Interlude

“Skye, please,” I could hear the desperation in his voice, but I didn't know how to look at him after everything I had learned. "Listen to me first, baby."

"What is there to explain, hmm?" My words were bitter, like the taste of bitter gourd. "Why, if I hadn't found out now, were you planning to tell me, or were you planning to keep it hidden until the funeral, huh?" He didn't respond, so I let out a mixture of sobs and laughter. "See?"

I could see the confusion in his eyes, but I chose to ignore it. I didn't care about his feelings now. My pain was twice as deep.

"Skye, please. My situation right now is very difficult. All I'm asking is for you to give me a chance to explain my side. Please give me a few days. I have too much on my plate right now."

I shook my head as tears streamed down my face. "No, I don't need to hear any of your lies."

"Is it that hard for you, Skye? I always listen to you, but why, when it's simple like this, are you letting go of me so easily?"

His words hit me like a slap in the face. "Are you blaming me? Sorry, again? Simple? And, come on, Jaxon. Admit it or not, this setup is tiring. I tried to understand everything. You showed up late on our dates, almost didn't come, and there were times you stood me up because you forgot you said yes to me. Meanwhile, I waited for you. I'd be lucky if you arrived five hours after our meeting time, and I'd still be grateful. But you were not there when I needed you the most. You were not there when I was struggling with my depression, when I flunked my major subject and had to take a remedial exam. You were not there, Jaxon. I carried it all alone like you didn't exist. I tried to reach out to you, to communicate my feelings to fix it, but you were too busy with things you didn't tell me. So, I was left alone like I was no one."

I could see a mix of emotions in his eyes—emotions I couldn't fathom, emotions I saw for the first time since we started our relationship.

"So, I'm sorry, Jaxon. If it's this simple, I want to let go. But please remember, I tried so hard, I tried my best, I tried until I couldn't anymore. I'm sorry that I need to let you go because I'm choosing myself this time. And you know what became my last straw? I discovered that the man I loved most is one of the reasons for my dear friend's death. I never expected this from you. I will take this to my grave. I trusted you so much. I hate you—no, I loathe you! You stole the only friend I had!"

As I started to open the door, my heart swelled and broke into pieces. "Baby, please. Don't give up on me. I love you."

"I can't feel it, Jax. I'm too drained to deal with this. I'm sorry." I fully opened the door and stepped outside the room. "And I hope not to see you again."