I received a call from Noel, saying he needed to be away on business for a few days.

“How many days?” I paused my brush, striving to keep my voice as neutral as possible.

There was a brief silence on the other end. “About a week.”

“Alright, make sure to get some rest.”

I got up and picked up another phone, opening the girl’s social media. Her latest update was from just a minute ago.

“Finally getting to travel with him.”

The post was accompanied by an excited heart emoji.

I sat on the floor, feeling completely numb to the passage of time.

I bought this phone the day after seeing that message and used ordering coffee and cake as an excuse to add the girl on WhatsApp.

Her name is Larya.

Like a voyeur, I check her WhatsApp and social media daily, tracking each update.

When Noel was home, she posted:

“Another dinner alone.”

“Even a solo dinner should be special.”

When Noel was working late, her posts included:

“Dinner is better with more people.”

“Recommending this movie—so great, I cried. I hope he doesn’t think less of me.”

“He said this cake was delicious. The shop is coming out with a new flavor~”

For the past few days, I’ve been in the studio, constantly refreshing her posts.

I learned they went to Disney, rode roller coasters, went skiing, and soaked in hot springs.

Seeing her latest post—two hands, one large and one small, clasped together in the hot spring—I threw up.

I hadn’t eaten much in days; all I could vomit was bile.

Feeling unbearable pain, I grabbed a fruit knife from the kitchen and made a deep cut on my wrist scar.

Watching the red streaks emerge, my stomach suddenly felt better.

As I looked at my wrist, just about to deepen the cut, the phone rang.

I stared blankly at the screen displaying Ruby’s name, unmoving.

The phone kept ringing, and only then did I come to my senses.

The fruit knife clattered to the floor as I answered the call.

“What have you been doing? It took you a while to pick up.”

Ruby’s cheerful voice came through the receiver. I just stared at the knife on the floor, silent.

Ruby, used to it, continued speaking.

“Your busy husband has probably forgotten that today is your birthday. I’ve booked your favorite restaurant near your place. Get ready and come out, it’s at…”

Oh, today is my birthday.

“I’ll send you the location again on WhatsApp. Waitting for you~”

“Hello, Amara? Can you hear me?”

“I’ll be there soon.” Ruby’s voice sounded anxious, and I quickly reassured her.

“Good, see you soon. I’m hanging up now.”

The call ended with a beep in my ear. I looked again at the dried red streaks on my wrist.