Chapter 7

It struck me as odd.

Never before had Emily phoned when I wasn't at home. Usually, it was the opposite—I'd be the one anxiously awaiting her call, reaching out if she was even slightly delayed.

"We've already parted ways," I stated matter-of-factly. "I'm back at my own residence now. Is something the matter? Do you require assistance?"

Her voice carried a note of unease. "But... I never agreed to end things."

"Is that really relevant?"

"Our bond is severed, Emily. Whether you concur or not, does it alter anything?"

I recalled how my colleagues reacted when I announced our split. For a moment, it seemed redundant—as if breaking up was merely a formality.

"But you vowed never to abandon me," Emily's voice quivered, sounding on the brink of tears. "You made that promise, Jake. Was it all just empty words?"

I paused before responding.

Because she was correct—I had indeed uttered those words once.