Chapter 6
The sticky note slipped from Gavin’s hand.
He quickly picked up his phone and dialed the bodyguard from earlier that day. As soon as the call connected, he asked urgently, “Was that letter really from Vera? Where is she now?”
The bodyguard replied, “Mr. Locke, it’s true. I checked the surveillance footage. Miss Maris left right after she dropped the letter.”
“She said in the letter that she was breaking up with you and going back abroad. That’s why I asked if you wanted to go after her.”
“But since your focus is now on Miss Lilia, I guess it doesn’t matter…”
Gavin couldn’t hold back his anger. “Shut up! You don’t know anything!”
“Find out which flight Vera took. I’m going to find her right now!”
He rushed to put on his coat, ready to head out, but Lilia, still somewhat intoxicated, stumbled after him. She grabbed him and hugged him tightly, mumbling, “Gavin, can we sleep together tonight?”
Gavin pushed her away with coldness. “Vera is missing. I don’t have time to play with
you. Go
away.”
Lilia, sobering up quickly, stood frozen, her eyes wide with shock. “What… how could you…”
But Gavin was already speeding off toward the airport.
By morning, his plane had landed on the other side of the ocean.
I had just turned on my phone when I saw numerous missed calls and messages. Gavin had clearly realized I had disappeared, and he was panicking. He asked where I was and said he was coming to find me.
I thought about blocking him, but knowing Gavin’s relentless persistence, he’d just get a new number and keep texting. So I muted him instead and headed off to campus.
I went back to my old routine: just me, my research, the quiet, and the loneliness.
Only now, there was no shadow following me everywhere I went.
I was free, and I enjoyed the tranquility. This was the life I had always dreamed of.
Gavin had momentarily thrown me off track, but now I was back on the right path. Still, my colleagues in the lab treated me with a certain caution, avoiding any discussions about relationships, life, or death.
Finally, I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Why does everyone avoid me?”
They exchanged glances before one of them finally spoke. “Someone told us your husband passed away. We didn’t want to bring it up because we were afraid it would upset you.”
It took me a moment to remember the casual remark I had made before, but now, it seemned too late for explanations.
I forced a smile and said, “That’s true, but it’s okay. I’m almost over it.
Before I could say anything else, I heard someone call my name from behind.
“Vera!”
It was Gavin, his face tense as he walked quickly toward me.
I jumped up, awkwardly smiling at my colleagues. “I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later.”
I fled out the door, but Gavin was right on my heels. My leg still wasn’t fully healed, so I gave up trying to escape and simply sat down to rest.
Gavin’s frustration was clear. “Why are you running? Do you think I’m going to hurt you?”
“Vera, why didn’t you even leave a note? Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?”
Enough already, just come back with me. My mom says tomorrow is a good day for us to get marry.”
I looked at him calmly. “I’m not going back with you.”
Giving up on my career for you was foolish enough. I’m not making the same mistake again.
”
“We’re broken up. This is non–negotiable.”
Chapter 6
Gavin gritted his teeth. “I didn’t agree to that!”
I raised my hand, signaling him to quiet down. “Keep it down. You’re embarrassing yourself.”
