The group chat kept buzzing with internship discussions and arrangements.
I stared at my screen feeling hollow, like something vital had been carved out of me.
I was done with River and Vivian’s exhausting, unreasonable arguments.
River and Vivian left for San Francisco that night to apartment hunt, booking just one room.
Back when we were happy, River had linked his ounts to my credit card, saying he wanted me to feel secure.
But when the hotel booking notification hit my phone, I stared at the screen, fingers trembling.
In that moment, myst shred of hope crumbled to dust.
I screenshot the message to River with a question mark.
He replied: [SF is expensive. Trying to save money.]
I wasn’t even mad about the money anymore–I’d given up when he rejected my offer. But seeing his casual attitude broke what was left of my heart.
I quietly unlinked our ounts.
River found an apartment, which I discovered through Vivian’s Instagram:
[Not only working at TechFlow together, but living together too! Who’s jealous?]
The photo showed them making faces in some cramped 500–square–foot two–bedroom dump.
Thements were full of jokes and congrattions, like I’d never existed.
The irony was overwhelming.
River didn’t exin or ask if I’d seen the post. He genuinely thought everything was fine,
I finally understood–some disappointments don’t explode suddenly. They copse slowly, piece by piece.
Now even the tiniest warmth had vanished.
On move–out day, the dorm lobby was packed with luggage.
I’d just sealed myst box of books when I heard River’s voice outside, calling Vivian’s name with obvious adoration floating up through the floors.
I peered out the window. River was dragging Vivian’s pink suitcase toward a waiting cab.
55.7<b>% </b>
Vivian followed behind with just a canvas bag, beaming.
Three tripster, her stuff was loaded.
Meanwhile, I had four massive suitcases plus three bags–definitely not a one–person job.
I made a call:
“Dad, send some people. Can’t manage alone.”
Dad pretended to be annoyed: “Now you remember your old man? Called Mom all week but not me. Got it, sending
someone over.”
Right after I hung up, my door opened.
I turned to see River and Vivian in the doorway.
River looked smug: “Can’t handle it solo, right? Vivian’s stuff is done–she wanted to help you.”
He nced at Vivian with pure worship in his eyes.
Vivian nodded sweetly: “Let me help, Jenna.”
What did he expect me to say? Thank Vivian for her generous heart?
Using my boyfriend and then graciously offering to help with my luggage?
Looking at them made me physically sick. I forced my voice to stay level:
“Thanks, but no.”
I yanked my suitcase zipper closed with a harsh sound. River’s smile faded.
“Jenna, don’t be ungrateful. We’re throwing you a bone here–quit being such a brat.”
“We’re all moving <i>to </i>work together anyway. Why be stubborn? If you’re so capable, find your own ce in SF.”
I didn’t look up, checking my phone instead.
Dad’s assistant texted: [Here.]
I stood and organized my luggage. “Fine. You two live together.”
Finally realizing my coldness was beyond his expectations, River looked stiff.
He grabbed my hand: “Where are you staying?<b>” </b>
I didn’t answer. Someone knocked–Dad’s assistant with several security guys.
55.9<b>% </b>
Chapter <b>3 </b>
The lead man, Sebastian nodded at me respectfully, then motioned for the security team to grab a suitcase each.
I slung a backpack over my shoulder, ready to leave.
River finally processed what was happening, pointing at Sebastian:
“Who is he?”
“Your new boy toy?”
Looking at River’s face–angry and incredulous–I almostughed.
Instead of answering, I told Sebastian: “Let’s go.”
River tried to block me but got stopped by security.
I walked out of the dorm without looking back, River’s furious shouting echoing behind me.