Chapter 4

I laid my suitcase open on the floor and started packing.

Everything Keith had given me over the years went straight into the trash.

The vintage watch I'd bought for Anna went into my suitcase instead.

She didn't deserve it.

I wheeled my suitcase out of the cabin. The birthday party was still going on.

Gifts were piled in front of Anna, and Keith was beside her, helping her cut the cake.

The moment everyone saw me with my suitcase, they froze.

Keith was the first to frown.

"What are you doing?"

"Vivian's coming to get me. I'm not staying here anymore."

Mom stared at me.

"Isn't she vacationing on an island nearby?"

Dad frowned too.

"You still have a fever. Why are you running around like this?"

"I can see a doctor there too."

I kept walking.

Keith stepped directly into my path.

"Natalie, I already explained what happened yesterday."

I gave a short laugh.

"Then why did you say last night that you still hadn't moved on from her?

"And why did you say you had to make sure she was settled before you married me, so you could finally stop worrying about her?"

His voice grew urgent.

"You eavesdropped on us?"

"Yeah. And I heard plenty."

I looked at Anna.

"Like why you became my friend in the first place."

The color slowly drained from her face.

"Keith said that without me, you never would've gotten into this circle.

"He said I treated you like a friend, so I took you to parties and introduced you to my friends.

"And he said that even without me, he'd keep taking you to galas and cocktail parties."

I let out a bitter laugh.

"Guess I've been pretty useful all these years."

"Natalie!" Keith finally blurted out. "I was just trying to help her."

Julian hurried over.

"Natalie, Keith only kept it from you because he knew it would bother you.

"And Anna really did get where she is on her own. Keith just helped her out here and there."

I looked at him.

"You helped her plenty too, didn't you?"

Julian immediately fell silent.

Mom saw the tension building and came over to take my arm.

"That's enough, Natalie. Everything's out in the open now. You're sick. Go back to your room and rest."

I pulled my arm away.

Dad's expression darkened.

"What's all this fuss about? Anna's capable. She just needed a few opportunities. There's nothing wrong with giving her a hand.

"You've never wanted for anything in your life. You don't need to be so petty about this."

Laura sighed.

"Natalie, Keith was only helping Anna because he wanted to put those old feelings to rest once and for all.

"Once Anna gets married, you and Keith can finally get on with your life together."

I shook my head.

"But I don't want a life with him anymore."

I looked straight at Keith.

"We're done."

His expression finally changed.

"Natalie, you still have a fever. Let's talk when you've calmed down."

"I am calm." I held his gaze. "It's over."

Then I wheeled my suitcase around him and kept going.

Just then, one of the crew hurried over.

"Mr. Sterling, a yacht nearby just radioed us. They're here to pick up Ms. Quinn."

Everyone turned toward the water.

Not far away, a yacht was heading toward us.

About fifteen minutes later, Vivian came aboard.

The moment she saw me, she touched my forehead.

"You're burning up."

Mom opened her mouth to explain, but Vivian had already taken my suitcase.

"Let's get you aboard first."

Keith caught my arm from behind. I yanked myself free.

Vivian helped me aboard her yacht.

People behind me kept calling my name.

I didn't answer.

Slowly, the Sterling family's yacht grew smaller and smaller behind us.