Chapter 3

I submitted my resignation and began handing off my cases.

The doctor taking over was Miles, a friend. He wasn’t happy. “You’re really leaving? You’re just going to let Selene stay with that guy?”

We both looked over. Selene was scolding Kaelen about something, but he just laughed and slid a small, shiny ring onto her finger.

Right where her wedding ring should have been.

She smiled, then caught me looking and hid her hand.

Kaelen raised his voice. “It’s just a thank-you gift, Dr. Dean. Don’t get the wrong idea.”

Everyone’s eyes darted between us.

Five years, and Selene had never bought me anything expensive. Everyone thought I was a small-town guy like her. They all felt sorry for me.

Even Miles was fuming. “That’s your fiancée. They’re making a fool of you.”

I held him back and studied Kaelen. “You put a lot of thought into that gift?”

Kaelen shifted. “It’s just a ring. Don’t be so sensitive.”

I almost laughed. I could tell it was fake from here. The cheap kind.

The real one was in my Houston's house.

Selene glared at me. “Dean, that was rude.”

I shrugged. “My mistake. It’s a lovely gift, Kaelen.”

She looked surprised I’d apologized so easily, but she didn’t dwell on it. She pulled Kaelen down beside her.

Miles whispered, “You’re just letting this go?”

“I already ended it,” I said, sorting my papers. “On my end, at least.”

Fifty weddings. Not one made it to “I do.” The circus was over.

After my shift, Selene came to “help” me pack.

“I booked us a table at that new place,” she said. Then she noticed my bare wrist. “Where’s your watch?”

“Left it at home.”

She actually smiled. “You used to wear it every day.”

Before I could answer, Kaelen slid between us. “Ready to go, Dr. Selene?”

She smiled, her eyes softening as she handed him the keys. “Be a hero and drive for me? My head is pounding.”

I watched him go straight to the driver’s side as if it were his car. For five years, I was her chauffeur. She never thanked me once.

When he shot me a smug look, I just smiled.

At the restaurant, they sat side-by-side and ordered without asking me.

I didn’t care. I rested my chin on my hand and watched the city.

After tomorrow, I wouldn’t be seeing this view.

When the food came, Selene peeled a bowl of shrimp for me. “Try these. They’re good here.”

I looked up. She was smiling softly. I hadn’t expected her to think of me at all.

Kaelen bragged, “I’m the one who found this place. Last time we came, she ate three plates!”

Selene flushed. “Don’t say that in front of my boyfriend…”

Kaelen gave her a fond look and ruffled her hair, then turned to me. “You don’t mind, do you?”

They laughed together like I wasn’t there.

I looked at the shrimp. My appetite vanished.

I ate one, then pushed the bowl away. “Not for me. Too fishy.”

Just like the two of you, I thought. The stench is unbearable.

After dinner, Selene took a drunk Kaelen home. I was the one who closed the door.

Once they were gone, I called a cab and went straight to the airport.

My phone buzzed with texts from Selene, planning our nextwedding. She promised she’d handle everything. “This time, no one will interrupt.”

I texted back: Okay.

I knew better. It would be canceled, like all the others.

Another message came as I boarded: Kaelen’s sick. I’m staying with him tonight. Take care.

I smiled coldly. Of course.

It’s fine. Stay. I’ve moved out. We’re done. Goodbye, Selene.

I hit send, then blocked her number and deleted the contact.

The plane took off. The lights of New York shrank below.