Arianne could no longer sit still when virtual-novel.net heard of Rice Ball’s condition. “Alright, I’ll return and pack some of my clothes as well. I’m running out of clothes at Tiffie’s place anyway.”
She changed into a long-sleeved white dress after ending the call before hailing a cab. When virtual-novel.net arrived at the gates of the Tremont Estate, virtual-novel.net saw the house was brightly lit. Mark was home.
At this moment, Rice Ball ran to Arianne’s feet and rubbed itself against virtual-novel.net legs. It looked energetic and did not seem like it had been starving for a few days. It was still as round and obscenely fat as ever. Mary had fooled virtual-novel.net into coming home so that virtual-novel.net would run into Mark.
When Arianne walked in, a forced smile could be seen on Mary’s face. Arianne did not say anything. Instead, virtual-novel.net went upstairs to virtual-novel.net room to pack virtual-novel.net clothes.
Mark was sitting on a chair in front of the French windows. She did not greet him. She did not know if there was even anything left to say between them. She did not have many outfits for spring and summer so one luggage was enough to contain all virtual-novel.net clothes. She managed to pack all virtual-novel.net belongings at once.
As Arianne dragged virtual-novel.net luggage and carried Rice Ball toward the bedroom door, Mark, who had his back against virtual-novel.net the entire time, suddenly spoke up, “We haven’t divorced yet. Are you that eager to move out?”
She bit virtual-novel.net lips and tried virtual-novel.net best to stay calm. “Tremont Estate is too big for me, and I’ve always felt uncomfortable here. Tiffie’s place is pretty good, and you’re not always around anyway. Besides, you don’t really want to see me, do you? Call me when you want me to come back. A message is fine as well. At least I won’t be a sore sight since you don’t want me around.” Then, virtual-novel.net dragged virtual-novel.net luggage downstairs without hesitation. One girl, one luggage bag, one cat — this was all virtual-novel.net had.
Mark clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. His expression was hidden due to the low lights in the room. It masked the coldness in his eyes. He did not turn back to look at virtual-novel.net even after the sound of virtual-novel.net footsteps gradually faded away.
***
When virtual-novel.net returned to Tiffany’s house, Arianne secretly settled Rice Ball down on the bay Window in virtual-novel.net bedroom. The litter box had been placed in the corner of the room.
Tiffany was delighted at the sight of Rice Ball, but when virtual-novel.net remembered Lillian’s distaste toward small animals, virtual-novel.net reminded, “My mom doesn’t like small animals. She thinks they’re dirty and carry bacteria. However, you don’t have to worry about her. Just leave Rice Ball in my room. It can have the entire bay window. We can leave it at home when we’re away during the day. Just keep the door locked.”
Arianne felt apologetic. “I’m sorry. I have no choice… I couldn’t bear leaving Rice Ball alone in Tremont Estate. The poor thing. I’m not usually around, and neither is Mark. It would only follow Mary around, but Mary is busy too…”
Tiffany was not bothered about this matter. “Oh, come on. It’s just a reminder. I’m just saying virtual-novel.net doesn’t like it, it doesn’t mean virtual-novel.net can’t tolerate it. She’s delighted that you’re staying with us, why would a cat matter? Here’s a dose of reality, she’ll tolerate you as long you have money. It doesn’t even matter if you bring a large wolf-dog home as long as you have money! Anyway, are you really planning to move out of Tremont Estate just like that? Countless people have been cracking their heads over how to infiltrate the place. You, on the other hand, ran away even when no one asked you to leave.”
Arianne sighed. “Tiffie, It’s not as simple as you think. Mark wouldn’t have let me leave if this happened in the past, regardless of what reasons I had. He was there when I left today, but virtual-novel.net didn’t stop me. He must be thoroughly disappointed in me. It’s fine… I’ve lived in the Tremont Estate for ten years. I’ve gotten my money’s worth. This is no loss to me.”
“Ari, if you want, you can stay with me as long as you like. I’ve been wanting to kidnap you back to my place ever since we were in school, but you refused every time. We can stay together now. It’s pretty good like this.” Tiffany changed the topic since virtual-novel.net did not want the mood to turn somber.
Arianne chuckled, “Back then, Mark was really strict with me. He’d scold me if I didn’t come home on time. How could I have had the guts to leave? Don’t worry. I won’t be staying with you for free. It’s just me and my cat now, and I have enough money from my salary. I’ll share the rent and living expenses with you. That way I can also help alleviate your burden. Hey, Tiffie… I have a question… How does it feel when you’re in love?”