As expected, Seth didn't come home that night. For once, I slept soundly.
My phone lit up again. A notification that the birthday gift I'd ordered in advance had been delivered to the villa.
There was no reason to give it anymore.
I hesitated for a moment, then went to the front door to collect the package anyway.
I didn't expect what I found when I opened it. Zoe and Seth stood on the doorstep together, and I caught the tail end of their conversation—they were discussing wedding details.
When he saw the red marks on my neck, he frowned instinctively, a flash of something like concern crossing his eyes.
"I didn't come pick you up from the hospital because something came up."
"Don't take those banquet hall jobs anymore. Haven't you embarrassed me enough?"
"I was just teaching you a lesson. After all these years, how have you still not shaken off that cheap, desperate look?"
So he had recognized me that night after all. He'd just pretended not to know me.
Because he was afraid I'd embarrass him.
He'd rattled off all those sentences, and not a single one asked if I was okay.
Even though I'd already let go of any expectations I had of him, the ache in my chest was impossible to ignore.