”
く
“No, let me-
His voice was pained.
“Fine.”
“I’ll send you $520,000. Just come back.”
I chuckled.
He still thought I cared about money.
You can’t wake someone who’s pretending to
be asleep.
I hung up, refusing to waste my time.
- 16.
That day, a couple booked me for wedding
photos.
I left early.
Austin and I were supposed to marry next
year, have our wedding photos taken abroad.
He’d destroyed it all.
It wasn’t a sudden break, but a slow cutting.
At the location, I took several shots.
As I was showing the clients, someone ran
towards me.
Austin. After a month, he looked haggard.
His hair was unkempt, a far cry from his usual
polished self.
“Mia, let me talk to you.”
He grabbed my hand; his eyes were red.
I threw his hand off.
“I’m working, sir. Please leave.”
“No… I’m not sir, I’m your boyfriend. You
can’t do this to me.”
The couple whispered to each other.
Worried about disturbing them, I asked them
to take a break, then took Austin aside.
“Austin, we’re over. If you harass me, I’ll call
the police.”
“I don’t want to break up. This past month,
I’ve been thinking about you. I know I was
wrong, I shouldn’t have only sent you $5.20.”
“Just come back, and I’ll give you all my
money.”
“Enough!”
I was angry.
