Chapter 5

As I approached the hotel entrance, I immediately noticed Robin standing outside.

His attire was informal—perhaps he believed he still needed to maintain the pretense in my presence.

No matter. I wasn't eager to challenge him just yet.

He appeared uneasy, having phoned me multiple times without response. It seemed as if he was concerned I might not arrive.

The instant he saw me, he visibly relaxed and quickly came over. "Why didn't you answer my calls?"

I took a short breath before saying softly, "There's something I need to tell you."

Before he could inquire further, Caitline emerged, hurrying out in a crimson ballgown-style dress.

He swiftly removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. "It's chilly out here. What are you doing?" His tone was caring rather than reproachful.

Caitline snuggled into his embrace, responding sweetly, "I was just concerned about you."

Observing them made my heart ache intensely. I had to briefly shut my eyes to compose myself.

At last, I managed to utter, "Robin, I want to end our relationship."

But the screech of car tires drowned out my words.

Robin instinctively protected Caitline, pulling her to safety just in time.

However, when he wasn't looking, Caitline pushed me forward.

I could have easily dodged the car. But her shove sent me directly into its path.

As my body was flung into the air, I caught a glimpse of him holding her close, whispering comforting words.

Between us, she appeared more like the victim than I did—the one who had just been struck by a vehicle.

As my body hit the ground heavily, a strange feeling of relief came over me.

'This works too, Robin,' I thought. 'Now I don't owe you anything.'

Regret followed immediately. I wished I had never met him.

If this was how it would conclude, I would prefer to have never known him at all.

I felt tears escape from my eyes, mixing with the blood running down my face.

After consoling Caitline, Robin finally turned his attention to me.

When he looked over, his eyes widened in shock, and he ran towards me.

In the final moment before I lost consciousness, I heard his panicked, anguished voice.

"Callie!"

"Someone call for an ambulance!"

"Callie!"