Every time he had dropped me off before, I was the one watching him leave. This time, I wanted him to watch me walk away.
Why waste emotions on a man whose heart wasn’t with me anymore?
The graduation ceremony went as expected. I chatted and took photos with teachers and classmates, savoring those last moments before saying goodbye. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, it was over.
Afterward, I handed a deliveryman a gift box to pass along for me, hailed a cab, and headed to the airport.
The airport was bustling, filled with people saying goodbyes and welcoming loved ones. But I was alone, heading to a foreign country with no one to see me off.
Just then, I spotted Derick and Alanna from a distance.
They looked stunning together—a picture-perfect couple that naturally drew attention. Like lovers reunited after years apart, they held each other tightly.
I watched as Derick presented a bouquet of vivid red roses to Alanna while the latter covered her face, crying. Derick then fumbled to comfort her.
Loving someone was a chaotic mess in itself.
But while my heart had gone still, Derick’s was still in a storm.
I was letting go of seven years of happiness, and he was stepping into seven years of love.
Watching their retreating figures, I waved at them, saying my silent goodbye.
Goodbye, Derick, we'll never meet again.
As I prepared to board, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.
[Skye, I’m back. Thank you for taking care of Derick for me.]
Attached was a photo of Alanna and Derick locked in a passionate embrace.
Despite reading such a provocative message, I didn’t reply and simply turned off my phone instead.
As the plane took off, I caught a glimpse of the illuminated words on a high tower below: [Happy Birthday, Alanna.]
Derick had declared his love to the entire city.
By now, he was probably proposing to her.
I smiled faintly. Derick, may we both get what we wish for.
When I landed with the sunrise, I pulled out my phone to call my brother, only to find my notifications flooded with missed calls and messages—all from Derick.
I thought his heart and mind would be entirely focused on Alanna. Why would he care about me anymore?
If I’m cutting ties, I’ll do it cleanly.
With that thought, I turned off my phone again and switched to the backup one I had prepared in advance.
Third Person's POV