Chapter 4

Before I reached the door, Wilson called out urgently.

"Ma'am! Mr. Blackwood is calling. He wants you to answer personally."

"See? I told you Mr. Blackwood loves you. He's calling to apologize."

Looking at the phone Wilson held out, I felt indescribable emotions.

Adrian and I hadn't spoken on the phone in nearly a year.

When I called him, he never answered.

So when I decided to leave, I left behind the phone he'd given me as a wedding gift.

It was a matching couple's phone with matching numbers from our wedding. I wouldn't need it anymore.

"Ma'am, please answer!"

Wilson urged anxiously.

I bit my lip and took the phone.

"Hello."

"Clara Hayes, what took you so long to answer? What are you doing?"

I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I found Rain. I'm staying here with her for a while before coming back. She's been through a lot this time. Make her some chicken soup to help her recover."

"Also, Rain likes rooms with morning sun. Clear out our bedroom—she'll be moving in when she gets back."

"Rain is sensitive and easily upset. Put away the wedding photos, any pictures of us together. Don't let her see them."

…

For a full ten minutes, everything Adrian said was about Rain.

Finally, he added, "Even though I can't legally marry Rain, I need to give her a proper wedding. Help me prepare it."

Ten years of knowing each other. Four years of marriage.

In that moment, the last shred of hope I held for Adrian dissolved.

"Wilson, you heard everything he asked for. I'll leave it to you."

I handed the phone back to Wilson.

I turned and left the villa without a trace of regret.