Chapter 5

Simon dashed out, snatching his jacket before I could utter a word.

I gazed at the tickets in my grasp, then at his vanishing silhouette.

Deep down, I sensed this was our final chance.

Moments earlier, as he bent close, I distinctly caught Assistant Mateo's words through the phone.

"President Lewis, Miss Abigail has left a note at the office and vanished."

Just then, Abigail sent me a message.

[Curious if he'll finally end your marriage this time?]

I scoffed and fired back a terse response. [You're welcome to try.]

After sending it, I blocked her and entered the concert venue alone.

The performance was as captivating as ever.

Upon returning home, I began sorting my possessions.

Simon and I had accumulated countless shared memories.

Our photos adorned the walls, along with the scarf I'd knitted for him and an intricate knot I'd crafted.

The shelves were filled with his gifts to me—once-cherished items.

Now, they held no significance.

The clock showed only 10 hours remaining.

Simon phoned, his tone irate. "Valerie! What did you tell Abigail?"

I laughed humorlessly. "I haven't a clue what you mean."

His anger intensified. "Don't deceive me! You were her last contact!"

"I'm cautioning you—if any harm comes to her, you'll face consequences!"

He hung up brusquely.

I smiled wryly. Simply because Abigail had disappeared first, he lashed out at me.

He was oblivious to my own impending departure.

Glancing at the clock, four hours had elapsed.

I meticulously packed every item that belonged to me.

All traces of Simon and I went into a garbage bag—along with the remnants of our expired love.

Surveying the room, I realized I'd removed all evidence of my presence.

Pulling my suitcase, I left this place of both comfort and endless sorrow.

Only three hours remained.

En route to the airport, I received a call.

"Miss Valerie, are you certain about erasing all your personal records?"

Without pause, I confirmed, "Yes, I'm sure."

The aircraft slowly rose from the tarmac.

Daylight filtered through the window's tiny cracks.

This marked the beginning of a fresh chapter.

Simon, our paths would never cross again.