CHAPTER TWO

Mira

Three months had slipped by in a blur. Today made it exactly three months since I last saw Henry’s face on my phone screen—three months without a single call from the bastard. I’d begun to heal from the heartbreak. It had taken a toll on me in more ways than I could count, nearly breaking me mentally.

I stood in front of the mirror, staring hard at my reflection. I saw a woman who was smart at everything—except when it came to making the simple, better decision to walk away from a toxic relationship. I’d been blind to lies that had been staring me right in the face.

Finally, I did something difficult: I moved out of the apartment Henry had gotten me. It was the only way to avoid the memories that might drag me back into depression. It hurt to leave—this was the place where most of my visions for the future had begun to take shape, and I’d loved it. Almost everything in it—appliances, furniture, household items—he’d bought for me. Henry had always claimed he wanted me comfortable, living stress-free. I could’ve bought those things myself, but he had a taste for the highest quality, and I enjoyed being spoiled. Now, everything had been moved into my new apartment. I didn’t care if I hated him—I wasn’t leaving those things behind.

I still teared up sometimes, remembering the past. Not because I loved him or thought he loved me, but because of the betrayal—being deceived, being ignorant, being blind. I’d been caught up in the spoiling and the spending, not realizing I was being used.

It was a bright, sunny day—the kind that carried hope and promises. I felt it just staring at the vast field across from my office window, and a small smile touched my lips. I’d come back to work ready to take on more projects, anything to distract myself and put my life back together.

“Hello?” a male voice called from outside my office door. The voice was unfamiliar; I figured he was at the wrong door. I turned back to my window—until the door swung open and a strange face peeked in.

“Who are you? And can’t you knock?” I asked.

He smiled politely. “Sorry. I’m Ken, the new intern. I was hired while you were away. Bernard sent me to pick up the sample for the ads you designed two weeks ago. Sorry for barging in.”

He was far too calm for an intern.

“Fine. But I’d appreciate it if you knock next time.”

He nodded, walked in, and waited while I retrieved the file from my drawer. I handed it to him.

“Thanks,” he said before leaving.

I muttered to myself after the door closed, “I hope he didn’t catch me smiling. And… damn, is the company hiring hot men now? Who is he?”

I went back to work, excited about the project on my desk. Being a graphic designer was something I cherished—it gave me the freedom to express myself however I wanted. At Gigs Advertisement Company, there were no restrictions, and I’d never once regretted being here for three years. I was one of the best, diligent too, and had been employee of the year twice. Laura could call me a workaholic all she wanted—this was my happiness.

Work was hectic, but Laura had made plans for us to unwind. When I checked my watch, it was three minutes past six. She’d booked a dinner for us at a restaurant four blocks from my office for six-thirty, and I was already running late. She was the best—still convinced I hadn’t fully gotten over Henry, she made it her mission to keep me company after work and on weekends.

In my haste to leave, I collided with someone at the entrance, sending papers scattering through the air.

“I’m so sorry,” I said, bending down to help gather them.

“It’s fine. Don’t bother.”

I looked up—it was Ken.

“Ken? Why are you still here?”

“Just needed to drop these off,” he said.

“Okay.” I handed him the papers I’d picked up. “Have a good evening.” I adjusted my bag and turned to go.

“need a ride? I can help.”

Now this guy was getting a little much. “Thanks, but I’m good.”

He smiled, papers clutched to his chest, and walked back into the building, leaving me staring at his back. For some reason, sadness washed over me. Maybe it was because a buried memory had resurfaced—it was almost exactly how I’d met Henry.

I remembered the night it all began: shielding my eyes from the headlights of a car that parked in front of the restaurant window where I sat. He stepped out, umbrella in hand, and walked in for a quick meal. I was in the far corner, waiting for the rain to stop. After ordering, he turned, searching for a seat, and his eyes met mine. He stopped for a moment, holding my gaze, before walking over.

“Waiting for the rain?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Going home?”

“Yes.” He was so handsome, I silently scored him a hundred for looks. His green eyes looked so innocent it almost felt like a crime to meet them.

“What direction? I can take you. The rain’s not stopping anytime soon.”

And that was how it all started…

I’d tried so hard to forget him, but little things always dragged me back.

“Hey babe, what took you so long?” She’d been at Picky’s Restaurant for over ten minutes.

“Work, as usual.”

“You’re such a workaholic,” she teased, already seated with something delicious for us.

“Thanks for setting the table in my absence and…” I kissed her cheek before making a serious face. “I love my job.”

“Well, I love my job too.”

“Customer service at the bank doesn’t seem like a great job to me.”

“You meet all kinds of people daily—it’s great. And guess what?” Her eyes lit up, eager for me to play along.

I started eating. “Not good at guessing.”

“I met a guy today.”

“Wow, look who’s back on the market. Good for you. So?”

She giggled. “He’s got all the physical qualities… you know?”

“No, I don’t. Spill. My ears are itching.” They weren’t. I’d had my share of men—nothing about the topic interested me anymore.

“Tall, well-dressed, neat, eloquent, smells amazing. What else could I ask for?” She was deep in her little reverie.

“Trustworthy. Honest.” I cut in, still chewing.

Laura sighed, giving me a long look. “Mira, it’s in the past. Don’t carry this shadow around in your heart. Free yourself.”

“Of course I’m free.”

“Are you?”

I set my fork down. “From Frederick to Henry… what’s next?” The words burst out, frustration lacing my voice. That one sentence was enough to drain the joy from the evening. The food lost its flavor. I rested my head on the table.

“It’s not the end of the world,” Laura said softly. “It just happened that your first two were the wrong men.”

“And the third? Another wrong choice? I don’t even know what to expect in a man anymore. All I see are lies, manipulation, pretense, and secrets. All I’ve ever done is love and give my all—what more, Laura?” My throat tightened as I held back tears. “I’m sorry,” my voice trembled, “I didn’t mean to ruin your mood.” I forced a smile.

“I got you, babe.” She squeezed my hand. “Now take back those tears, and let’s eat.”

The evening wasn’t as perfect as it had started. I’d been a bitch, and now we just ate in silence.