After I Left He Finally Cried

Rhys didn't even show up for my father's burial.

I could only remember my father's last words, his hand gripping mine before his eyes closed for good. "Rhys is a good man. He's an ambitious man, so it's understandable that he's busy with work. I don't hold it against him. Don't you fight with him when you go back."

But, Dad, he isn't busy with the company. He's busy with Penelope.

I wiped away my tears, washed the few dishes in the sink, and put everything away neatly.

The countdown to my departure had begun.

Six days left.

Day One.

I went alone to the office of Julian Sinclair, Rhys's direct superior.

"This is the property transfer application for Rhys Covington and myself. As per the company's senior management regulations, I'm hoping you can approve it as soon as possible," I said.

Julian's hand, holding a coffee cup, froze mid-air. He set the cup down and picked up the document, his eyes scanning it carefully. When his gaze fell on Rhys's signature beside mine, he let out a long sigh.

"You and Rhys always seemed so happy together. How did it come to this? Dividing your assets?"

Yes. How did it come to this?

Mrs. Sinclair had introduced us. He was a rising operations director at Northwood Forestry; I was a project planner for a nonprofit. Everyone said we were a perfect match.

But ever since Penelope returned, all I heard was, "Director Covington is just so devoted to Ms. Croft."

I shook my head, clearing the chaotic thoughts from my mind. "Mr. Sinclair, you can't force feelings. We just want to sort this out quietly."

He said nothing more, simply placing the application in a drawer. "Come pick up the confirmation from my assistant in a few days."

Leaving his office, I walked to a popular cafe in Aspen Creek.

As I approached the counter, my gaze fell on a shelf filled with expensive Geisha coffee beans. In five years of marriage, I had never splurged on a single bag.

Noticing my gaze, the barista, Chloe, smiled. "Just the other day, I saw Director Covington buy several bags of our Geisha. Are you out already? Wow, Ms. Thorne, he really spoils you."

My hand, holding my wallet, froze.

I wasn't even in town a few days ago, and Rhys had never bought Geisha for me.

I remembered Penelope's constant social media posts boasting that she only drank pour-over Geisha. The truth hit me with a dull thud: those coffee beans were for her.

Five years of managing his life, his home, his social obligations, had never earned me a single bag of coffee.

Penelope returned, and she got several.

I couldn't tell if the feeling in my gut was sadness or rage. Facing Chloe's envious smile, I managed a tight one of my own. "One bag, please. I'm buying it for myself."

Day Five.

I picked up the approved documents from Julian's assistant. Then I went straight to the community center where I volunteered to sort out my handover.

The community committee office was quiet.

When I reached my desk, I found my notebook buried under a pile of things that weren't mine. Aromatherapy diffusers, high-end stationery, and luxury brand silk scarves were piled high, occupying every inch of my space.

My notebook was crushed at the bottom. By the time I pulled it out, a permanent crease marred the cover.

A volunteer at the next desk leaned over. "Those belong to Ms. Croft. Director Covington brought them in himself while you were away. He said since you barely use this desk, it might as well be put to use."

That "Ms. Croft" was Penelope.

Just a month ago, she had broken up with her boyfriend and returned to Aspen Creek. Now she was a temporary volunteer here.

I let out a short, bitter laugh, swept all her belongings onto the floor, and began packing my own things.

Just as I was about to finish, a sharp gasp came from the doorway.

Penelope stood in the doorway. And right behind her was Rhys.

"Rhys, look," Penelope’s voice quavered, dripping with manufactured hurt. "My things… they’re all over the floor!"

Rhys strode forward, his first words a cold accusation.