Chapter 4

My final day.

All my belongings had already been shipped to the remote Western outpost.

The apartment was suddenly stripped bare.

My flight was scheduled for 8:00 PM.

Julian remained blissfully ignorant.

To make up for walking out on dinner with his parents, he had booked a table at the city's most exclusive rooftop restaurant, promising to celebrate our anniversary properly.

"I'll pick you up at five sharp. Today, I'm putting my phone on 'Do Not Disturb' for everyone," he had sworn before leaving that morning.

By 4:30 PM, I was standing in the foyer, holding the handle of my single carry-on suitcase.

Right on cue, my phone rang.

Julian’s voice burst through the speaker, accompanied by frantic car horns. He sounded frazzled.

"Chloe, I am so sorry. I don't think I can pick you up."

"Maya fell down the stairs and twisted her ankle badly. She has no friends in town, and I need to drive her to the orthopedic clinic."

"I already called the restaurant. Just take an Uber there and order whatever you like. I swear, the minute this is handled, I'll be there within thirty minutes."

Everything was playing out like clockwork.

How could Maya possibly let Julian spend our anniversary with me?

"Okay. Got it," I replied evenly.

"You're... not angry?" Julian sounded startled.

"Not angry. Drive safe."

After hanging up, I slipped off my diamond engagement ring.

The stone caught the hallway light, glinting coldly.

I set it on the entryway console, pulled open the door, and walked straight into the elevator without looking back.

At the airport, I breezed through security and waited at the gate.

At 7:50 PM, I took my window seat, watching the runway lights flicker against the dusk.

The flight attendant announced that all mobile devices must be turned off.

I looked down at my screen one last time. Julian had sent a message ten minutes ago:

Chloe, I'm so sorry. The doctor says Maya might have a hairline fracture, and I can't leave her. Eat dinner and take an Uber home, okay? I will make this up to you tomorrow, I swear.

I didn't reply.

I blocked his number, deleted his contact, and unlinked our five-year-old shared cloud accounts.

Then, I powered down my phone, leaned back against the headrest, and closed my eyes.