“You’ve asked me before–why I never got jealous when you brought other women home.”
My voice was calm, steady, and cold.
“Because I never loved you. I only used you as a temporary replacement for Noah, a way to numb myself and keep going.”
Simon stared at me in disbelief.
Tears welled up in his eyes,
na to snill over.
15
BONUS
“No… that’s not possible! Chloe, you love me! You took care of me when I was sick. You put up with me when I lost my temper. How could you say you never loved me?”
His pain didn’t shake me.
My emotions remained composed, detached.
“Simon, you hurt me. And I lied to you. In this relationship, neither of us were good people. We both deserved what we got.”
His shoulders hunched slightly, as if carrying a crushing weight, still unwilling to accept my words.
I took a deep breath.
“Simon, you
don’t love me as much as you think you do. You’re just not used to losing. You’re too proud, and now that I’m the one walking away, it’s eating at you. Don’t come looking for me again. Goodbye.”
Without another glance, I turned and walked toward my building.
Strangely enough, the motion–sensor light, broken for nearly a year, suddenly flickered on.
I froze for a moment, my eyes stinging under the harsh white glow.
Then, behind me, Simon’s voice rang out again.
“I was wrong, Chloe! I know I was wrong!”
His voice was raw, hoarse, as if sanded down by regret.
