Chapter 71  Just then, in the pitch–black night, it was tough to make out anything clearly. But when lightning sliced across the sky, I caught sight of a massive shadow.  What on earth was that? Could it be a tree that Chase had specially planted?  A creeping sense of unease washed over me as I slowly approached the enormous figure. It loomed at least half a head taller than me. shrouded in black fabric. I reached out, wanting to pull away the tarp, but then it hit me–I couldn’t touch anything anymore. All I could do was watch the rain pour down the edges of the tarp.  What was it? What secret lies beneath?  Whatever it was, there had got to be something tied to me here, or else I wouldn’t still be hanging around. After waiting ages without finding anything, I made my way back to Chase.  e’d just finished his shower and was sprawled out on the bed. His phone on the nightstand buzzed nonstop, Nicole’s name flashing again and again.  Strange. Back when we were together, he’d always pick up her calls, no matter what. Why was he so chill now?  His dark eyes seemed to be brewing a storm as if expecting something big. Maybe he already sensed something. What was Nicole really up to? Perhaps he was holding onto the hope that he was wrong and not ready to tear down the facade without proof. Finally, Nicole hung up. Chase turned his eyes to the movie playing on the projector-“Titanic.” It was at the part where the ship hit the iceberg and was tipping dangerously. Everyone was staring down death.  I saw Chase’s face grow serious. Was he thinking about how it felt for me when I went overboard? The hero jumped into the icy water and the heroine clung to the only driftwood.  When the whistle blew, the heroine looked hopefully at the hero, thinking they were saved, only to see him frozen solid. He never made it across the ocean, his short life ending in the freezing sea. The heroine was heartbroken, and two tears slowly slid down Chase’s cheeks.  He whispered, “Amanda…”  Suddenly, he snatched the phone off the nightstand, dialing my number frantically, only to be greeted by the cold voice of the voicemail. Chase clicked on my profile, but this time, there were no threats.  His voice was so fragile and lost in the night as he pleaded, “Amanda, I messed up. I really know it now. Please come back, don’t play garnes with me. I miss you!  “I shouldn’t have left you at the altar Come back, let’s make it work. Ill never hurt you again.  “You wanted that honeymoon in Las Vegas, ngly? Just come back, and I go anywhere with you  “I know about the baby now. I’m so sorry. That day, I was mad about leaving behind a billion–dollar deal. I thought you were joking. I didn’t mean to push you. I’m really sorry  Chase, curled up and looking utterly lost, was someone Id never seen before.  If this had been before, and I heard him like this, I would’ve forgiven him no matter how much he hurt me. But now, I could only sit on the edge of the bed, listening to the Titanic theme song, watching Chase with trembling shoulders. I didn’t shed a single tear.  “But Chase, it’s too late now. I will never forgive you.”  Chapter 72