Chapter 221

He really, really wanted to. After being on his own for over two years, of course he did. He stared for a long time, but in the end, common sense won out—Ruby Henderson wasn’t his anymore. With a heavy thud, he let himself fall onto the bed beside him, sinking into the mattress. The room was still dark, but it felt annoyingly bright. He raised his hand to shield his eyes. After a while, he still couldn’t help but roll over, eyes resting quietly on her. She wasn’t his anymore. The place was dead silent. Daniel Richards hadn’t left—but he hadn’t stayed in the master bedroom either. He was stretched out on the couch in the living room. No blanket, just his coat over him. That fall chill was creeping in, but he didn’t seem to care. He lay there, staring off into the blackness of night. He'd said a lot of nonsense just now. ... Dawn was barely breaking when Ruby woke up. Still wearing the dress from last night, but now the coat that had been draped over her was missing. —She had definitely