ing its blanket of darkness for the gray light of dawn. She didn't sleep. Sh

n the lock was unnaturally l

scent of alcohol and a cloying, sweet perfume clung to him. He stopped

amiliar, charming smile. He walked

ce a low, placating murmur. "Sorry about

e found only empty air. It was a small, almost impercept

d awkward, confused. He probably thought she

smell like jasmine," she stated, not as a questio

e quickly masked it. "Oh, probably from Isab

st from the party, was famously, violently allergic to jasmine. It was a runn

ower," she said, her tone clipped and cold. The usual warmth

mple bad mood, a fight he could charm his way out of late

eady hiss of water against tile. His

the room, she could read the message preview

amazing. I misse

hip. She walked into the bedroom and picked up his phone. She didn't try to unlock it. She j

the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. He froze when

"What are you doing? You know I hate people tou

in them, no tears. Just a profound, weary emptiness that seemed

Then he turned on her, his guilt morphing into aggression. "You're being paran

he simply turned and walked toward the closet.

screen lit up again. The caller

ted for a fraction of a second, then answered, turning his body aw

or, perfectly still. She could hear

ere soon... Just let

mask of strained patience. He started dressing qui

he fumbled with his cufflinks. "Her apartment isn't ready yet

permission. He was informing her of hi

tching him. Her voice was quiet, almost a

in the mirror, but quickly looked away. "Probably not.

m the dresser. He brushed past her wit

r clicked shu

composure crumbled, not into tears, but into a chilling,

purpose. She found the number she had saved months ago under

Tre

t, the words preci

ed my affairs in New York. I will be returning to

over once, t

dizzy. The weight of three years of false hope, of being a substitute, lifte