Lennon has been more than just a lover. He had been a companion and confidant for a long time in my life. His existence had carved an irreplaceable place in my heart.
Now, having torn away the fabric of our relationship with my own hands, I could not escape the aching tightness in my chest.
I covered my face with my hands, hoping that hiding behind them might let me slip away from the weight of reality, but the door burst open.
Startled, I straightened up, my heart racing as I braced for Lennon’s return.
Instead, a bright, excited voice filled the room. "Lennon! The diamond ring for your proposal has been ordered. I am sure Miss Dawson would be so moved that she would cry after seeing it!"
"Hey, do we need to start calling her Mrs. Sullivan already...?"
Alex entered with an exuberant roar. The moment he saw me, he froze mid-step, his eyes widening as if he had walked into a trap.
"Mrs. Sullivan… Uh, Miss Dawson, aren't you injured? Why are you here?"
After saying that, he stood frozen by the door, his earlier bravado deflating like a balloon.
Alex was a young wind musician who had joined the orchestra this year. He had always idolized Lennon. Smart and talented, he followed him like a loyal shadow.
His words lingered in the air and I took a moment to collect myself, schooling my expression. "You said Lennon is going to propose to me?"
Alex’s head shook furiously. I sighed, offering him a faint smile to ease his nerves. "It’s alright. I heard everything. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it a secret. Just pretend I don’t know, okay?"
Alex curled his lips, but he could not keep his grievances bottled up any longer.
"Isn’t it the orchestra’s anniversary soon? Lennon said he wanted to propose to you after the performance. He even asked us to cooperate with him on stage..."
"He said you two have been so busy with work all these years, spending so much time apart. Now that Lennon has been promoted to management, he wants to take this chance to build a family with you."
"Miss Dawson, Lennon really loves you. You have to say yes."
If overhearing earlier had allowed me to pretend otherwise, hearing the truth laid bare before me left me momentarily dazed.
Lennon loved me. Of course, I had always known that.
But that love had long since been fragmented into countless pieces by his listless choices. Mia held one of those pieces.