Chapter 4

Elias fired two questions at me in a row.

I raised my hand, ready to answer.

Then his phone rang.

Tracy's bright, cheerful voice came through the speaker.

"Mr. Jones, did you buy the cake I wanted?

"It's matcha, right? My favorite?

"I'm almost at the office. If I don't see that cake, I'm going to be mad at you!"

The seriousness on Elias's face disappeared in an instant, replaced by a gentle smile.

"Don't worry," he said into the phone, "I didn't forget."

He picked up the cake from the table, looked at me, and said, "We'll talk tonight."

Before I could say a word, he hurried out the door. The whole thing took less than ten seconds.

If he had been willing to spare just ten seconds for me, I would have told him.

I was leaving. My flight was tonight.

A bitter smile crossed my face. I gathered my loose hair into a messy bun and went back to packing.

Halfway through, Elias sent me a message.

Elias: [Wait for me at home tonight. Let's talk properly.]

I replied.

Melissa: [Around what time?]

Elias: [Around eight. I'll take Tracy home first.]

I stared at the screen for a long moment before typing.

Melissa: [Okay.]

My flight left at ten that night.

I set my phone aside and kept packing.

At seven o'clock that evening, I ordered myself a birthday cake.

From the ages of seven to twenty-seven, Elias had celebrated every birthday with me.

This year...

I did not want to leave with any regrets.

At 7:10 PM, I zipped my last suitcase shut. Then, I plugged in my phone to charge.

Elias texted to say he had gotten off work and was walking through the parking garage.

A moment later, Tracy updated her social media.

She posted a picture of herself sitting in the passenger seat while her boss drove.

Only one of the man's hands was visible, resting on the steering wheel. The diamond engagement ring on his ring finger caught the light.

Her caption read: [My personal chauffeur.]

I stared at the photo for a long time, then I tapped the ‘Like’ button.

At 7:40 PM, my phone reached full charge.

Elias still was not home.

I checked the delivery tracker. The map showed my cake was almost here.

I sent him a message.

Melissa: [Are you almost home?]

He replied almost immediately.

Elias: [Tracy twisted her ankle getting out of the car. I'm walking her upstairs.]

Elias: [Wait for me. I'll be home soon.]

I replied simply.

Melissa: [Okay.]

I put my phone down.

At 7:50 PM, my airline sent a boarding reminder. I glanced at the time and texted him again.

Melissa: [Where are you now?]

Elias: [Just left her apartment complex. Give me ten more minutes. I'll be home by eight.]

Melissa: [Hmm, okay.]

At exactly 8:00 PM, I deleted the last photograph of Elias and me from my phone.

The doorbell finally rang.

I walked over and opened the door. A delivery driver stood there holding my cake, wearing a warm smile.

"Happy birthday," he said.

By 8:10 PM, the frosting had already started to soften.

I could not wait any longer.

Curled up on the couch, I played the video of Elias's proposal on repeat while taking bite after bite of my birthday cake.

For some reason, the cake tasted saltier with every bite.

I knew why. My tears would not stop falling.

I thought I would remember this birthday for the rest of my life.

At nine o'clock, I checked in at the airport.

Elias's message finally arrived.

Elias: [I'm sorry, Melissa. I was halfway home when I suddenly remembered that today is Tracy's birthday.]

Elias: [I have to celebrate with her, so I won't be coming back tonight.]

Elias: [Get some sleep. Tomorrow, I'll have someone bring you the handbag you wanted.]

A smile of quiet relief spread across my face.

I replied.

Melissa: [No need, Elias. I’ve already left. My flight is tonight.]

Melissa: [From now on, we're going our separate ways.]