The sound of water abruptly stopped in the bathroom.
Then came a loud *clang*, followed by the sharp clatter of something hitting the floor.
I didn't react.
Instead, I turned, walked into my bedroom, and locked the door behind me.
A moment later, there was a soft knock.
Amanda's voice came through the door, slightly muted, slightly forlorn.
"Lucas, I... I have something to say. Could you please open the door?"
"I'm tired," I said flatly. "I don't have the energy to waste on this."
Silence.
Then, footsteps retreating down the hall.
I sighed.
I should've never agreed to this.
---
The next morning, Amanda had already prepared breakfast when I walked out of my room.
I noticed something immediately—her toiletries were now sitting neatly in the bathroom.
So, she was planning to stay.
I frowned, then without hesitation, grabbed her toothbrush, her skincare bottles, all of it—straight into the trash.
Amanda watched quietly, not saying a word. Then, as if anticipating this, she calmly reached into her bag and pulled out a fresh set of toiletries, placing them back where they were.
This went on for days.
Her persistence drained me.
And just when I thought I was at my limit, Sophie suddenly approached me at work.
"You're going on a business trip in a few days. Start preparing."
A business trip?
I frowned slightly—I hadn't received any prior notice about this.
But I didn't dwell on it.
Instead, a wave of relief washed over me.
A trip meant I could finally escape Amanda's relentless presence.
I smiled. "Got it."
Sophie tilted her head, amused. "You seem happy about this."
"You could say that." I didn't elaborate.
---
That evening, Amanda wasn't home when I got back.
Without wasting any time, I started packing my bags.
Just as I was about to leave, the front door opened.
Amanda walked in, carrying bags of groceries.
She stopped mid-step when she saw the suitcase in my hand, her expression faltering for a split second.
"You're... running away again?"
I let out a short, sharp laugh.
"Running away?" I echoed mockingly.
"This is *my* house. I come and go as I please. Since when do I need to check in with you?"
Amanda's grip tightened around the grocery bags. "No, that's not what I meant... I just—"
I pushed past her.
"I'm leaving for a business trip tomorrow," I said coldly. "By the time I'm back, you'd better be gone."
Amanda grabbed my arm.
"Business trip?" Her voice wavered. "Why didn't you tell me?"
I yanked my arm away.
"Why should I?"
A bitter smirk tugged at my lips.
"Did you ever tell me when *you* went on your business trips?"