Only When I Left Him Completely Did He Understand that He Loves Me

His gaze appeared slightly unfocused as he explained, “In the morning, Themis couldn’t change, so I let her freshen up here.”

“Okay.” I offered little more than a nod, stepping aside to grant him space.

As Linus gathered the intimate clothing, he was about to leave when he abruptly paused. “If you’re going to overthink this, then I won’t take you with me.”

I waved my hand dismissively, signaling it wasn’t a big deal.

Linus hesitated for a moment, caught between his thoughts, just as Themis called out to him again, urging him on.

After hanging up, he looked at me and said, “I’ll be back after I drop her off. Make an appointment; we’ll pick up the marriage certificate tomorrow.”

With that, he hurried out the door.

Once everything was packed, I scrolled through my social media, casually passing the time.

Themis had posted again; the first photo captured a slender hand testing the water temperature at the edge of a bathtub.

The second photo was a selfie of Themis, her profile illuminated by the light as a man focused on washing her hair in the background.

[Brother said my hand can't touch water because I’m injured, so he has to help me wash my hair and bathe. Why do I feel a little shy about this?]

I shifted my bandaged hand slightly and cast one last lingering glance at the house I had shared with Linus for eight years.

Just then, Linus’s text message arrived. [Something came up; I can’t come back. Cancel the marriage certificate appointment for tomorrow.]

I reassured myself that it was fine since I hadn’t actually made an appointment.

With my luggage in tow, I stepped out the door and hailed a taxi bound for the airport.

As the plane soared into the sky, I sent Linus a text to end things between us and then switched off my phone.

Part 3

As the plane soared through the sky, I surrendered to an unparalleled depth of sleep, each moment a soothing escape.

Upon my arrival at the airport, the foreign orchestra embraced me with warm enthusiasm.

“Welcome, Miss Morris!”

“It’s a true privilege to welcome a talent like yours into our orchestra!”

Henry Bradley, the owner, effusively praised my abilities and the members gazed at me as if I were a beacon of inspiration.

This kind of recognition was a rarity; I had never encountered such admiration in my homeland.

In the past, whenever praise was heaped upon me, Linus's frown would dim the moment like a dark cloud.

No one wanted to ruffle his feathers and I certainly didn't wish to see him unhappy.

Over time, I became a mere shadow within the orchestra, acknowledged only when my name was linked to Linus's.

Henry then introduced me to the pianist I would collaborate with, marking a significant step in my new journey.

The man, exuding a gentlemanly charm, extended his hand toward me, his face stirring a flicker of recognition. “Hello, Miss Morris. I’m Jarren Morgan. It’s a pleasure to work with you.”

In that moment, memories washed over me. Jarren had been the runner-up in the competition where Linus had first made his mark ten years ago.

Since then, Jarren had dedicated himself to perfecting his craft, earning accolades both at home and abroad, his talent now rivaling that of Linus.

I felt a thrill at the prospect of collaborating with such an accomplished artist.

After a delightful welcome dinner arranged by Henry, I settled into the apartment provided by the orchestra.

With everything in place, I finally had a moment to glance at my phone.

Dozens of missed calls, WhatsApp messages and voice notes flooded my notifications, almost overwhelming my device.

Every one of them was from Linus.

[What do you mean you’re breaking up with me? Who authorized you to change my new manager without a word?]

[Naia, is this your new scheme?]

[It makes sense now why you’ve been so quiet, just putting on a show. I noticed you took down all the wedding photos from your social media; I completely underestimated you!]