Ditching Her When the Storm Comes In

Joyce glanced at my expression, as if waiting for me to say something.

There were always so many things involving Finley, and every time I asked in the past, I got chewed out.

This time, I said nothing.

Ten minutes later, Joyce suddenly smacked the steering wheel and snapped at me, "Cat got your tongue? Ask what you want to ask!"

I looked at her, puzzled. "I don't have anything to ask."

Joyce fumed silently for a long moment before she finally spoke, her face stiffened. "That sticker? Fin put it on. I figured the car needed washing soon, so I didn't stop him. There's nothing going on between him and me, so don't get all jealous over nothing!"

I hummed noncommittally. Honestly, I didn't care what happened between them anymore.

Joyce glanced at me, continuing, "When the typhoon hit, I stayed at his place because I was worried about your safety on the road. Fin's young and staying alone, and I figured I might as well keep him company. But I only think of him as a junior, nothing else. Don't overthink."

I nodded, understanding. "He's your junior, and you're his senior. I trust that nothing is going on between you guys."

In the past, every time Joyce and Finley got caught up in each other, I'd get jealous and make a fuss. She'd always fall back on those same words to placate me.

Now, I used those words to show my understanding.

Yet she suddenly glared at me in anger. "What's with that sarcastic tone? I've explained everything to you. What are you still unhappy about? Pushing your luck, are you?"

I responded helplessly, "No, really… I don't think you did anything wrong—"

Before I could finish, Joyce slammed the brakes and shouted, "Get out! Get out of the car!"

I was confused, but I opened the car door and stepped out.

I had barely taken a few steps when I heard her calling my name. I didn't look back. Instead, I quickened my pace.

I honestly didn't understand why she had blown up.

When I minded her being with Finley, she called me petty and narrow-minded. When I finally went along with her, she saw red. It was impossible to please someone like her.

There was about half a mile left to the office, so I walked.

Today, I was going in to submit my resignation.

Back then, Joyce was the reason I chose to stay in this city. I even refused to inherit my family's estate, severing ties with my parents completely.

Three days ago, when the typhoon hit, I put my life on the line to pick Joyce up. However, she refused to come home with me.

On the way back, the storm was raging, and debris struck my shoulder. I couldn't sleep that night from the pain.

Then I saw Finley's Instagram post and told Joyce I was breaking up with her.

The combination of physical pain and mental torment almost broke me.

It was at that moment that I received a call from my parents.

"Hal, the news said there's a typhoon there. Stay in and stay safe!"

Listening to their concerned voices, I, a grown man, actually broke down.

The love I had fought for so hard ended up feeling like a joke.

I promised to return and take over the family business, and I booked a flight for the day after tomorrow.

As for my relationship with Joyce, it was over.

At the office, I submitted my resignation to my boss, Quincy Chance.

He didn't seem surprised. Instead, he gave me a serious look and said, "Harry, couples fight all the time. If you smooth things over, it's fine. Don't you worry that Joyce might never forgive you if this escalates?"

Only then did I realize Joyce had called him beforehand.

Quincy continued, "She told me to let you know she's blocked you. She's not coming home tonight. She wants you to reflect on your actions."

I'd argued with Joyce countless times, but we'd never dragged anyone else into it. This was her way of reminding me who was in charge.

In the past, I would've been terrified of losing her, ready to throw away my pride to make peace.

This time, I only found it tedious.

I explained the breakup and told Quincy the resignation was carefully considered.

Quincy still couldn't believe it. "You've loved Joyce all these years… Are you really ready to leave?"

I nodded firmly.

Only then did he sigh and process my resignation.

When I arrived home, Joyce—who should've been out—appeared before me.

She wore a brand-new dress and twirled before Finley, smiling radiantly. "Fin, how do I look?"