Ditching Her When the Storm Comes In

During a typhoon alert, Joyce Lane calls me and tells me to pick her up from her company.

On the way there, I receive a text from her. You don't have to pick me up anymore. I'm going to stay over at Fin's place for a few days.

I opt not to start anything with her. Instead, I calmly text back, Okay.

In the middle of the night, Finley Jones, Joyce's junior at work, uploads a social media post that's meant for my eyes only.

Joyce can be seen huddling against Finley while feeding him some snacks in the photo. The window outside depicts a storm.

The caption writes, "It's only befitting for me to tide out the worst weather with the woman I love the most."

I leave a like on the photo calmly. Suddenly, Joyce calls me and demands what that like means.

I reply coolly, "It means we're breaking up."

Chapter 1

On the third day after the typhoon passed, Joyce Lane finally contacted me.

The text read, "Come pick me up at Fin's place. He's busycan't drive me back."

In the past, whenever she called, I would drop everything and go.

This time, I replied while waiting for my oatmeal to finish cooking. "Just take a cab."

Half an hour later, Joyce dragged her suitcase through the door, her face dark with irritation. "I just got home, and you're already eating?"

I paused, spoon halfway to my mouth, and looked up at her, confused.

With an impatient huff, Joyce shrugged off her coat. "Stop eating and wash the clothes in my suitcase first. The power at Fin's house got knocked out by the typhoon yesterday. I didn't even get to shower."

With that, she walked toward the bathroom.

"I'm busy. Just toss them in the washing machine," I said evenly.

Joyce stopped in her tracks. She frowned, glaring at me with clear displeasure. "Harry, are you done sulking yet? The typhoon was dangerous. You were taking forever to get there, so I stayed at Fin's. What's the matter? Does my safety mean nothing to you? Or are you seriously that jealous?"

I swallowed the last spoonful of oatmeal, carried the bowl to the kitchen, and chose not to argue.

But Joyce kept staring at me. After a moment, as if she'd figured something out, she started scolding me again. "You're still hung up over that post on my Instagram feed, aren't you? I already told youit was just a joke.

"The second he saw you'd liked it, he panicked and deleted it. He even asked me to explain it to you. You're a grown man. Why are you being so petty with a youngster like him?"

I almost laughed. Finley Jones was 28only a year younger than me. Somehow, in her eyes, he was a youngster, and I was a grown man.

The conversation was going nowhere. I cleaned up the dishes and said calmly, "I really don't have time to wash your clothes. I'm heading out."

Joyce looked surprised. Normally, I would've argued back by now.

Instead, I stayed perfectly calm.

Her expression shifted again and again. Just as I stepped out of the living room, she suddenly walked up and kissed me.

"There. Happy now?"

Joyce shot me a proud, almost smug look, as if my emotions were entirely under her control.

I instinctively pushed her away. A wave of nausea hit me.

Even when Joyce was in the wrong, Joyce had never stooped to thisnever tried to coax me with a kiss.

Yet here she was, doing it for Finley's sake.

Judging by the looks of it, whatever could've happened between them in those three days probably did.

I casually wiped my face and headed to the door to change my shoes.

Joyce stared at me in disbelief. "Harry, what's that supposed to mean? Are you disgusted with me?"

"No," I replied. "Just a bit of a germaphobe."

Joyce was just about to lose her temper when my phone rang. My rideshare had arrived downstairs.

Seeing me about to leave, she suddenly grabbed my arm. Her expression turned strangely flustered. "What's gotten into you today? Where are you going?"

"Work."

Joyce heaved a sigh of relief and said with a cold expression, "Cancel the ride. I'll drive you."

Her car was a gift from me, yet she rarely ever let me ride in it.

This sudden display of consideration was unprecedented. I was about to refuse, but she had already grabbed the keys from the entryway and walked ahead.

Typical of her, she strode ahead with her usual assertiveness.

Left with no choice, I canceled the ride and followed her downstairs.

The moment I sat in the passenger seat, I noticed an animation sticker stuck to the dashboard. It read, "Boyfriend's Exclusive Seat".

Joyce had always been meticulous, and she hated unnecessary decorations in her car.

It was obvious who had stuck the sticker there.

Chapter 2

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, Joycewho should've been outappeared before me.

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

Chapter 3

"You look stunning, Joyce!" Finley exclaimed, his eyes shining, brimming with possessiveness.

When I passed by, Joyce shot me a look, then moved right up to Finley, her voice soft and seductive. "Fin, can you help me with this zipper?"

Finley gave me a pointed look, pretending to hesitate. "Joyce, are you sure that's okay? Isn't it better to let Harry help you?"

Joyce snorted. "What? Why would it not be okay? Just do it."

And right in front of me, she let Finley zip up her dress and walked out, linking her arm with him intimately.

I knew she was trying to provoke me.

In the past, seeing her act so close to Finley would've driven me madI'd have stopped her from leaving.

Now, I felt nothing but calm.

Late that night, I was suddenly woken by a call.

It was Joyce's best friend, Queenie Stone.

"Harry, Joyce's drunkcome get her at the Imperial Club!"

She even sent a photo. In it, Joyce was leaning against Finley, holding him closely around the neck.

In the past, Joyce's friends had always disliked me, thought I was lame, and secretly rooted for Joyce and Finley to be together.

Now, for the first time, one of them was calling me to pick Joyce up.

I was puzzled when suddenly I heard the sound of glass shattering over the phone.

Joyce yelled, "Stop calling him! I don't need him! He's broken up with me anyway! I'm going home with Fin tonight!"

Queenie quickly interjected, "Harry, if you don't come, Joyce will leave with Finley.

I yawned. "That's good. Finley's great at taking care of her."

With that, I hung up and went back to sleep.

Some time later, I heard the front door open.

A few moments later, my bedroom door was pushed open.

Joyce stormed in, pointing at me. "Harry, why didn't you come get me? Aren't you afraid something might happen between Fin and me?"

I rubbed my bleary eyes, my mind still foggy.

Back then, if Joyce stayed out late and ignored my calls, I'd search everywhere for her.

When I finally found her at a bar, she'd yelled at me in front of everyone.

"Harry, why are you so controlling? I need my freedom!"

I could still remember the mocking looks her friends had shot me.

This time, I kept my distance, and yet Joyce still came at me like I'd done something wrong.

I was genuinely dumbfounded.

I took a deep breath and said calmly, "You're an adult. You know your limits. Besides, you're supposed to live your life freely and do whatever you want."

Joyce froze for a moment at my calmness.

She stared at my face for a long beat, then a glint of realization flickered in her eyes. A faint, half-smile tugged at her lips as she said, "So you are jealous. That photo Queenie sent I just stumbled and ended up in Fin's arms by accident."

I yawned and looked at the time. It was two in the morning.

Joyce continued, "If it bothers you that much, I can just bring you along next time I go drinking."

When I didn't reply, she hesitated, then grew a bit impatient. "You'd only be happy if I stopped seeing Fin entirely, right?"

I shook my head helplessly. "No. I trust there's nothing going on between you two."

I couldn't help but yawn again. "I'm tired. Can we talk tomorrow?"

A hint of hurt crossed Joyce's face, and her gaze held a perplexity I couldn't quite decipher.

A few seconds later, she suddenly stepped forward, slipped off her coat, climbed onto the bed, and wrapped her arms around me. In a low voice, she said, "Harry, what's going on? Are you upset because I've been cold toward you these past few days? I'll make it up to you now, okay?"

Her hands drifted downward.

Back then, if she had done something like this, I would've jumped at the chance.

Now, I stopped her. "Sorry I'm too tired. Not in the mood."

Joyce's face went rigid, then she suddenly erupted in anger. She slapped me hard, cursed at me, and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Chapter 4

I heard the living room door open, so I guessed Joyce had left.

In the past, if she'd gone out in the middle of the night, I would've chased after her immediately. But this time, I turned off the lights and went back to sleep.

I didn't know where Joyce went, but I knew she would be fine.

When I woke up the next morning, she still hadn't returned.

My flight home was tomorrow. I'd just finished packing when my friend called to set up a farewell dinner for me.

When I was dating Joyce, she wouldn't let me go out drinking and even restricted me from hanging out with my friends. Over the past year, my friends and I barely got together.

Now that I was leaving, I wanted to have a proper night out drinking with my friends.

I checked into a hotel and headed straight to the private room downstairs.

Everyone at the table was an old friend I'd known for yearsexcept for one unfamiliar face, a young woman in her early 20s.

My friend, Kelvin Walker, smiled as he introduced her to me.

"This is Bianca Cooper, my junior at work. She's also heading back to Jeston soon. You're both from the same hometown, so I thought you two should meet."

Everyone egged me on to get her contact information. I smiled and took the initiative, scanning her WhatsApp QR code.

Right after I did that, Joyce's furious voice rang out behind me. "Harry!"

I turned, stunned.

Joyce entered the room with Finley in tow. She marched straight over to me, glaring fiercely, then spun toward Bianca as if to stake her claim. "Sorry, but Harry is my boyfriend. I don't let him exchange contact info with other women."

Bianca shot me a surprised look, remaining silent.

I saved Bianca's number anyway, and as the screen disappeared, Joyce's face darkened with rage.

She didn't yell, but the look she gave me could've killed.

The atmosphere in the room turned awkward.

Finley stepped forward to smooth things over. "Harry, I spent the whole night calming Joyce down. Don't make her angry again. We were out grabbing dinner and happened to see you. Joyce came over right away.

"She really does care about you, so how could you exchange contact information with another woman? That's basically two-timing."

Joyce fixed me with a deathly glare, her anger mounting.

Finley continued, sounding considerate, "Harry, if my being here bothers you, I can leave right now. Don't let me come between you and Joyce."

Finley had always been good at playing the innocent card while quietly stirring things up. I used to get so angry that I'd argue with him, and Joyce would always defend him.

Now, he was pulling the same stunt againbut instead of getting mad, I just watched him like he was a clown onstage.

"Why would I be bothered? Since you're here, sit down," I said casually, inviting others to take their seats. I took the spot next to Bianca.

Only two seats remained. Joyce's face darkened as she fixed me with a hard stare, her intent unmistakableshe wanted me to sit next to her.

I pretended not to notice, pouring drinks for everyone.

After I had filled up everyone's glass, Joyce couldn't hold back anymore. She said, "Harry, come outside. I need to talk to you."

I knew she didn't want to argue in front of everyoneit would be embarrassing. But I wasn't in the mood to play along.

"Whatever you want to say, say it here," I replied flatly.

Joyce's face darkened further, her nails digging into her palms.

She strode over in her heels, ready to grab me, but Kelvin quickly stood in her way and urged, "Joy, enough. You and Harry have been through so much together. We've all seen it.

"Harry even stayed here for you, going against his family. We thought you two would make it. We never expected you'd break up."

With that, Kelvin raised his glass, sighing. "It doesn't matter why things ended between you two, but Harry's leaving the city tomorrow. I hope you can part on good terms. Since you and your current boyfriend are also here today, let's all have a drink together to send Harry off."

Everyone raised their glasses and offered farewell wishes.

I smiled, downed my drink, and was about to speak when Joyce suddenly knocked over her glass, her eyes wide with tears, staring at me as if she couldn't believe what she'd just heard.