Forever Loved, Like Day One

Linda continued, "He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Our IPO depends on LD Venture’s approval, but I heard LD Venture was just a small company his family gave him to practice with."

Eastbrook. The Hendersons. Investment company.

Everything clicked into place.

Linda noticed my silence. "Hannah? Are you listening?"

"Yes, yes."

I pressed my lips together. "I'll tell Nathan everything you said."

Linda relaxed. "Good. By the way, have you set a wedding date? I want a proper paper invitation, not some digital thing!"

I smiled softly. "It's next week actually. And don't worry about the invitation."

A family like the Hendersons would only use traditional paper invitations.

My mother had asked about my guest list a few days ago, and I'd included Linda's name.

The Hendersons would handle the rest.

After hanging up, I fought through the pain to message Nathan. No response.

I tried calling again.

Surprisingly, he answered this time.

His voice was cold. "Why do you keep calling? What is it?"

So he had seen my earlier call.

I rubbed my stomach. "What are you so busy with? Linda says you haven't been to the office in days."

He sounded mocking. "You know exactly what I'm dealing with."

"How would I know?"

He let out a bitter laugh, his voice dropping in anger: "Why did you send someone to vandalize Nina's house with paint? Don't you know how easily frightened she is? Hannah, when did you become so cruel?"

Cruel.

I couldn't tell if the pain was from my stomach or my heart. "Nina told you I did it? And you believed her?"

"She's never lied in her life!"

He declared righteously. "Handle the company stuff for me. She's too scared to be alone."

I sipped some warm water. "My stomach hurts. I can't go."

Nathan knew about my health issues from these past years.

When he was home, he'd always make sure I ate regular meals and took my medicine on time.

I don't know when he stopped coming home altogether.

"Hannah,"

He sounded impatient, at his limit: "Your stomach problems are nothing new, can't you just deal with it? I already told you, if Nina didn't need me, I wouldn't ask you to go."

"Fine, I'll figure something out."

He was about to hang up.

I stopped him. "Are you coming home tonight?"

"Hannah, are you really going to be difficult right when Nina needs me most?"

I froze.

I thought I'd stopped caring.

But hearing those words felt like a knife to my lungs.

Even breathing hurt.

"It's your birthday today, and our sixth anniversary."

I gently rubbed my stomach. "Nathan, you promised we'd spend every anniversary together."

Breaking up…had to be done in person.

Otherwise, it would make all our time together seem worthless.

"I..."

Nathan hesitated, sounding guilty. "I almost forgot."

"Hannah, I'll come right home, I'll bring those pastries you love."

Just as I was about to respond, I heard Nina cry out in the background.

Nathan didn't even hang up properly, just started comforting her. "Don't be scared, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

I ended the call, looking around our empty home, and suddenly laughed.

The clock hands turned round and round.

Night fell like a black curtain.

Only the food delivery guy had knocked on the door.

Nathan wasn't coming back.

At 3 AM, my phone lit up.

A message from Nathan.

“Hannah, Nina keeps having nightmares. Don't worry, I'll be back before dawn. Wait for me.”

I stared down, sat motionless for a moment, then threw the takeout and cake into the trash, one by one.

Took a shower.

Then sent Nathan one last message.

Block. Delete. Done.

I grabbed my two packed suitcases and headed to the airport without looking back.

Nathan, this time I won't wait for you.

My belongings—and myself—will leave this city today, once and for all.

This place never truly belonged to me anyway.