Time for Me to Go, Time for You to Burn

Ayla's POV

"Ayla is always suspicious about something. It's irritating just to look at her."

In Shane's social circle, I was just a joke.

I was his shrewish wife who wouldn't stop pestering him. I was a stumbling block that was stopping him from pursuing his true love.

My fingers suddenly froze, because I saw Shane's reply in the comment section: "If Ruthie is happy, then it's worth it."

He followed up the comment with three sun emojis, and it made my eyes sting.

Zack piled on more fuel to the fire: "Someone's going to kick up a fuss again. She might pride herself on being the official spouse, but all Ruthie has to do is just say that she likes something!"

Zack hadn't mentioned any names, but it was obvious who he was referring to.

When I saw this, I exited my social media app without hesitating.

I drank a cup of hot milk and fell asleep quickly. When I woke up, I enjoyed being alone, doing whatever I wanted and getting ready for studying abroad. It felt freeing, like I hadn’t had that kind of peace in a long time.

After a day or two, Shane and David were back.

Shane stood at the door with David, holding their suitcases, and he looked furious.

"Ayla, your husband and son were away, and you didn't even call or make any contact with us. How can you sleep so soundly? Aren't David and I worthy of your concern anymore?"

I remained silent.

In the past, I had always shown concern for him. I would ask if his plane had landed, if he'd arrived at the hotel, and what he had eaten. When I did, he would find me irritating and a nuisance.

Now that I did not bother to do anything, he complained that I was ignoring him.

"You said that you were on a business trip, so naturally, I wouldn't disturb you. Besides, didn't you and David have Ruth keeping you company?"

Shane stared at me in shock. He hadn't expected me to be so calm while talking about Ruth.

After a moment, he turned red and his tone softened. "Ayla, there's nothing going on between us. I just want to return a favor that I owe her. How many more times do you want me to explain this?"

I raised a hand lightly to interrupt him and gave him a measured smile. "You don't have to explain. I understand everything."

Shane poked David, who was standing beside him.

With a tinge of reluctance, David took out a plastic necklace. "Mom, I bought this for you with my pocket money!

"You don't treat me well, but Dad told me that I should pay you back with kindness."

I pushed David's hand away dismissively. "I accept your good intentions. You can keep that for Ruthie."

Shane was furious. "Ayla! How could you be so shameless? David's giving you a way out, and yet you're still acting so high-and-mighty!"

I ignored him and went to the kitchen to pour myself a cup of warm water. "You should get some rest, Shane."

While he looked at me in anger, I locked the door to my room.

Early the next day, sunlight spilled into my bedroom through the gauzy curtains.

I pulled my suitcase after me and took one last look at the home that I had lived in for five years.

I no longer wanted anything, including the people whom I had once cherished the most.

…

Shane's POV

I slept until late that morning. I walked out into the living room, rubbing my temples, only to find that it was empty.

Even the things in Ayla's room had disappeared.

I frowned and dialed her number, but I could not get through.

Feeling a sense of unease, I grabbed my car keys and headed to the design institute.

Betty saw me as soon as I walked in. She smiled broadly and walked over. "What are you doing here, Shane? Hasn't Ayla's resignation been processed?"

My pupils contracted in shock, and the car keys fell to the floor with a loud thud. "What did you say? She resigned?"

Betty pushed her glasses up her nose in surprise. "Yes. Ayla resigned three days ago. She's going to study abroad for five years at Camford. Didn't you know about that? Her flight is today. By now, she's probably reached—"