After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage By Cassila K

Chapter 70

Three days until I left.

I moved through my checklist methodically-packing my suitcase, triple-checking my documents, activating a new phone number. Each action was mechanical, necessary, stripping my life down to its essentials.

Then, I drained my bank account, converting the bulk of my savings into euros. The last thing left to do was find someone to take over the apartment.

The girl who showed up was warm and full of life, her presence effortlessly brightening the small space. Her boyfriend was with her, his hand resting easily at the small of her back as they moved through the rooms, exchanging quiet, excited glances.

"Are you leaving all the furniture?" she asked hesitantly, her gaze flickering toward the fridge and couch. "They look brand new."

They were.

The old fridge had been a relic and prone to an incessant, grating hum that filled the apartment at night. It disrupted my already fragile sleep, vibrating presence.Pax had been the one to replace it.

"You're seriously too frugal, Cecilia," he had said, shaking his head as he watched me debate over the price of a carton of eggs.

Then he had laughed, eyes warm with amusement.

"You might actually be the stingiest person I know."

"Excuse me?" I had tackled him onto the couch in mock outrage.

The cushions had long since lost their softness, reduced to something stiff and unyielding. Falling onto it had been like hitting concrete.

I had winced, and Pax-ever the instinctive protector-had cradled the back of my head, absorbing most of the impact himself.

"Yeah... this thing is long overdue for retirement."

had agreed, rubbing my sore elbow. "We'll get a new

in mock surprise. "Wow, the miser is finally

spending

"In what, exactly?"

"In our home."

couch had been soft, decadent in its comfort. I had flopped onto it with exaggerated satisfaction, sighing

declared, "is

spot, I patted the couch absentmindedly, smiling

"But I won't be taking it

with her elbow, excitement

place," she added quickly. "When

"Now works."

was signed, the keys handed over. We

we were wrapping up, she pointed

this your

I turned.

was a framed

Pax and I.

moment that felt like

We looked... happy.

had once been real. Like

look amazing together," she said sincerely.

A pause.

A breath.

Then, my answer.

"No."