Chapter 3

"Iris." Mia held my hand, her voice breaking. "Please leave Julian. I'm begging you."

I looked at her and then nodded slowly and firmly.

This time, I had no hesitation.

Some mistakes were made only once. Repeating them was nothing but foolishness. Goodbyes were never sudden. They built from quiet disappointments, night after night, until there was no going back.

***

Julian showed up at noon the next day.

He walked in while Mia was forcing me to eat cereal.

The expensive suit he had worn last night was wrinkled. His hair was messy. The always impeccable Julian looked ragged.