I saw him slip into her room at night. I saw the way they looked at each other. The way his hands touched her. The marks they didn’t bother hiding anymore.
And during the day, he’d introduce her openly.
“This is my mate and Luna,” he’d say, his tone proud and gentle. “She’s pregnant. Take good care of her.”
Not me. Never me.
I just watched. Quiet. No tears. No questions.
What was the point?
People who really want to leave… they don’t waste time saying goodbye.
...
The days passed. Cold, slow, empty.
Sometimes, when Drake was with Chiara, I’d quietly make a call.
“Hello… it’s me,” I’d whisper. “How’s the process going? When can I leave?”
“Soon, Ms. Brightman,” the agent would reply. “We’re almost done. Just a little longer.”
And I waited.
On the day I was discharged, I finally got the message.
“Ms. Brightman, your documents will be ready by the morning after tomorrow.”
I stared at the words for a long time.
Then I smiled.
For the first time in… I don’t even know how long.
Finally.
Drake paused beside me, one hand still supporting Chiara. He looked at me like something caught him off guard.
“Chloe… you’re smiling,” he said quietly. “What happened? Did something good come up?”
I shook my head lightly. “Nothing. I just… felt a little better.”
He stepped closer, pulling me into his arms before I could move away. “That’s good,” he murmured. “You should smile more. Don’t stay sad all the time. I’m here, okay? I’ll always be here for you.”
Always.
I gently pulled back, avoiding his hold. “I’m fine,” I said softly.
He looked at me for a second, something uneasy flashing in his eyes. Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Alright. Let’s go home.”
On the way back, he kept glancing at me.
“Are you really okay?” he asked again. “You’ve been quiet. If something’s bothering you, just tell me. You don’t have to keep everything to yourself.”
I looked out the window. “There’s nothing to say.”
He frowned slightly, then reached out like he wanted to hold my hand.
Before he could—
“Watch out!” Chiara suddenly screamed.
Everything happened too fast. A massive black SUV came out of nowhere, crashing straight into us. A loud bang exploded in my ears. And then everything flipped.
…
I had a dream. A long one. Too real. Too painful.