Chapter 9
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Watching Ryder accuse me without even trying to understand what happened, the hurt and frustration inside me reached their breaking point.
But I still tried to stay rational and explain what had actually happened.
“She was the one who hired someone to try to rape me. She faked falling down the stairs when she saw you coming. If you don’t believe me, go check the room–the homeless guy is still—”
Hearing this, Elle panicked but quickly composed herself, crying as she defended herself.
“That’s not true, Ryder! She called me a homewrecker and said I was ruining your childhood relationship, then pushed me down the stairs. I didn’t do anything wrong -why is she making up such horrible lies about me?”
Between the two of us, Ryder chose to believe Elle without question.
He held her close, directing all his rage at me, his voice as cold as ice.
“Elle would never do something like that. You pushed her down the stairs for no reason, and now you’re trying to blame her? You’ve been obsessed with me since we were kids. I only hung out with you because our families are close. If you’re going to be this delusional and ungrateful, then get the fuck out of my life!” With those words, my heart turned completely cold.
I stared at him, each word deliberate and final.
“Fine! I’ll give you exactly what you want. We’re done, for good.”
My uncompromising tone only fueled Ryder’s anger even more.
As he watched me stumble down the stairs, he couldn’t resist getting in the last word.
“Don’t ever let me see you again!”
I knew we truly would never see each other again.
So I didn’t pause.
I left without looking back.
After a night’s rest, I woke up and crossed off the final day on my wall calendar. I was heading to the garage with my suitcase when my parents called out to me. “Autumn, the Caldwells have invited us over for one last lunch before we leave. Drop your things and come quickly!”
Although I really didn’t want to go, I knew that whatever happened between Ryder and me had nothing to do with our parents.
So after hesitating for a few seconds, I agreed.
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11:35 AM Thu 24 Apr
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09
Thankfully, Ryder wasn’t home for the lunch.
His parents kept calling him, trying to get him to come back.
But after more than a dozen unanswered calls, they gave up.
As the food was being served, I thought for a moment before saying quietly, “He’s probably with his fiancée. It’s just lunch–not a big deal if he misses it. Let’s not interrupt their date.”
We had a flight to catch anyway, so we couldn’t wait much longer. Ryder’s parents finally put down their phones and invited everyone to sit. The meal was filled with nostalgia as both families reminisced about the past. I listened quietly, focusing on my food and rarely joining the conversation. After lunch, we all posed for one last photo in the garden as a keepsake. At one o’clock, my family headed out with our luggage, with the Caldwells accompanying us.
At the airport, Ryder’s parents tried calling him several more times.
Still no answer.
The couple sighed, looking at our family with regret and apology in their voices. “Ryder’s been so busy with engagement preparations. He doesn’t even know you’re moving away yet. When he comes home to find you gone, he’ll be heartbroken.”
I shook my head slightly, my voice soft.
“No, he won’t.”
The four adults looked at me in surprise.
“Why not?”
Just then, the boarding announcement came over the PA system. I didn’t respond, just politely said goodbye to Ryder’s parents.
My parents took out an envelope with a wedding card from their pocket and handed it to them.
“We can’t make it to the kids‘ wedding, so please give them this card and tell them we wish them a happy marriage.”
Both families were emotional as we said our goodbyes.
I stood to the side alone, opening my phone to block and delete every single way Ryder could contact me.
After finishing, I took my parents‘ arms, waved one last time to Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, and turned toward the boarding gate.
I never looked back.
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