Chapter 9

Goodbye arrived five days later. When Alvin returned, he was covered in dust and looked exhausted. He leaned against the sofa, closed his eyes, and sported a day's worth of stubble. I gently closed the door.

A slightly hoarse voice broke the silence. "How do you take care of yourself? I've been so busy lately, I'm sorry."

The night outside the window seemed endless. I walked to him. With all my effort, I finally said, "Alvin, let's break up."

He straightened, his voice softening. "Jacqueline, I've been really busy. Once this period is over, I won't neglect you anymore."

"Alvin, let's part ways amicably."

He saw my composure, realized I was serious. The room grew colder. He remained silent. I turned and went to the master bedroom to pack my things, moving to the guest room.

I wasn't surprised to see Alvin at the company later. He didn't like to procrastinate. I obediently got out of the car. After arriving home, he didn't immediately leave the vehicle.

"Jacqueline, after all these years, our feelings can't simply be discarded. I didn't take good care of you, and I apologize. I won't let it happen again."

Tears welled in my eyes. I looked at him. The youthful stars in my eyes were gone.

Chapter 9

The hand that pulled me back from the edge of the cliff ultimately held someone else.

"But you cheated, didn't you?" Each word was a fresh stab of heartbreak.

"Some mistakes can be corrected, but some cannot be undone."

He hadn't expected my knowledge and was flustered. "No, Jacqueline, please listen, let me explain. I didn't mean to; I really didn't."

I straightened my clothes and said, "That day, Eleanor drank too much. I took her to the Serenity Hotel, room 602."

"I heard it."

"You left Trey and Ruth halfway because of her. You weren't feeling well, but you were available to spend her birthday with her, weren't you? Wasn't this all intentional?"