All Chapters of Messages for a Man Who Never Reads Them: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Chantelle's POVI slowly made my way back home, walked into the bedroom, and collapsed onto the bed. It wasn't until I woke up that the pain in my abdomen finally eased a little.It still felt strange, the emptiness—both in my abdomen and in this dark, hollow house.Out of habit, I wanted to send a message to my husband, Rykel Heffer. I wanted to ask him why he still wasn't home at 3:00 am.But when I unlocked my phone and saw the screen full of messages reading "okay", my mind finally caught up.I laughed mockingly at myself. After almost two years, how could I still not remember that his replies were automated?Then, all of a sudden, there came the click of the door lock from the entryway.I walked out and saw Rykel, who was pulling off his soaked shirt. "Joey said she wanted my goulash, so I brought some over, but I got caught in the rain on the way back. Anyway, you're still up at this hour?"I hummed flatly in response.He headed for the bathroom and asked casually, "Wh

Chantelle's POVA company event came up just before my overseas assignment. Jessie Chapstone, the event organizer, posted some requirements in the company group chat prior to the event.One look at the message, and I immediately decided that I didn't want to attend it. But before I could even send a message to decline the invitation, Jessie tagged me, saying this was a farewell dinner arranged especially for me.Since she'd put it that way, I had no choice but to call Rykel. "Hey, there's a company event coming up and we're required to bring a plus-one, or they'll randomly assign someone to be my date. Are you free tonight?"It was noisy on his end. "I can't hear you… Hang on…"After a bout of rustling, I heard him again. "Alright, what is it? Go ahead.""Where are you?" I asked."At a concert with Joey," he said.After a pause, he added, "She's been looking forward to this for months. She even set an alarm and barely managed to grab the tickets, but then her friend couldn't

Chantelle's POVJoey stood on the stage, her cheeks flushed as she asked Rykel the first question, "If you could go back in time, would you choose a different relationship?"A murmur of surprise rose from the audience.I remained completely unbothered. With my legs crossed, I scrolled through flights for the next day on my phone.On stage, Rykel looked a bit baffled and shook his head.Joey's smile faded, and her enthusiasm visibly dimmed. "Your turn.""What's your favorite food?" Rykel asked."Don't you know that best?" Joey shot back. Her coy, ambiguous reply only stirred the crowd further. Cheers and whistles erupted in waves.My manager nudged me with her elbow. "Hey, should I go get your husband off the stage? You two can head home early."Only then did I look up. "No, that's alright. He won't be my husband anymore after tonight."I stood up and walked toward the exit. Rykel's gaze followed me all the way to the door before the heavy door cut off his view.I headed stra

Chantelle's POVBy the time the plane landed, it was already late at night.I dragged my suitcase out of the arrival hall, which was filled with people holding up signs. Couples embraced while families smiled and waved at their loved ones. I walked through them, feeling a little forlorn.The company liaison sent me a message saying the accommodation had already been arranged and the keys were at the security desk.I replied with "noted" and stood by the roadside to hail a cab.After I got into the cab, I watched the cityscape rushing past outside the window. Neon lights blurred into ribbons of color, and everything around me felt unfamiliar.…Back at the apartment, after washing up, I lay down on the bed ready to sleep. But no matter how I tossed and turned, sleep wouldn't come. I simply couldn't sleep no matter what. Every time I closed my eyes, past scenes would flash in my mind, completely beyond my control. To say I had completely let go wouldn't be realistic. After all,

Chantelle's POVOne regular morning, I was headed to work as usual. Just as I reached the office building, I caught sight of Rykel.He was crouched by the roadside under an oak tree, wearing a simple black coat. His hair was disheveled, he had stubble on his chin, and his eyes were closed with dark circles underneath.As I walked past him, I stepped on a dry leaf. The crisp crunch jolted him awake. Though sleep still clouded his eyes, the moment he saw me, he scrambled to his feet, only to stumble several times as tree branches snagged his clothes and tore them.Finally catching himself, he hurried after me, his voice hoarse. "Chantelle… wait, please wait…"I had no intention of wasting time with him. Just as I was about to walk off, Rykel suddenly pulled me into a tight embrace. A familiar woody scent filled my nose. While it was once a smell that had brought me comfort, now it only made me want to gag.I struggled to break free, but Rykel held on with all his strength, his arms