?Chapter 9:


    Ste frowned slightly, confused by how quickly Marc had returned.


    Half of the photo in the metal basin was still burning, the past literally curling into ash before her eyes. On instinct, she shifted her stance, subtly cing herself between Marc and the basin, trying to block his view.


    His steps halted as he noticed the flickering mes. “What are you burning?” he asked with a mild frown.


    “Nothing important. Just tossing out some old junk,” she replied casually. “What brings you back?”


    He didn’t press further. With a tired look, he said, “Forgot something. Just came to grab it,” and walked upstairs.


    As he climbed the stairs, he stayed glued to his phone, his fingers tapping away at something urgent.


    Forgot something?


    Ste’s lips tugged into a wry smile. She stayed still, quietly watching as he disappeared upstairs and returned minutester.


    By the time he returned, the mes had died, leaving behind only ash. He walked over, gave her a quick hug, and brushed a kiss against her cheek, all too routine. “Ste, I’m sorry. Work’s been nonstoptely. Once it eases up, I’ll make it up to you,” he said with a sigh. “If only I could spend more time here with you.” How painfully insincere.


    His phone buzzed again. Without even checking the screen, he pulled away. “I’ve got to run,” he said, already halfway out the door.


    And just like that, he was gone again—no nce back. But Ste didn’t hurt anymore. Her heart had long gone numb.


    Marc hadn’t noticed, but she had. The phone screen had lit up while he stood next to her, and it was Haley’s message, in as day. “Bring the ultra-thin condoms. If you forget, don’t even think about touching me tonight!”


    She went upstairs, opened the bedside drawer, and sure enough—the box of ultra-thin condoms was gone.


    She had never agreed to use them, but he’d found someone who would. Not a single one left behind.


    He’d been in the room minutes ago and hadn’t even noticed the missing wedding photo.


    Did he really think she wouldn’t catch on? Or was he just that shameless?


    Marc didn’te home that night. There was a time when Ste would’ve stayed awake, clinging to her phone, waiting for a text that never came.


    But tonight, after burning their memories and cleaning up, she climbed into bed. The sheets felt soft, and the room was quiet.


    She fell asleep quickly, without a single dream.


    The next morning, Ste stretched slowly. For the first time in a while, she felt well-rested.


    As she blinked up at the soft morning light, something suddenly popped into her head—the coat. The one she had bought for William. It was still hanging in the closet, and she’d meant to give it to him today.


    Later, at the research center, she went up to William’s office, only to find the room empty.


    Just then, Lainey emerged from the break room. Ste stopped her.


    “Is Mr. Briggs not in today?” she asked, puzzled.


    Lainey arched an eyebrow, her eyes filled with quiet amusement.


    Catching the teasing glint in Lainey’s narrowed eyes, Ste hurried to exin, “I’m only here to return his jacket. Last time, I had an ident—my period started, and I messed up my pants. Mr. Briggs lent me his coat, that’s all.”


    Laineyughed, shaking her head. “Rx, I never said a word. He’s in meetings all day. Don’t think you’ll catch him around here.”


    A meeting made sense. William held a senior position—of course he was busy.


    Lainey returned to her workstation. Ste nced around, then borrowed a sticky note from her desk.


    On the note, she scribbled, “Mr. Briggs, the jacket you lent me was custom-made, so I bought another of equal value to return. If you’re not satisfied, feel free to contact me.”


    Then she hesitated briefly before adding her number at the bottom.


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