Chapter 8

On the third day Braxton was off on his business trip, Annalise began posting on social media. She uploaded pictures of herself in skimpy dresses on yachts, hiking photos with beautiful scenery, and clips of her eating at classy restaurants. Throughout everything she posted, one thing was constant—Braxton would always be in the corner of her pictures.

In her newest posted picture, she had looped her hand through his. Half of Braxton's face had been captured. They could've passed as newlyweds.

She captioned it, "Enjoying a paid holiday with my boss. Don't disturb me unless necessary."

Tamara's thumb hovered over the post, and she ended up liking it by accident.

Less than 3 seconds later, her phone buzzed. It was Braxton.

"The weather forecast says there'll be a storm tonight. Close the doors and the windows. Don't be afraid if it thunders," said Braxton. Tamara could hear the sound of waves through the phone.

Looking out, Tamara watched rain pelt the window. In the past, Braxton would've cut his business dinner short just to come home to her because she was scared of stormy nights. He would rub her feet to warm her up. In his arms, Tamara felt as though the world had gone silent. Now, she had to weather the storm on her own.

Braxton was still speaking, but Tamara couldn't hear what he was saying. Suddenly, she heard a woman's voice.

"Come here, Brax! Quick! The fireworks are about to begin. Gosh, is that my name? Is this your surprise? I love it!"

Tamara could imagine Annalise jumping happily on the beach. After some rustling noises, Braxton hung up after wishing her a good night.

Holding her phone, Tamara listened to the beeping tone interspersed with thunder. When a bolt of lightning illuminated the night sky, her tears fell like the rain outside. Her heart had numbed a long time ago, but her eyes provided an escape for any lingering melancholy.

The rain only ceased at dawn. Tamara opened the window and realized that the garden was a complete mess. The harsh winds had destroyed the roses she'd planted with Braxton when they first married. Petals were strewn over the grass.

A few years ago, she would've been heartbroken. However, considering her imminent departure, there was no point getting hung up over something she couldn't control.

Tamara unzipped her luggage and began packing. She destroyed and dumped everything that didn't fit. Carefully, she pried herself away from this house she'd shared with Braxton. However, there was just so much stuff…

Her phone buzzed with Braxton's texts.

After a dozen pictures of jewelry, he said, "I've been too harsh to you for the past few days. I'm sorry. Let's love each other better in the future. I picked out all these gifts for you myself. Do you like them? Why aren't you texting me back? I'm going to be home soon. Miss you."

Tamara didn't click into those pictures. Instead, she downloaded the surveillance footage from the office and the banquet. She wanted to prove to Braxton that she had never changed. He was the one who'd ruined their relationship.

The sun suddenly peered through the clouds, illuminating her room. Tamara took a last look at the bedroom she'd stayed in for three years.

When she left, she placed her ring and her phone on the living room table. Other than that, she left nothing behind.

Suddenly, she felt relieved that Braxton had schemed to divorce her three years ago. It saved her a lot of hassle.

Leaving the keys on the shelf, the door closed behind her for the last time. Tamara crossed her ruined garden, but felt no sadness.

Like the arrival of spring and the melting of snow, this was goodbye.