The Sixth Goodbye

Half an hour later, I arrived at the in-patient ward on the third floor.

Before I could open the door and enter, Marco’s voice drifted from the other side of the wooden frame.

“Lorenzo, you went too far this time. The money was set aside for your wedding with Naomi. It’s a million bucks. Did you give every last penny to Gianna to get the penthouse? Aren’t you terrified that Naomi’s going to dump you for standing her up today, too?

“Everybody knows how much Naomi has done for you over the last five years. She doesn’t earn much as a researcher, but she’s been pinching pennies and saving for you. Don’t you think you’re not fair to her?”

Through the crack of the door, Lorenzo fell silent for a bit before answering firmly, “She won’t. We’ve been together for five years. You don’t just throw that sort of history away. You know Naomi. She’s too soft for her own good. Every time we fight, all I have to do is give in, and she’ll forgive me. Once I’m out of the hospital in a couple of days, I’ll get her a gift, say a few nice things, and the whole thing will be behind us.”

Marco sighed. “But aren’t you spoiling Gianna a little too much? No woman in her right mind can stand her partner treating another woman like a queen.”

Lorenzo’s voice turned grim. “Don’t mix the two up. I grew up with Gianna, and she’s used to having the absolute best in life. Now that her father has passed away, I’m the only one she can rely on. Of course, I’m going to look after her.”

He paused, taking the edge off his tone. “Naomi is sensible and rational. Once we tie the knot, I’ll shower her with attention, but I can never leave Gianna to her devices. Naomi is going to have to get used to it.”

Just then, Gianna’s entitled voice came up from behind me. “Hey! Why are you just standing there?”

The conversation halted abruptly.

Lorenzo snapped his head up from the hospital bed, his expression flustered. “Naomi? How long have you been there? Hear me out—”

I cut him off. “Save me the explanation. I’ve heard your side of the story one too many times, and I’m sick of it.”

Color drained from his face. “Naomi, stop this. I was just making conversation with Marco.

“Didn’t I promise you? This is the last time. I’ll definitely—”

“The last time?” I smirked. “How many last times are there? You never intend to cut her off. You’re only testing how far you can push me to accept this sick and twisted relationship between you two, right?”

His lips quivered. He couldn’t find the words to refute me.

My eyes welled up. “Lorenzo, every time you were out running errands for Matteo, I couldn’t sleep a wink. I would stay by my phone, terrified of getting a call from the hospital, the police, or the morgue.

“Did you ever think of me? Even once? Did you ever stop to think about the fact I was sitting at home, waiting for you?”

Lorenzo raised his voice in desperation. “Nothing was going to happen to me. I know what I’m doing. Look at me. Aren’t I perfectly fine?”

“Perfectly fine?” I chuckled. “Here’s a question for you. When we get married and have kids, are you going to go behind my back and steal from your old man to fix Gianna’s problem at the snap of her fingers?”

Lorenzo fell silent, his head hung low. He couldn’t even look at me.

“Hand me the pouch on your nightstand.”

Lorenzo was taken aback. “What do you need the bag for?”

“Hand it over.”

Marco was quick to grab the bag for me.

I unzipped the pouch, finding my driver’s license and passport inside.

Slinging the bag over my shoulder, I turned on my heel and walked off.

The next morning, I showed up in Tyler’s office at nine on the dot.

“Have you thought things through? Once you submit your document and start the process, there’s no turning back. The contract with the polar observatory is legally binding. You will be penalized for backing out ahead of time.”

“I am certain. I won’t change my mind.”

Tyler stared long and hard at me before letting out a sigh. He signed off on the application form.