Chapter 4

From now on, his world had nothing to do with me.

***

Early the next morning, noise from the living room woke me up.

Sawyer was standing there, eyes bloodshot.

He clearly hadn't slept all night.

Before, I would've walked over and asked if he was okay.

Now, whether he was tired or not wasn't my concern.

I walked past him.

He suddenly grabbed my wrist.

His voice was rough with exhaustion. "Why didn't you answer my messages?"

"My phone was on silent. I didn't see them."

"Do you know how worried I was? I thought something happened to you. I came back as soon as I could."

I looked at him quietly.

For the first time, I saw something genuine in his eyes.

But it was too late.

I didn't believe him anymore.

I slipped my hand free.

"I'm fine."

He seemed to think I was upset about Lina's post.

Lowering his voice, he said, "I only went along with her because I didn't want her getting emotional—"

"I know." I cut him off. "You were just being a good friend. Nothing more."

The words he always used.

I said them for him.

Calmly.

Almost lightly.

A strange look crossed his face, like he was searching for some sign that I was throwing a fit.

He found none.

Just as he started to speak again, his phone rang.

I didn't need to look.

It was Lina.

This time, he didn't answer right away.

His gaze flicked between me and the screen.

Hesitating.

I gave him a distant smile.

"Go ahead. Don't keep her waiting."

After a brief pause, he stepped onto the balcony to take the call.

When he came back, I was eating breakfast.

Slowly.

I hadn't made any for him.

His eyes swept over the table.

The empty spot across from me.

A flicker of awkwardness crossed his face.

"Joelle, I'm going to check on her again. I'll come back and explain everything properly."

The door closed behind him.

I picked up my hot chocolate and finished it in one gulp.

The warmth slid down my throat.

It didn't reach my heart.

I grabbed the suitcase beside me and packed the last of my things.

Clothes.

Documents.

My passport.

Everything folded neatly inside.

I'd submitted the overseas assignment yesterday.

Tomorrow, I'd be gone.

I sat on the couch and looked around the home filled with memories.

Once, it held all my hopes.

All my dreams.

Now, I could finally let it go.

That night, Sawyer never came home.

Message after message lit up my phone.

Each one longer than the last.

All I felt was annoyance at having my peace interrupted.

I didn't reply to a single one.

The next morning, I arrived at the airport early.

I'd just finished checking in when my phone rang.

The moment I answered, Sawyer's tense voice came through.

"Joelle, where are you? Why are all your things gone? Tell me where you are. I'll come get you. Let's talk, okay?"

"No need." I cut him off. "There's nothing left to talk about."

He went silent.

"What do you mean?"

At that moment, an airport announcement echoed through the terminal.

The sound carried straight through the phone.

His voice immediately sharpened. "You're at the airport? Where are you going?"

"That's none of your business anymore."

I paused, watching the crowd move toward the boarding gate.

"There's a secret I've kept from you long enough.

"Actually..."