When Emily got home, she pulled out her suitcase and started packing the last of her things.
She kept busy until well past midnight. Damon still hadn’t come back, but honestly, she didn’t care anymore.
The next morning, Emily headed to the immigration office to pick up her documents. On her way back, she booked a flight out for that very afternoon.
When her cab pulled up, she noticed Damon’s Maybach parked in the driveway and, without thinking, picked up her pace.
She walked into the bedroom to find Damon standing right beside her suitcase, his hand hovering like he was about to open it.
Panic kicked in, and she blurted out, “Weren’t you with Lea? Why are you back?”
Damon stiffened. He turned to face her; when their eyes met, she could see the frustration simmering in his.
He stepped closer, letting out a tired sigh. “Emily, what are you imagining now? I told you, there’s nothing between Lea and me anymore. There never will be.”
Nothing between you anymore? But you married her to protect her.
Emily laughed, the sound shaky as tears pricked her eyes, but she didn’t call him out.
“My mistake, then.”
Seeing her calm, Damon finally let out a breath. “There’s a family dinner tonight at the Raines house. My parents agreed that I can bring you.”
Emily froze. Adrian and Yvonne agreed?
Noticing her surprise, Damon reached out and gently ruffled her hair, then handed her a card.
trust me. One day, I’ll make sure you have their approval. You’ll stand beside me, no stions asked. I’m exhausted right now–how about letting my assistant help you pick out a dress for tonight?”
Emily stared at the card for a moment, then took it.
“You get some rest. I’ll go by myself.”
Damon rubbed his temples and nodded.
Emily tucked her documents into her bag. Damon collapsed onto the bed and was out in
seconds.
Watching him, his face barely changed from when he was seventeen, Emily felt her heart catch. For the last time, she reached out and traced her finger down his brow, along the bridge of his
Chapter 9
nose.
Maybe he felt her touch even in his sleep, because Damon caught her hand and mumbled, “Lea, stop it.”
Hearing that, Emily smiled silently.
She pulled her hand away, grabbed her suitcase, and headed downstairs.
The house was quiet; the staff was on their lunch break. No one saw her leave.
In the car to the airport, Emily blocked and deleted every trace of Damon from her phone.
Then, she deactivated all her social media accounts.
The airport was buzzing, people coming and going, the departures board flickering above her. She made one last call.
“Mrs. Raines, I’m at the airport like I promised. I’ll be boarding soon.”
Yvonne’s voice was full of satisfaction. “Good. As long as you’re not at the family dinner tonight, the rest of the money will be transferred to your account. Goodbye, Emily.”
As the boarding announcement echoed, Emily shook her head.
“No, Mrs. Raines. This is goodbye forever.”
She hung up, tossed her phone in the nearest trash bin, and walked straight to the boarding
gate.
Head held high.
No regrets.
2/2
