Chapter 3

Aaren Crane POV:

Graham finally noticed the quiet in my eyes, the slight stiffness in my posture. He pulled me aside, concern etched briefly on his face. "Aaren, you seem distant. Let's get out of here. We can go for a drive, clear your head. What do you say?"

I met his gaze, my own eyes calm. "Actually," I said, a new idea forming, "I was thinking. Instead of driving, why don't we go down to the docks? I want to check on the yacht for tomorrow. Make sure everything's ready. It'll be peaceful down there."

His eyebrows rose in surprise. "The yacht? Now? But it's late."

"Just a quick check," I insisted, my voice light. "For peace of mind. It's part of my ritual, you know, before a big solo trip. I like everything to be just so." I offered him a small, reassuring smile. He bought it.

He nodded slowly. "Alright, my love. If it will make you feel better." He still believed my happiness was easily managed, a simple adjustment of circumstances. The irony was a bitter taste on my tongue.

As we drove, the city lights blurred into streaks of color. Graham began to talk, planning our future, his future. "After this project wraps," he said, his hand resting on my knee, a comforting weight that now felt like a lead chain, "we should start thinking seriously about expanding the family. A child. Imagine, Aaren. A little one running around."

My gaze was fixed on the passing scenery, the dark ocean glimmering in the distance. A child. How many times had I brought it up, only to be met with his polite deferrals? "Timing isn't right, my love. Too busy with the firm. Let's wait until we're more settled." Settled. We were in a mansion. He was a multi-millionaire. The truth was, he was never settled. He was always chasing the next project, the next accolade, the next moment of shared triumph with Elia.

Now, with my departure imminent, he brought it up, a desperate attempt to solidify a future that no longer existed for me. It was a manipulative gesture, a final tether he sought to cast, completely unaware it was already frayed beyond repair.

My throat tightened, but I remained silent. How could he speak of new life when he had stifled mine for so long? The mere thought of bringing a child into this hollow, deceptive existence filled me with a cold dread.

Graham noticed my quiet. "Aaren? You're awfully quiet. Are you thinking about names?"

Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. A familiar name flashed across the display. Elia.

He hesitated, his thumb hovering over the screen. "It's... a client call. Important. I should probably take it."

I looked at him, my expression unreadable. "Go ahead," I said, my voice even. "I'm fine. I can wait."

He still looked torn. "Are you sure? I don't want to leave you."

"I'm sure," I repeated, a gentle nudge. "Go on. Business is business."

He finally answered, his voice hushed, apologetic. "Elia? Yes, I know... I'm with Aaren right now. What's wrong? Is it-" He trailed off, his face growing serious.

I knew. It was always about Elia. Her needs, her crises, always took precedence. The "important client call" was just another excuse to prioritize her. His loyalty was a battleground, and I had always been the casualty.

"It sounds urgent," I said, cutting him off before he could make another excuse. "You should go. Drop me off at the dock. I'll just spend a little longer getting the yacht ready. You can pick me up later, after you've handled things."

He looked at me, his eyes full of conflicted guilt. "Are you sure, Aaren? I can just drop you home."

"No," I said firmly, "I want to do this. It's therapeutic. Go. She needs you." The words were laced with a venom only I could taste.

He nodded, a sigh of relief escaping him. "You're the best, Aaren. I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise." He leaned over and kissed my cheek, a fleeting brush of lips. "Wait for me."

"I will," I said, watching him. But I wouldn't. Not anymore.

He pulled the car to the curb, just a short walk from the private marina. As I stepped out, the salt-laced air hit me, a refreshing slap to the face. The scent of freedom.

"I'll call you when I'm leaving Elia's," he said, his voice hesitant. "Just to let you know."

"Don't worry about it," I replied, forcing another smile. "I'll be fine. Just go."

He sped off, his headlights disappearing into the darkness. I watched him go, a sense of profound finality settling over me. He was rushing to her, just as he always had. He was rushing to the woman whose name was etched onto his most cherished possession.

The docks stretched out before me, a labyrinth of gleaming white hulls and bobbing masts. The air tasted of brine and possibility. The rhythmic clanging of the rigging against the poles was a mournful lullaby.

My personal countdown had begun. He would be with Elia, consumed by her problems, their shared world. He wouldn't even realize he was leaving me behind for good.