Quiet Goodbyes, A Love Without TomorrowChapter 1
The moment I decided to leave Vincent Thompson, I made three bold moves. First, I listed all the expensive gifts he had given me up for free online—buyers only needed to pay for shipping. Second, I secretly sold the apartment we’d bought for our future at a fraction of its value and shredded the million-dollar custom wedding gown I had yet to wear. Third, I erased myself from the world, signing up for a classified, decade-long national research project that required cutting all ties with the outside world—maybe even forever.
By the time Vincent had meticulously planned his perfect proposal, I had already vanished from his life. He never realized it, but I was quietly preparing to leave with every embrace, kiss and night he didn’t come home while playing ‘wedding’ with his childhood sweetheart. I had become the obedient, accommodating woman he claimed to adore, only to have him shatter my trust.
One night, he finally lost control and asked me, “Why don’t you get angry anymore? Do you not love me anymore?”
I avoided his gaze, my lips tight. But when I heard the flirtatious voice note from his childhood sweetheart, Zoe Williams, echo from his phone, I calmly made the call to confirm my decade-long national research project.
***
“Claire Olivia, are you absolutely certain?” My professor’s tone was grave. “This research project is top-secret. It’s a ten-year commitment. Once you enter, you may never be able to leave or contact anyone outside again.”
His voice softened and serious as he added, “You are my most brilliant student. I have to ask you to think this through carefully.”
I stood outside a bridal boutique, watching Zoe wear the wedding dress I had spent months designing and commissioning. She stood beside Vincent, their faces pressed close as they posed for photos.
Vincent also imitated the veil-lifting kiss, they were following a trend he had seen online. Then, as if to hammer the knife deeper into my chest, he removed his ring—the one meant for me—and slipped it onto her finger.
A pang struck my heart, but it passed quickly, leaving behind only numbness.
“I’m sure, Professor,” I replied, my voice calm. “You know, I am an orphan with no family or attachments. This is an honour—a chance to give back to my country. What more could I ask for?”