Chapter 3

The anticipation was excruciating.

Restless, I retrieved the medical report detailing my miscarriage, its harsh terminology serving as a cruel reminder of my ordeal.

Despite being with Maxwell for half a decade, he never publicly acknowledged our relationship—at his workplace, among his acquaintances, or anywhere else. To outsiders, I was nonexistent in his world. Only Miss Lara was aware, and she had discovered the truth by chance.

She scrutinized me intently, her keen eyes seeming to bore into me. "Have you considered all the implications?"

I affirmed with a steady voice, "Yes. I've reached a decision. I'm joining Air New Zealand."

A slight smile played on my lips. "Miss Lara, if you ever visit New Zealand, be sure to book a flight I'm working on."

Her astonishment was clear, and she frowned slightly. "What about Maxwell? Are you truly prepared to move on?"

I held her gaze unflinchingly. "My readiness is irrelevant. The outcome will be the same."

I requested her discretion regarding my plans, and she agreed, though visibly concerned. "Go rest at home," she suggested. "We'll handle the paperwork when you're ready."

The process was straightforward yet surreal. I submitted my resignation through the company system, aware it would take a week for approval. Concurrently, I visited the visa office and submitted all required documents for my New Zealand visa. They promised a five-day turnaround. In less than a week, I'd have everything needed to depart.

It's said that divine creation took seven days. Seven days was all I required to erase myself from Maxwell's existence.

I had no property, no vehicle, no family ties here. Nothing remained to keep me rooted.

At Maxwell's residence, I began sorting my possessions. Each item I packed felt like bidding farewell to a fragment of my past.

As I closed the final bag, my phone alerted me to a new notification.

Emily had posted on Instagram Stories.

Her montage of nine images shone on the screen, accompanied by a sickeningly sweet caption:

"Gratitude to my captain for sharing the thrill of skiing with me."

The photos portrayed a narrative I wished to unsee. At Vail Ski Resort in Denver, Emily and Maxwell had captured every cliché ski couple pose: the bridal carry, intimate embrace, even a back-to-back lift.

Her happiness was evident through the screen. She wore a pink ski jacket that made her radiant as spring blossoms.

I tapped a like on Emily's post before quietly exiting the app.

I no longer desired Maxwell's gifts.

I no longer cherished the memories we'd shared.

I no longer wanted the love he professed to offer.

Above all, I no longer wanted him.

I couldn't bear another moment in his home. Yet, I hesitated—his return from Denver to an empty house might cause unnecessary drama.

In retrospect, my concerns were unfounded.

Days passed without Maxwell's return. No calls, no messages. I refrained from reaching out as well.

On the eve of finalizing my resignation, the door burst open. Maxwell had returned.

Without warning, he charged at me, his face contorted with anger. Before I could react, his hand struck my cheek—once, twice, then repeatedly, five or six times in quick succession.

Disoriented, I staggered, but he wasn't finished. Grasping my hair, he yanked me toward the bathroom. My cries of pain were drowned out by the sudden rush of the shower.

Frigid water drenched me at full force, the icy deluge piercing my skin and spirit. I was helpless, shivering under the relentless torrent.

Maxwell's voice boomed over the water's roar. "Grace, how could you be so cruel?"

I blinked, struggling to comprehend his words through my daze.

"I've always treated Emily like family! I simply took her skiing, and you—how could you harm her?"

I stood motionless, barely able to whisper, "What happened to Emily?"

His fury intensified, his eyes blazing with disdain. "You dare to ask? You know Emily has asthma and a pollen allergy. Yet you planted lily pollen in her ski jacket pocket!"

His accusation hit me like a physical blow. My mind reeled, trying to process the allegation.

"Do you realize?" he hissed, his voice quivering with rage. "You nearly killed her!"