“Of course you’re tired. Well, I won’t hold you. Go get some rest.”
Evelyn went upstairs and stood by the bed. Not long after, she saw the car leave the driveway.
She tugged at the corners of her lips. Was she really in that much of a hurry to see her to-be grandchild?
***
For the next few days, Hunter didn’t return home. During this time, Evelyn wrapped up all her work and packed her things. She threw away what she could, sold off what she didn’t need and shipped the rest.
By the end of it, the entire house was free of anything that had any connection to her.
Once everything was settled, she dialed her colleague’s number. “Lawyer Scott, I’ll leave the rest to you. Thank you for everything.”
It was at that moment that Hunter came back. He hugged her from behind, his voice soft and carrying a hint of exhaustion.
“Who is that?”
Evelyn didn’t turn around. She lowered her eyes and spoke in a flat tone. “It’s from work. They sent me to a business trip.”
“A business trip?”
Evelyn nodded and murmured softly, “Hm-hmm.”
Hunter immediately pouted, sounding almost childishly sulky. “Why so sudden? How many days will you be gone? You know, I’ll be so lonely without you near me.”
As he spoke, he leaned in, pretending to kiss her lips.
Evelyn subtly avoided his kiss, a trace of sarcasm flashing in her eyes. It was clear—he had lied so many times that now it came naturally to him.
“I’ll be back soon.”
“Alright then,” Hunter said with a sigh. “I’ll miss you every day. Break a leg.”
“Mm.”
Hunter’s phone buzzed several times and he kissed her forehead.
“I still have some work to finish. I’m going to the study. You should rest early, darling.”
As Hunter turned to leave, Evelyn, for the first and last time, called out to him.
“What is it?”
“Your phone. They’re from work?” she asked calmly, her gaze icy cold.
A flash of unease flickered through Hunter, as if sensing there was something more to her words.
He paused for a moment, then smiled. “Of course it’s work. If it weren’t for all those annoying tasks, I’d never leave your side.”
“I see.” Evelyn gave a faint smile and the last shred of warmth she had left inside vanished.
“Well, what are waiting for? Go. They need you.”
Hunter didn’t notice anything unusual in her expression and didn’t think much of it. He turned casually and went to the study. But, of course, he wasn’t going there to work. He only wanted to video call Jennifer.
The next morning, after getting ready, Evelyn made her way downstairs.
“All set? I'll take you to the airport,” Hunter greeted her, holding her hand with a warm smile. His touch felt so natural and intimate.
Evelyn stared at him for a moment before finally speaking. “Can we stop by Balmore University before heading to the airport?
Hunter gave her a puzzled look. “Why do you want to visit BU all of a sudden?”
“I just want to take a look,” she said softly.
Balmore University was where she and Hunter had first met. It was where their story had begun and now it seemed fitting for it to end there.
On the way to Balmore University, Hunter’s phone rang several times. Without needing to guess, Evelyn already knew it was Jennifer’s messages.
During the drive, Hunter’s phone rang non-stop. Evelyn didn’t need to ask—she knew it was Jennifer.
Once they arrived at the campus, Hunter held her hand as they walked through the familiar grounds. Every spot they passed brought back memories of their sweet past together.
Maybe it was the nostalgia that the surroundings stirred, but Hunter squeezed her hand tighter.
“Evie, do you remember this path? This is where you kissed me for the first time,” his voice was filled with longing. “You don't know how happy I was that day. I couldn’t sleep that night. I was over the moon.”
