Chapter 3

Darren was nowhere to be seen. He hadn't shown up at the office for days.

But on my secret Instagram account, his feed was updated every single day.

The first few days were filled with stunning beach views and the golden glow of sunset. Later, it was endless grasslands and shots of him running under clear blue skies.

During the week after I quit, Darren was busy traveling around with Mollie, enjoying life to the fullest.

I thought I wouldn't have to see him again before I left, but just as I was about to head to the airport, Darren texted me: [Daniella, I'm at the airport. Can you come pick me up?]

After hesitating for a bit, I figured I might as well see him. After all, I was going to the airport anyway.

So I took one of Darren's cars from the garage and drove to the airport.

Once I got there, I checked in my luggage first, then pulled up to the arrivals curb and waited for Darren to show up.

It wasn't long before Darren came out hand in hand with Mollie, both of them laughing and joking around.

As soon as they saw me, they instantly dropped hands, looking guilty, like they'd just been caught red-handed.

Mollie gave me a smug, challenging look, then flashed a bright smile and called out, "Wow, Daniella, you really went out of your way to pick us up! And Mr. Griffith, thanks for being my travel buddy all week!"

I just shook my head and let out a soft laugh in response.

Darren reached over and gave Mollie a playful ruffle on the head, doting on her as usual.

Looks like Darren had been in a great mood this whole week.

After Darren grabbed the car keys from my hand, Mollie was in the front seat in a flash.

I watched without lifting a finger as Darren stuffed all their luggage and the mountain of souvenirs from their trip into the car. The trunk and back seat were overflowing.

Then Mollie covered her mouth, pretending to be all worried. "Oh no, it's totally packed! How are you supposed to get home, Daniella?"

Darren looked a bit uncomfortable for a moment, but he got into the driver's seat and pulled out his phone to transfer me some cash.

"Daniella, just grab a cab home, okay? I need to take Mollie out for dinner. She's been starving all day," he said.

I kept smiling, like nothing had ever happened between us, just going along with it and nodding.

As the car slowly pulled away, I finally let my smile drop and turned back toward the airport.

I returned the money Darren sent me, and right before I boarded my flight, I got a message from him.

He wanted to know why I'd sent the cash back, and why I still hadn't gone home.

I didn't respond, and a second later, my phone started ringing again.

I picked up.

Darren sounded like he was somewhere loud and chaotic, making it tough to hear him clearly.

"Daniella, I just checked the security cameras at home. Why aren't you back yet? It's been a while," he said.

I found my seat and sat down. "Why should I go home when you're not even there?"

Darren's voice steadied, turning gentle and reassuring. "I'll be home soon. What do you want me to bring you?"

Just then, the flight attendant started reminding everyone to turn off their phones.

On the other end, a bunch of people were cheering Darren on, chanting for him to kiss Miss Gordon.

Darren barked at them to shut up, and the noise instantly died down.

I could hear his voice start to shake. "Daniella, where are you going?"

I let out a soft laugh. "Somewhere without you."

Then I hung up on him.

When the plane landed and I turned my phone back on, it was blowing up with missed calls.

Pretending I hadn't seen any of it, I blocked Darren's number.

When I got to the exit, my parents were waiting by the car.

I walked over with my suitcase and hugged them, and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the car was packed with flowers.

My dad gave me a pat on the back and opened the car door. There was a huge bouquet of pink roses in the passenger seat, and the card read: [Welcome home, princess.]

My eyes stung, and all the emotions I'd been holding back for so long finally broke free.

I collapsed into my parents' arms and cried my heart out.

"Dad, Mom, I'm done being stubborn. I'm staying. Being with you guys is where I belong," I choked out.

Mom gently patted my shoulder, tears streaming down her face too. "Don't cry, sweetheart. We're just glad you're back, that's all."

Dad gave a little snort, sounding half annoyed, half relieved. "Finally wised up, huh? Good to see you know where to come when you're feeling down."

Once I finally calmed down, I looked at the car, completely speechless. "How are we even supposed to get home?"

With all those flowers crammed inside, there was barely any room left for the three of us.

Just then, the driver pulled up in another car, giving me a concerned look.