Goodbye, My Lost Love

Chapter 8

"I'm probably going to catch a cold," he muttered, his voice thick with a hint of annoyance.

I couldn't help but think back to those early days when William was working himself to the bone, building his business. I'd always worry about him, making sure he had blankets, hot water bottles, and that his thermos was always filled.

But now? It was like he'd forgotten that I was working hard too. I used to care for him so much, but now… now, I was done. I just wanted to walk away.

I sighed, forcing out an apologetic tone. "Oh, okay. Sorry."

He studied me for a long moment, like he was trying to figure something out. "Are you still upset about Ava?"

I let out a short, humorless laugh. "You've already made it clear that nothing's going on between you two. Why would I still be upset?"

William didn't seem convinced. Of course, he didn't.

I turned to leave for the kitchen, but he stopped me again. "Then why aren't you taking care of me anymore?"

Before, I would've been checking in on him all the time, calling his assistant if I couldn't find him. He used to complain that I was being overbearing. But now, that I wasn't doing it, he wasn't happy either.

I didn't have the energy to argue. I was completely drained.

"I'm just really tired from work lately," I said, my voice flat.

He stared at me for a long beat before heading to the bedroom to change.

As I was finishing breakfast, cracking an egg into the pan, William stormed into the kitchen, frustration written all over his face.

"Why are there so many clothes missing from the closet?" he demanded.

Before I could even open my mouth to respond, he continued, "And the blind-box display case, what happened to that? Isn't that your favorite?"

After I sold off the gifts, I'd started the painful task of clearing out my stuff. The blind boxes, which I'd collected for years, had always been a little escape for me. Letting go of them wasn't easy, but they couldn't come with me, so I let them go.

William had never shown an ounce of interest in them. So why the sudden concern?

I shrugged, trying to mask the sharp sting in my chest. "I didn't need them anymore."

His eyes widened, and the silence between us seemed to stretch out, heavy and thick.

"I'll buy you new ones," he said quickly. "Anything you want. The stars from the sky, if I have to."

I didn't respond. Instead, I just focused on the floor, my silence saying more than any words I could muster.

He glanced at the countdown calendar on the wall. His brow furrowed as his gaze tracked the numbers. "Two days left. What's happening in two days?"

I looked at the bold red digits. His cluelessness was almost painful to watch.

I thought about telling him, but the memory of the ring box slipping from his pocket the day before, combined with Ava's post about that exact ring brand, kept me from speaking.

So, I stayed quiet.

I was still wearing the simple ring he'd given me, the one bought with the savings he'd scrimped together during his first year after graduation. It hadn't been expensive, but it meant something. It was a symbol of his devotion. I'd worn it for years without ever thinking about taking it off.

But now, I slowly slid it off my finger and placed it gently in his palm.

His face shifted instantly. The warmth in his eyes vanished.

"Victoria, what's this about?"

I met his gaze with a calm I didn't feel. "It's worn out. It's been too long."

For a moment, he seemed to understand something. His expression softened, but the distance between us was still there. "You're right. It's time for a new one. I'll have it polished. Hell, I'll even surprise you with something special."

"What kind of surprise?"

A faint, almost mysterious smile tugged at his lips. "You'll see in two days."

He paused, then added as if remembering something important, "Victoria, trust me. I really do love you."

I couldn't answer him. Words felt like they didn't matter anymore. Two days from now, I'd be gone. And honestly, I wasn't even sure I'd last that long before walking away.

Then he said, "How about we visit our alma mater tomorrow?"

I nodded, though my mind was already elsewhere, a million miles away.