But Peter looked all guilty, pulling out an old band-aid from the first-aid kit.

He sat down next to me all cautiously.

"Look, babe, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have thrown that stuff at you. I didn't see that sharp thing…"

God, that Band-Aid smelled like shit!

I just turned away, saying, "It's nothing."

Then I took my laptop and headed to the bedroom.

Peter stood there for a while. I could feel his eyes staring at me as I walked off.

He was like that for a long while.

"Hailey, why haven't you checked up on me lately?"

"Honestly… I feel like something's off with you. Are you avoiding me?"

Peter walked in, fresh from the shower.

He raised his hand and wiped his damp hair with a towel, acting like he was all nonchalant but clearly annoyed.

I stopped what I was typing for a sec.

Oh, looking back, I realized that for the past eight years, we used to chat almost every day.

Even when busy, we'd find time to stay connected.

He practically became part of my daily life.

But then he'd get all defensive, saying I was just "checking up" on him.

Now, I look back at our chat history, and there's nothing there—not a word in half a month.

Guess this whole "space" thing was what he wanted. Now he's acting like it's a problem?

I just gave a small smile.

"Nah, Peter, you're overthinking it. I’ve just been busy lately—I don’t want to keep bothering you."

"Get some rest."

With that, I shut my laptop, grabbed my pillow, and headed to the study.

Crazy to think, even after eight years together, we've been living like strangers for the past six months.

I mean, I can't stand the smell of smoke, and for a while, Peter quit for me—three solid years.

But then Josie came back, and all that effort went up in smoke.

Josie is his childhood friend, the one who's always had a special place in his heart.

They're close enough that they don't think twice about sharing a bed like it's no big deal—just 'cause they've done it since they were kids.

And there I was, sick and needing him… but one call from Josie, and he'd be out the door, no hesitation at all.

At first? Damn, I was jealous, bitter as hell.

I used to feel insecure about my fiancé being so inseparable from his old friend.

Now? Couldn't care less. Even if, say, Josie's off having my fiancé's kid, it doesn't bother me.

I've already made up my mind—I'm leaving.

As I was walking away, Peter suddenly shouted.

"Babe!"

He called out to stop me.