To Love You, Never Again

Had he forgotten? This hidden room was where it all began for them, the place where they shared their first intimate moments. It held so much significance, a promise he made to never let anyone else step foot in this space.

Yet now, Callie watched with her own eyes as he tangled with another woman inside that very room.

The pain hit her like a wave, sharp and sudden. She pressed her hand against her chest, trying to hold herself together as she stumbled away. The place in her heart that once held warmth for him was now nothing but ruins.

Her eyes were red as she fled the scene, her steps hurried and frantic. In her rush, she collided with an employee on her way out.

The employee’s eyes widened in surprise upon seeing her. He quickly covered his mouth. “Miss Dodson?”

“Don’t tell Reid I was here,” Callie whispered, her voice tight.

“Okay…” The employee hesitated, then nodded.

But as soon as Callie stepped through her front door, Reid’s phone call came through. His voice was frantic, as if he were running.

“Callie, did you just come to the office?”

Callie wiped away the tears, forcing a smile. “Yeah, but I couldn’t find you. So I left. I just wanted to ask if we should go check out the wedding venue.”

Before she could finish, she heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. The door swung open and Reid barged in, pulling her into his arms. His heartbeat was fast, unsteady and Callie could feel the tension in his touch.

His first crack in his usual composure, Reid stammered, “You were looking for me just for that?”

“Mm-hmm. Your office door was closed, so I came back.”

Reid exhaled sharply, pulling her even closer as he kissed the top of her head, a desperate gesture like a man clinging to life. “I thought... I thought… nevermind. I’ll leave the venue style to you. I’ll go with whatever you chose.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat and said, “Since you leave it to me, let’s choose the most extravagant one. I want the world to see my wedding.”

“Of course,” Reid’s heartbeat slowed, his voice filled with affection. “Just let me know if you need more.”

“It’s okay. I don’t need you to pay for it,” Callie said, her words laced with an emotion Reid couldn’t quite place.

Her refusal made his thoughts spiral. In the past, Callie would always ask him to buy things for her, to surprise her with gifts. But now, why was she refusing everything he offered? It felt like she was pulling away, distant.

But she had agreed to marry him. In a few days, he was going to propose and they were about to have the kind of wedding everyone would envy. That couldn’t be wrong, could it? Callie loved him, surely she wouldn’t leave him.

He pushed the unsettling thoughts aside and dialed the finance department, instructing them to transfer ten million to Callie’s account.

“Callie, I know you can afford it yourself, but for something as important as a engagement party, I want to give you the best,” he said earnestly.

“The best,” Callie’s voice turned cold, her words sharp. “Did you ever give that ‘best’ to anyone else, Reid?”

Reid, holding her close, his tone unwavering, responded, “I’ve only ever given it to you.”

Callie let out a small, bitter laugh. “Only me?” she repeat to herself. Then what about everything with Geneva—the romantic gestures, the constant closeness, the video she sent just now? What were all those things?

“Why are you laughing?” Reid asked. Callie’s laugh got him warry. “Do you not believe me?”

“No, it’s..” she sighed, try to keep her tone relax. “I just remembered someone said something funny today. Well, since you love me so much, why don’t you throw me a birthday party tomorrow? In your office.” 

Reid instinctively tightened his hold on the phone but eventually agreed. “Okay.”

The next morning, Callie woke up, but Reid’s side of the bed was already empty.