For the next two weeks I acted the part Cameron expected. I laughed at his jokes, answered his messages with affectionate emojis, and allowed him to wrap his arms around me on the couch while his fingers traced patterns along my wrist. Meanwhile I prepared my exit with calm precision. I rented a storage unit and moved important belongings during his work hours, resigned from my current job, and arranged shipping for several boxes bound for Seattle.
On the thirteenth day Cameron stood in the living room holding his phone with a tense expression.
“We need to talk,” he said seriously.
“I am leaving,” I replied before he could begin his speech.
His confusion was immediate and visible.
“What do you mean leaving,” he asked.
I removed the engagement ring from my finger and placed it on the coffee table between us.
“I know about the seventy five thousand dollars and the executive promotion my father offered you,” I said calmly. “Congratulations on negotiating such an impressive deal.”
His face lost all color while his mouth opened in silent panic.
“Madeline, I can explain everything,” he stammered.