Chapter 3

Thaddeus came home and noticed the empty space where their photo had hung, just as he was about to hang his coat. He froze.

“Where’s our photo?”

He rushed to the bedroom without even putting down his coat.

“It fell and broke,” I replied.

Noticing the broken glass in the trash, his expression relaxed. He set down his coat and pulled out a Louis Vuitton shopping bag.

“I didn’t have time to get you the gift I promised yesterday. Since it’s our third wedding anniversary today, here’s a bag for you. Happy anniversary.”

He placed it on the bed. I could hardly believe it. Three years of marriage, and he actually remembered our anniversary? Then I saw the receipt—thirty minutes old. Of course—Scarlett’s anniversary post must have reminded him, and he bought it on his way home.

What he didn’t know was that I already owned two identical bags.

I stared at him silently.

“By the way, it’s almost year-end. Would you consider withdrawing from the airline’s excellence awards? Scarlett’s been flying for three years, and her biggest dream is to win Best Flight Attendant, just like you. You’ve won several times already—could you let her have it this year?”

He seemed hesitant. I laughed bitterly inside—so this gift came with strings attached.

“Sure,” I replied calmly.

Not just this year, but next year and all the years after—I wouldn’t be competing with her anymore. After tonight, I’d be gone.

“You… you agree?” He was surprised by my quick response. He glanced at me several times before continuing.

“Well, Scarlett is my student, and you’re her mentor’s wife. It’s the right thing to do.”

Unspoken Farewell at 30,000 Feet

“Oh, and tomorrow I’m not flying. Let’s go to the registry in the morning and finally get our marriage registered.”

I remained silent.

He seemed to suddenly remember my earlier packing. “Oh right, aren’t you returning to flying tomorrow? What time is your flight?”

“Three PM.”

I looked at him, ready to tell him about my departure, but his phone rang. It was Scarlett. Her sweet voice came through the speaker—she had her period and needed pads, calling Thaddeus for help.

After hanging up, he looked at me guiltily. “Um… Scarlett has an emergency: She’s just a young girl and doesn’t know how to handle it. I should probably go help.”

For once, his tone was almost a request for permission.

I swallowed my words and forced a smile. “It’s fine. Go ahead.”

He looked relieved.

Standing up, he added, “Since your flight’s at three, we have time. Tomorrow at 10 AM, let’s get our marriage registered. Don’t worry, this time I’ll be there no matter what.”