Chapter 4: Exile and Exposure

Back at the apartment I used to share with Chase, I cried my eyes out.

I sobbed until my eyes were swollen, my voice hoarse. I hugged my pillow tight. Let the pain wash over me.

When I was done, I packed my things and moved back home.

I stuffed everything into boxes—clothes, books, all the little gifts Chase had given me. Each item felt like a tiny goodbye.

Luckily, my dad was overseas on business. If he saw me like this, he’d probably think Chase had bullied me.

I was grateful for the empty house. No one to explain my puffy eyes to. No need to fake a smile.

I blocked all contact with Chase and posted a “single again” status on Instagram, officially cutting ties.

My phone buzzed with notifications, friends and strangers alike sending DMs. I ignored them all, needing space to breathe.

When my best friend found out, she asked why we broke up. I just shrugged. “Incompatible personalities,” I said.

She didn’t push, just gave me a look that said she knew there was more to the story. I was grateful for her silence.

Seeing I didn’t want to talk, she just said, "Out with the old, in with the new."

She sent me memes and cute animal videos, trying to make me laugh. It helped, a little.

She invited me out shopping that weekend. Retail therapy, overpriced lattes. Exactly what I needed.

I agreed, if only to get out of the house. The idea of retail therapy and overpriced lattes sounded like exactly what I needed.

That night at a restaurant, we ran into a few of Chase’s close friends.

Of course, fate had other plans. I spotted them at the bar, laughter too loud. My stomach dropped.

They used to joke and call me “sis-in-law,” but now their looks were frosty.

I felt their eyes on me as soon as I walked in. The chill was unmistakable.

Luke, the ringleader, said with a smirk:

“Bros before… you know the rest.”

“No matter how good you are to a woman, she can dump you without a second thought.”

He raised his glass, the words sharp and pointed. The others snickered, egging him on.

Someone else chimed in, “Maybe she found someone richer.”

The jab stung, but I kept my head high. I refused to let them see me sweat.

My best friend shoved him. “What’s your problem?”

“Who knows, maybe Chase did something to hurt Harper, and that’s why she broke up with him.”

She glared at them, ready to throw down if it came to that. I squeezed her hand, grateful for her loyalty.

Seeing it was about to blow up, I grabbed my friend and told them:

“Whatever happened between me and Chase has nothing to do with you.”

“But if you slander me, I’ll sue.”

But if you keep lying about me, I’ll lawyer up.

My voice was steady. My hands, not so much. I stared Luke down, daring him to say another word.

With that, I grabbed my friend and headed for the door.

I grabbed my purse, my friend trailing behind me. The whole restaurant seemed to watch as we made our exit.

Behind me, Luke called out, “Harper!”

His voice was mocking, but I didn’t turn around.

“You really think my buddy can’t live without you?”

“Actually, you should thank yourself. Because of you, he met his soulmate.”

“Even his family is thrilled with his new girlfriend. You might get an invite to their engagement party this year.”

The words hit harder than I expected. I clenched my jaw. No way was I letting him see how much it hurt.

So that’s it? Chase moved on that fast?

The thought made me dizzy. Had I meant so little to him?

Suddenly, all those nights I’d spent crying under the covers felt like a joke.

I forced a smile and kept my chin up.

I dug my nails into my palm to steady myself.

My voice was sweet, practiced. “I’ll skip the engagement party. Tell them I wish them a happy marriage. Lots of kids.”

Luke sneered and waved his hand. “I’ll pass your words along, word for word.”

He turned back to his friends, the conversation already moving on. I let out a shaky breath, the tension draining from my shoulders.

Just then, the comments started scrolling again.

[As expected of the hero’s bro, he’s such a good wingman.]

[Once the hero hears the recording, he’ll give up on the side character for good.]

[Even without the recording, with the heroine by his side every day, how could he not fall for her?]

[They held hands today, so sweet I can’t even.]

[Still not sweet enough. They’re still at odds. I hope the hero finally tells the heroine he never loved the side character.]

[I want to see them kiss until their lips are swollen!]

I rolled my eyes at the invisible peanut gallery, wishing I could mute them for good.

After dinner, I went straight home.

The drive was silent, the city lights blurring past. I let the radio play whatever it wanted, not really listening.