Chapter 4

At that, Leo froze while tying his shoe.

After a second, he seemed to snap out of it and burst out laughing. "What kind of joke is this? I already tore up your application—there is no secondment."

I started to explain, but Leo's tone turned icy.

"Anya, I know what you're doing. One little stunt was bad enough, but now you're doubling down? I'm not going to put up with this."

"I have to admit, you went all out this time—buying a real plane ticket to trick me."

I didn't say anything.

He couldn't wrap his head around the idea that I might actually leave him, so no amount of proof would change his mind.

So why waste my time trying?

But my silence just made Leo think he was right—like I'd been caught red-handed.

That just made him more sure I was faking it to get attention.

He let out a cold snort, grabbed his bag, and headed for the door.

He took a few steps, then stopped like he just remembered something. He turned back to me with a sigh, like I was being unreasonable.

"Anya, I get why you're acting like this, but I really have to go. I promised Chloe two days ago—I can't cancel on her now."

"After today, I'll cut back on time with her, I promise."

"You want to get married, right? Once this is over, we'll book the wedding photos tomorrow. We can start planning everything, okay?"

As he talked, he reached out to pat my head.

Like I was some obedient little pet.

It was almost funny.

He said he couldn't break a promise, but he'd stood me up countless times for Chloe—left me waiting alone more times than I could count.

He said he'd cut back on time with her, but we'd made that deal before. He broke it every single time.

His go-to move was always promising wedding photos.

I fell for it every time.

And got disappointed every time.

He thought this little game—hurting me, then dangling something nice—would work forever.

But he didn't get that it only worked because I still cared.

Now that I didn't love him anymore, all those promises just sounded ridiculous.

But I didn't call him out. I just nodded: "Okay."

Leo looked satisfied, a big smile spreading across his face.

"Stay home and be good. I'll book the appointment now—we'll do the wedding photos tomorrow."

With that, he headed downstairs.

I watched him round the corner, then went back to my room and started throwing all my leftover things down the trash chute.

Soon the room was so empty, it was like I'd never lived there.

As soon as Leo got home, he'd figure it out.

But he didn't come home.

All night, Leo texted me photos: selfies with Chloe and her parents,landscape photo, and pictures of the restaurant where they were eating.

He even mentioned some places had great backdrops for wedding photos.

I had no idea what he was playing at.

But I played along anyway.

It was the last time, after all.

I'd probably never talk to him again after this.

The next morning, I texted Leo to get some rest, then grabbed my suitcase and took a taxi to the airport.

Right before boarding, the wedding photography studio called to confirm our session.

I hadn't expected Leo to actually follow through.

But I didn't care anymore.

"I'm sorry, but we need to cancel." I apologized and hung up.

I took one last look at the city I'd called home for five years. This time, I didn't hesitate—I walked straight onto the jet bridge.

Leo and I were done.

I couldn't help wondering what his face would look like when he realized *he* was the one getting stood up.