The Ninth Time He Left

Just as I was about to speak, the elevator doors opened.

Julia stepped out, an innocent smile on her face.

"Did you enjoy everything I planned for you tonight, Leona?"

She planned it?

I stared at Isak.

He looked deeply uncomfortable.

"Isak said you've been upset, so I suggested this. It looks like you're enjoying it, right?"

"I booked the restaurant," Julia said, gesturing around. "The candlelight was my idea. The '82 Lafite was my choice. And the fireworks…" She paused, looking right at me. "I paid for those, too."

I felt like I'd been hit by a truck.

"Julia was just trying to help us make up, don't overthink it…" Isak was still trying to explain.

I didn't want to hear it.

I shattered my wine glass on the floor, gave Isak one last look, and turned to leave.

So much for a clean break.

Down on the street, I got a text from Julia:

"I just wanted you to know that even your last romantic moment was a charity case from me. How does it feel, Leona? To need my pity even to feel loved?"

I ignored the sting in my heart and blocked her number.

The next day was Isak's birthday.

I went back to the empty villa and placed the signed divorce papers in a beautiful gift box, tying it with a ribbon.

As for his gifts, I'd already sold them. No point in letting good money go to waste.

Toni looked at my suitcase, hesitating.

"Ma'am, are you really leaving?"

"Yes," I said, handing him the box. "Get this to Isak. Tell him it's his birthday present."

"What if he asks where you are?"

"Tell him the answer is in the box."

On the way to the airport, our car passed another. Through the window, I saw Isak. He was dressed for his party, rushing home, probably to the celebration Julia had prepared.

We missed each other, just like we had for the last three years.

(Isak's POV)

Isak got back to the villa, and Toni handed him the gift box.

"Your wife left this for you. She said it was for your birthday."

Isak looked at the elegant wrapping, a complicated expression on his face. But he glanced at the time, decided he was late, and took the box with him to the party without opening it.

The party was in full swing. Julia was waiting for him. She saw the box in his hand and smiled, but said nothing.

"Friends!" Julia took the microphone, stepping into the spotlight. "I have two big announcements tonight!" Her voice boomed through the hall.

Isak stood beside her, still clutching the unopened gift, a polite smile fixed on his face.

"First," Julia said, glancing at Isak, "congratulations to our handsome Isak, who has officially dissolved his marriage and is a free man again!"

What?

Isak's smile froze. His eyes shot down to the box in his hands, his heart starting to hammer against his ribs.

A wave of whispers rippled through the crowd.

"And for my second announcement," Julia said, holding up a hand to show off a massive diamond ring, "after everything we've been through, Isak and I are finally getting married!"

Many of the guests were old friends. The room exploded with cheers and applause. All eyes were on Isak, waiting for him to respond.

Isak's mind was blank. Leona's gift felt like it weighed a thousand pounds.

He wanted to scream no, to explain it was all a mistake, to run. But with hundreds of eyes on him, with Julia’s expectant gaze burning into him, he could only manage a stiff, jerky nod.

"I… I'm honored."

The room erupted in another round of thunderous applause.