Chapter 3

After tidying the house, Mira visited the university.

Her supervisor beamed with delight upon learning she agreed to study abroad. "Mira, I'm thrilled you came around. This opportunity is rare. When you said you'd think about it, I got nervous."

Mira filled out forms, smiling. "Yes, I couldn't pass up this chance to grow."

Her supervisor grinned, then asked, "By the way, aren't you and Vincent getting engaged soon? You'll be gone at least three years. Have you discussed this with him?"

Mira's hand paused. She replied softly, "We broke up."

Her supervisor fell silent.

Leaving the university, Mira returned to her family's home.

Her parents were stunned to hear of the breakup.

After Mira explained everything, her mother sided with her immediately. "Mira, good riddance! I support you!"

Her mother's face clouded with worry. "But three years in Eldoria alone? I'm not comfortable with that."

Her father spoke up. "My buddy Gordon's son is in Eldoria. I'll give him a call."

...

Mira returned home to pack her belongings.

She froze at the entrance.

The sofa, walls, and furniture were splattered with colorful paint.

The culprit, Ella Clayton, stood holding a paint can.

"What are you doing?" Mira's heart raced as she shouted.

Ella's movements didn't stop, her face twisting into a strange smile. "Can't you tell? I'm painting!"

Mira strode forward, snatching the paint can and brush. "Ella, this is my home, not yours! Destroying someone's property without permission is illegal. You know that, right?"

Ella stared at her, then burst into laughter. "Your home? This is Vincent's house! You're just his ex. What right do you have to tell me what to do?"

She lunged to grab the paint can back.

During their struggle, Ella's eyes caught the sound of the front door. A glint of malice flashed in her gaze.

With a loud crash, she fell to the floor, paint spilling over her from head to toe.

Vincent returned and saw the scene, his face darkening.

He glanced at Ella, sobbing pitifully on the floor, then at Mira. "What happened?"

Ella's cries grew louder, as if she'd suffered a great injustice. "Vincent, I was just trying to help Mira paint the walls, but she pushed me and doused me with paint. I'm so scared..."

Vincent rubbed his forehead, saying nothing, his eyes fixed on Mira.

Mira spoke slowly. "First, when I got home, the sofa, walls, and furniture were already covered in paint. I doubt she was just painting the walls.

Second, I didn't push her. She fell on purpose, probably to gain your sympathy.

Lastly, I'm not a saint. She ruined my things, so I'm calling the police."

Vincent finally surveyed their shared villa.

Their couple's mugs were filled with paint. Their matching clothes lay scattered on the floor, stained with paint. Their photo was smeared beyond recognition.

Mira fiddled with her phone until a shadow loomed over her. "Mira, don't call the police."

His gaze fell on the emergency number on her screen.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "Why not?"

"It's just cheap stuff. We can afford to replace it."

His words were so absurd Mira wanted to laugh.

She stressed, "Vincent, this is deliberate property damage!"

Vincent softened his tone. "Mira, Ella has bipolar disorder. She can't help acting out when triggered. If you call the police, she might end up in an asylum."

His expression turned pleading. "Besides, you pushed her. Can't you let it go?"

Mira laughed aloud. "Vincent, are you deaf? I said I didn't push her. If you don't believe me, call the police. Shouldn't someone with a mental illness be in an asylum?"

A sharp slap rang out.

Vincent struck her face hard. "Mira, where's your empathy? Mental illness isn't something Ella can control, and it's not a reason for you to judge her!"

He towered over her, arms crossed. "Everything in this house belongs to me. Even if you call the police, it won't matter if I don't press charges."

Mira held her stinging cheek, her vision swimming as she recalled college days when Vincent fought off thugs in an alley to protect her.

At the hospital, he comforted her like nothing happened. "Mira, I'll never let anyone hurt you."

She lowered her eyes and gave a faint smile.

He'd long forgotten that promise.