Chapter 2
Josiah’s curiosity was piqued, but before he could examine the document, Brittany handed it back to Priscilla and got up to leave. She said, “Well, that’s settled then. Goodnight.”
Josiah’s curiosity instantly faded, and he quickly offered to drive her home. However, Brittany shook her head and glanced at Priscilla, her smile cryptic. “No need. Stay here and keep Celia company. After all, you won’t have much time left.”
Josiah frowned when he heard her last remark. Just as he was about to ask about it, Brittany pushed open the door. Instinctively, he grabbed his car keys and called out as he followed after her.
He said, “Celia, I’ll just see Brittany out. I’ll be right back.”
Then, the door slammed shut behind him. From the moment he entered until now, Josiah had not so much as glanced at Priscilla. Nonetheless, she had gotten used to it and felt nothing.
She simply filed the papers away and returned to her room. Then, she turned off the lights and drifted into a quiet slumber.
Half an hour later, the sound of the door opening echoed faintly, followed by the lights flicking on. Priscilla groggily opened her eyes and saw Josiah standing by the dresser, slipping a few boxes of condoms into the drawer.
Then, he crawled into bed and pulled her into his arms. His warm breath brushed against her ear. “Didn’t you used to wait up for me every night? Why are you sleeping so early today, hmm?”
Priscilla knew that those days were over and that it would never happen again. However, she said nothing of what she was really thinking. She simply said, “I’m on my period. I don’t feel well.”
Josiah froze for a second, clearly remembering that he had left her in the rain on the side of the highway. “Sorry, I forgot.”
“Would it have mattered if you remembered?”
The silence stretched before he mumbled, “Brittany twisted her ankle. She’s been terrified of pain since we were young, and that’s why I panicked. It won’t happen again.”
Bitterness flashed in Priscilla’s eyes, knowing all too well that this was the ninth time. She mumbled, “Yeah. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
After all, they were about to get divorced.
…
The next morning, Priscilla woke up to find a mug of warm ginger tea on her nightstand. Before long, Josiah walked in with breakfast in hand, saying, “Celia, drink your tea, and let’s eat.”
It was a scene she used to wake up to every day, before Brittany came back into their lives. Back then, she had mistaken this routine for love, which was why she had foolishly agreed to Brittany’s bet. In the end, she lost everything.
This time, she did not respond like she used to. Instead, she got up, went to her closet, and picked out an outfit.
“No thanks. I don’t have much of an appetite. I need to be somewhere later, so you go on ahead.”
After washing up, she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. However, Josiah also picked up his jacket, insisting on giving her a ride. She did not have the energy to argue, so she gave in.
As soon as Priscilla got into the car, she noticed something amiss. The dreamcatcher she had hung on the rearview mirror was gone, replaced with a cutesy plush keychain. The dashboard had also been redecorated with an entire row of Kayromi figurines.
Josiah noticed her stare and quickly offered an explanation. “I parked by the curb yesterday and forgot to close the windows. The dreamcatcher got soaked. Ruth cleaned up and swapped in some new stuff.”
Priscilla wondered if it was really Ruth Fisher, his assistant, who had done it.
She remembered that Brittany loved those trinkets. Her entire guest room was filled with Kayromi merchandise. Nonetheless, Priscilla did not call Josiah out on the lie.
She simply asked, “What about my dreamcatcher? I got it at Redwood Mountain, just for you. Give it back to me.”
Josiah’s face stiffened. “Ruth probably threw it out by accident. I’ll have her track it down.”
But Priscilla just felt drained when she heard him still trying to cover it up. “If it’s gone, then forget about it. I don’t want it anymore.”
He looked surprised. “You really don’t want it?”
Priscilla gave a nod and mumbled, “I don’t.” The dreamcatcher, this marriage, and him—she no longer wanted any of it.
…
At the country club, Priscilla headed straight to Room 908. The space was already filled with people, and her college friends eagerly greeted her.
Someone asked, “Celia! Did you come alone? Didn’t bring the husband? Is Josiah buried in work or something?”
Before she could say a single word, Brittany, who was seated right in the middle, chimed in casually. “He has a meeting this morning that runs until 11:00 am. Then, he’s heading straight into another negotiation in the afternoon. He’s swamped today.”
The way she recited his schedule so effortlessly did not go unnoticed. Everyone started chuckling and making jokes.
Another teased, “I guess childhood sweethearts really do know each other best, huh? She’s got his calendar down better than his assistant!”
