“Kate is one of my first students. Of course, I feel something for her, but it’s only the bond between a teacher and a student. You’re reading too much into this.”
His words were a knife twisting in my chest, but I refused to falter. “I don’t care about your bond. I’m done, Brian. I don’t need you anymore. I’ve graduated and I’m no longer bound by my father’s wishes. It’s over. And honestly? I don’t even like you anymore.”
I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Don’t push me. I... I find you dirty.”
The words came out like poison, burning on my tongue. Brian flinched as though I had slapped him, but I didn’t stop.
Kate, still standing behind him, smirked triumphantly. Her presence was a constant reminder of everything I’d lost, everything I could never have.
***
Tears blurred my vision as I stuffed the last of my clothes into my suitcase. I hated how vulnerable I felt, how weak my trembling hands betrayed me. After my father’s death, Brian had been my rock, my sky. But now, that sky had crumbled, leaving me in suffocating darkness.
As I struggled to fit everything into the suitcase, Brian stepped forward, grabbing a parcel to help. His movements were calm and deliberate, as if my anger was nothing more than a tantrum.
“We’ll talk once you’ve calmed down,” he said gently.
His patronizing tone was unbearable—like punching a pillow, soft and unyielding. My words felt powerless, my anger impotent.
I paused at the door, turning to face Kate one last time. Her smug smile hadn’t wavered.
“Kate,” I said, my voice icy, “the clothes you’re wearing? Consider them a gift. They’re cheap, just like second-hand goods. I never cared for them and I hope you won’t treat them like treasure.”
I didn’t wait for a response. I left with my dignity barely intact.
***
A Month Later
I gave up my coveted chance to stay at the university. It didn’t matter. Brian didn’t sign the divorce papers. Thirty days of silence came and went and I heard through the grapevine that he’d been in a car accident on the very day I declined the offer to stay.
Apparently, he was in a rush to confirm the retention list for students. My roommate mentioned it offhandedly, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. Was he worried about me staying? Or was it Kate he feared losing?
I tried not to think about it, but I couldn’t ignore the fact that her name was also on the list.