Chapter 3

He saw me then.

For a split second, our eyes met across the pavement. I saw a flicker of something in his expression-surprise, maybe guilt-before it was gone. He looked away quickly, turning his full attention back to Chloe, and walked right past me into the building.

He didn't say a word.

I felt a sharp, cutting pain in my chest, quick and deep. I hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address to Nathan' s penthouse.

My home. For now.

I let myself in with my key. The vast, empty apartment was silent. I put my box on the floor and went to the kitchen, my body moving on autopilot. I did what I always did.

I started making dinner.

I cooked his favorite meal: honey-glazed ribs, roasted asparagus, and mashed potatoes. I set the table for two.

When everything was ready, I took a photo and sent it to him.

"Coming home for dinner? Made your favorite honey-glazed ribs."

I waited. One minute. Five. Thirty.

No reply.

Of course. He was with Chloe. He wasn't coming home.