However, Ian actually came back home that night.

He sighed when he saw the mess and the open suitcase. "We've been fighting over the same thing for eight years. Aren't you tired?"

Ian probably meant my jealousy over Francesca.

I was more interested in knowing what made her let him come back. The answer came a second later.

Ian said, "Francesca said you're probably upset again and insisted I come back to coax you. When would you understand that Francesca is only like a sister to me, Eve?"

He crouched down halfway in front of me and wrapped me in his arms. "If you're craving fish, I'll take you out for a full seafood dinner tomorrow. And if you don't like lilies, I'll tell Francesca not to buy them again. Don't be mad anymore, okay?"

I suddenly burst out laughing as I looked into Ian's eyes full of sincerity.

I wondered if he had forgotten about what happened in the short two years from when we first met to when Francesca left the country. I had three allergic reactions, all because of her.

The first time we met, she gave me lilies as a gift.

I was about to decline, clearly uncomfortable, but Ian took them over and pushed them into my arms.

"It's a gift from Francesca. You should just accept them first and set them aside later," he said.

But because of that, I broke out in hives and ended up in the hospital. Even then, I didn't blame anyone.

Francesca broke down in tears upon learning what had happened. Ian took her to see the grandest display of fireworks to comfort her, leaving me all alone in the hospital ward.

However, later I heard from one of his friends that she had actually inquired about the flowers I liked. His friend told her it was anything but lilies.

When I told Ian, he brushed it off by saying Francesca probably misheard it as "nothing but lilies", given her carelessness.

She had different excuses for the next two times. And every time, he believed her.

This was the fourth time—and there won't be a fifth.

As the silence stretched between us, Ian's eyes lit up when he noticed my outfit. "It's been a while since I saw you in this dress."

I looked down, only to realize it was the dress I had worn for our engagement. Mom had made it herself.

While I was packing, I realized all my clothes were bought by Ian after we got married. I didn't want to take any of it with me.

I'd forgotten about this dress, which he had taken off me himself while coaxing me to give all of myself to him.

Ian's eyes were clouded with lust as his breathing grew heavier. "I've been busy lately. I haven't had the chance to really spend time with you."

He slowly leaned in, his warm breath brushing against the sensitive spot behind my ear.

My body tensed up involuntarily, and I heard myself speaking in a cold and distant tone. "Let's not. Francesca has just returned and isn't accustomed to everything. She'll need you there for her soon, won't you?"

Ian frowned. His phone rang just as he was about to reply. With a conflicting look, he answered the call.

Even as he hurried out the door, he still turned back to defend Francesca. "Don't be so petty all the time. Just wait for me here—I'll be back soon."

The door closed behind Ian, and I collapsed to the floor, my strength drained.

I furiously scrubbed the spot where he'd touched me with the back of my hand. But no matter how hard I rubbed, the feeling of being tainted wouldn't go away.

I had overestimated myself for thinking that I could walk away quietly.

My hands moved faster as I packed everything up. Everything was done in just an hour's time. The place barely looked any different when I looked around.

I didn't realize how easy it was to erase someone's existence.

I left the divorce agreement behind and walked away for good.