Chapter 96

The night was thick, heavy like a song of heartbreak. Sebastian stood there, watching Elaria disappear into the darkness. He was the one who let her go, wasn't he? So why did his eyes sting, like tears threatening to fall? Why did it feel like he couldn't breathe? Wasn't he ready for this? Hadn't he told himself a hundred times to be prepared? Turns out, goodbyes aren't something you prepare for-they're something that just hurts. Sebastian left the club, blending into the rainy night in his dark coat. He slipped into the back seat of his Rolls-Royce and told the driver to head to Elaria's place. The night before his departure, he'd replaced the vase of lilies-her favorite-and brewed a cup of her go-to Mandheling. Then he just walked around her apartment with the cup in hand, pacing over and over. His bags? Ms. Woods had packed them herself. Should be nothing missing. But something still felt off. What was he missing? Later, he'd realize-it was his heart. He left it there, in her home.