When I got into the passenger seat, it was obvious he had cleaned the car thoroughly. Every trace of me had been erased.
Arriving at the entrance to the ceremony hall, I stepped out of the car. Derick then handed me my bag and finally said his fake excuse, “Skye, I have something at work this afternoon, so I’ll send my assistant to pick you up, okay? But I’ve already booked that restaurant you’ve been talking about all week. Let’s celebrate there tonight.”
I smiled politely. “Alright. Goodbye, Derick.”
Then, without looking back, I walked toward the hall.
Every time he had dropped me off before, I was the one watching him leave. This time, I wanted him to watch me walk away.
Why waste emotions on a man whose heart wasn’t with me anymore?
The graduation ceremony went as expected. I chatted and took photos with teachers and classmates, savoring those last moments before saying goodbye. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, it was over.
Afterward, I handed a deliveryman a gift box to pass along for me, hailed a cab, and headed to the airport.