I took a deep breath and turned around. "I'll sleep in the guest room tonight."
"Come back," he said.
Seeing me standing still, Connor came over and pulled me onto the bed.
He said, "I won't do anything to you. What are you afraid of?"
"I don't want to hurt my wound," I explained.
He finally relaxed a bit and hugged me from behind.
"Sleep," he muttered.
I bit my lip, trying not to think about the fact that he had held Katie like this.
Only when he fell into a deep sleep did I crawl out of his embrace and let out a sigh of relief.
I spent the entire day wrapping up my work and handing it over to my successor.
All the items on my desk were given to the next manager.
As I left the company, I announced in the lobby that I would treat everyone to dinner that evening.
My colleagues were overjoyed and wished me and Connor a happy future together.
Unfortunately, that might be a regret now.
Upon returning home, I packed my belongings.
The unknown cosmetics Connor had bought for me were all swept into the trash bin.
I searched through all the photo albums but only found two pictures of us together.
With a scoff, I burned them.
That evening, I waited for a long time at the reserved restaurant, but no one showed up.
Just as I was beginning to think that my popularity was abysmal, I received a message from Eloise, a colleague from my department.
Eloise: [Tara, didn't Mr. Stevens say that everyone was coming to celebrate Katie's promotion? Why aren't you here?]
In an instant, everything became clear.
I didn't explain, only replying: [It's fine, enjoy your meal and drinks. May everything go smoothly with you.]
I signaled the waiter to bring me a serving of foie gras and a bottle of wine.
I stayed until the restaurant closed before slowly getting up to leave.
This would be my farewell.
In the early hours of the morning, I dragged my suitcase to the airport.
Just before boarding the plane, I sent a message to Connor.
I: [Connor, love has turned to ashes, so I don't want you anymore. We shall never meet again.]
After sending the message, I turned off my phone and threw it into the trash bin.
