Chapter 3

Wandering the winter streets of Shanievlle, I watched the city lights glitter all around me. My heart felt more like the scattered shadows beneath them, fragmented and weighed down.

Christmas was just around the corner.

Just then, my phone rang. It was my college bestie, Xavia Mason, her voice bright and cheerful. "Hey, when are you guys coming? Don't forget to send me your flight details. I'll pick you up."

That was when it hit me. I had originally booked a Christmas trip to Hoficaster with Zackery.

I'd even reached out to Xavia ahead of time, planning to catch up with a bunch of old classmates.

I planned to travel alone.

Just the idea of escaping Shanievlle for a bit and having some fun made me feel a little better already.

There was nothing a spontaneous getaway couldn't fix.

I told Xavia, "I'm heading out tomorrow. Just me, on my own."

Back at the place Zackery and I called home, I just tossed my essentials into a bag.

Before I left, I glanced around the place I'd loved one last time.

I picked out the living room sofa. It was a brown leather one, not too soft, just right for Zackery's back problems.

The bedroom's dark green curtains were my choice too. They were thick enough to block out every bit of light. Zackery couldn't sleep if there was even a hint of brightness.

I splurged on the massage chair in the study. It was custom-ordered from overseas. Zackery spent hours hunched over his desk, so I got it to help him relax.

On the kitchen counter, there was always a bottle of pure honey. Zackery loved parties and drinking, so I always made sure there was honey to help with his liver and stomach.

Looking at all this, I felt like all eight years were a dream that turned into a joke overnight.

I dropped the designer brooch I'd had made for his birthday right into the trash.

Without looking back, I turned and walked away.

The next morning, I boarded the flight to Hoficaster.

Xavia was super enthusiastic, rallying all our old college friends in Hoficaster for a get-together.

We visited our alma mater, had dinner as a group, and then headed out for drinks and karaoke. We laughed and sang our hearts out until nearly midnight.

As soon as Sebastian Spence walked into the private room, everyone started teasing and making a fuss.

"Look who finally decided to show up—Mr. Spence himself! The big boss actually made time for us old classmates," someone joked.

"Alright, you know the rules. Three shots as a penalty for being late!" another laughed.

Xavia nudged me, giving me a knowing look. "Girl, he's here for you."

Feeling a little tipsy, I glanced over at Sebastian, who was surrounded by people, all trying to get him to drink.

Sebastian was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, with his physique on point, and those chiseled good looks. He looked even more irresistible than he had back in college.

I laughed, "Please, a guy like him still single? The women in Hoficaster must be saints or just not paying attention."

Xavia shot me a wink.

She whispered, "Maybe he's been waiting for you all along.

"See? He keeps looking over here.

"Trust me, girl. I've been around enough guys to know the drill.

"Men are so easy to read.

"The way he's looking at you, like he wants to eat you up right now."

I gave her a shove and shot her a glare. "Enough," I said.

Still, my face was getting hot.

When I looked up, I accidentally met Sebastian's gaze. I quickly turned away, my heart skipping a beat.

As the party wound down, Xavia couldn't wait to make sure Sebastian was the one to take me back to the hotel.

Right before I left, she leaned in close and whispered, "If it's meant to happen, let it happen. If it's not, let it happen anyway. Don't let this go to waste. Enjoy yourself."

Sebastian pulled up in front of the hotel, hopped out, and held the car door open for me, steadying me with a gentlemanly hand as I got out.

I nearly lost my balance, shot him a grateful smile, and said, "Thanks," giving him a little wave as I said goodbye.

He watched me, clearly not at ease about letting me go in alone.

He quickly caught up, steadying me by the arm. "Yvonne, let me walk you up. You don't mind, do you?"

His gaze was burning, and the heat of his hand on my arm was even more intense.

Suddenly, the way Zackery used to belittle and humiliate me flashed through my mind.

I nodded to Sebastian.

"I'm really dizzy. Could you walk me up?" I said, nearly losing my balance as I stumbled.

Instinctively, my other hand grabbed his.

Just as I realized how awkward it was and tried to pull away, he turned his hand over and gently held mine.

My palm was cold, but his was warm.

He swiped the card and opened the door.

He looked like he'd been holding back for ages, his face burning red.

"Yvonne, I've loved you for twelve years," he finally confessed, his voice trembling.

The raw honesty in his eyes burned with a light I'd never seen before, setting the whole Hoficaster night ablaze.

It had been so long since anyone had shown me this kind of tenderness—love and respect offered up with such sincerity, like I was something precious.

He looked after me like a true gentleman, making sure I had some water, helping me freshen up a bit, and then helping me get to bed.

He reached out to gently move the hair that had fallen over my eyes, pausing right before his fingers touched my forehead. "May I?" he asked carefully.

I nodded.

His fingertips were so warm. Honestly, I couldn't help but want more of this gentle care and warmth.

"Yvonne, thank you for being in my life again," he murmured.

I was definitely tipsy, my mind all hazy. My fingers twitched a little by my side. That was my quiet way of answering him.