Chapter 3

3

The next morning, I found a gift box sitting outside my door.

I didn't even need to open it to know it was a peace offering from Caleb.

After seven years of marriage in another life, I knew his patterns too well.

I picked it up and dropped it into the trash without a second thought.

I looked up and caught Caleb's eyes. He was standing down the hall.

He saw what I did. His throat moved as he swallowed hard, a bitter smile touching his lips.

I forced myself to ignore him. I hailed a cab and went to the hospital to clear out my office.

I had originally planned to surprise Caleb by keeping my resignation a secret. I wanted to make up for how controlling I had been in the past life.

I hadn't told anyone I was taking the mission instead of being the Director.

Except for Jocelyn. I had told her.

I figured that in two days, he'd be thrilled to realize his annoying "sister" was gone.

He and Jocelyn would finally be free to be the soulmates they were meant to be.

As I walked past the hospital gardens, I saw two familiar figures.

Caleb had brought Jocelyn out to get some sun.

He was crouching in front of the bench with his back to me. He was gently massaging her calves.

His voice was tender.

"Does it hurt here? It looks like you might have a calcium deficiency."

"When you get to the Middle East, don't overexert yourself. I've already asked my friends there to watch over you."

The scene was like salt in an open wound.

Jocelyn spotted me. Her eyes glinted with malice. She put on a sugary-sweet voice.

"A little higher, Caleb. My thigh hurts a bit."

Caleb looked a bit flustered, trying to maintain some boundaries.

While he was distracted, Jocelyn grabbed his arm and pulled him down into a kiss.

Our eyes met over his shoulder.

Her gaze was pure triumph. She was claiming her prize.

But I didn't scream or make a scene like I used to.

I simply looked away first. I let out a cold snort and turned to walk away.

Caleb spun around. All he saw was the rigid line of my profile as I disappeared into the distance.

He caught up to me, panting and desperate. "Elara, wait! Don't misunderstand!"

"There's nothing between us. I didn't expect her to... to kiss me like that."

I saw the sweat on his forehead. He looked genuinely panicked. I gave him a calm, hollow smile.

"You don't owe me any explanations, Caleb."

Caleb's brow furrowed. I was being the obedient, quiet girl he always wanted, yet he looked like he had just lost something precious.

Before he could say another word, I walked away.

I left Jocelyn's frustrated glare far behind me.