The Long Goodbye Chapter 1

After we got back together, I fixed every bad habit that Ethan hated.

I stopped checking his location. I stopped the jealous outbursts. I stopped nitpicking the small stuff.

Even when I found a tube of lipstick that wasn't mine in the passenger seat, I thoughtfully tucked it into the glove compartment for him.

But Ethan’s face darkened, and he slammed on the brakes.

His brow bone was sharp, his features deep and imposing—the face of a man used to being in charge. But right now, he pinched the bridge of his nose, looking exhausted.

"That lipstick belongs to Chloe."

"The dinner ran late last night. She drank too much covering for me, and she couldn't drive, so I dropped her off."

He looked at me, offering an explanation he usually considered beneath him.

"I've told you a thousand times. She’s my godfather’s daughter. I have to look out for her. That’s it. Past, present, future—there is nothing between us."

I remained silent.

A crack appeared in his usually composed mask. A hint of helplessness I’d never seen before surfaced.

"What do I have to do to make you believe me?"

I spoke calmly. "Nothing. I believe you. And I’m not mad."

It was like punching cotton. Ethan looked blank for a second. "...Then why haven't you said a word the whole ride?"

I checked my watch, calculating the time to get to the airport. I offered a deflective excuse.

"You said before you don't like hearing 'low-value information'."

"I'm going to be late for work. Why don't you just drop me off at this intersection?"

I was focused on the traffic, completely missing the way Ethan’s face turned ugly.

"You always get out at the next light," he said sharply. "This is still a mile from your office."

I hadn't thought of that. I was forced to meet his scrutinizing gaze.

"It’s early morning. If you aren't going to the office, where are you going?"

Just as suspicion began to cloud his eyes...

Ring-ring!

A custom ringtone. It belonged to Chloe.

Ethan’s sharp gaze faltered. His eyes shifted, guilty.

"It’s a work call. I need to take this."

He immediately forgot his suspicion about me and unlocked the doors. "Fine. Get out here then."

I nodded and quickly unbuckled my seatbelt. He called out to me.

"Don't be so clumsy. Watch where you're going."

His voice lowered, taking on a coaxing tone.

"I booked that restaurant you've always wanted to try. I promised you before, I’ll never miss another anniversary."

"Happy seventh anniversary. See you tonight, Zoe."

My hand froze on the door handle.

On our last anniversary, he abandoned me for Chloe.

It hurt so much back then. Now, remembering it, my heart was a flat line.

"Take the call," I said softly. "Don't make people wait."

After all, Chloe couldn't wait.

And neither could my flight.

As for anniversaries... this year, next year, every year... I would be absent.