He pulled me into a slow dance beneath the moonlight, whispered against my neck, “Three years, baby. We made it.”
I didn’t blink. Didn’t smile.
Because something inside me had gone quiet.
And when I looked out over the water, I made a promise to myself:
One more month to erase every trace.
To disappear for good. And this time, not even Hakeem Masterson would find me.
Then the elevator chimed. Doors opened. And out walked Margaret. Hakeem immediately went to her and Margaret wrapped her arms to him.
That bitter smile curled onto my lips before I could stop it. Not a decision. Just instinct. Pain wrapped in venom.
Hakeem saw it instantly and stepped in fast. “Don’t start. She just wanted to drop something off for you. That’s all.” I looked down, pretending not to notice how his fingers were laced with hers. But I noticed. So did he. He shifted, straightened his back, and gave me that look, the one that said don’t make me clean up a mess tonight, Harmony. Not here. Not under the stars I paid to light for you.
“Thanks,” I murmured. “Nice of her.” That fake composure pleased him enough.