He had held my hand over the bark that time too, guiding the blade. His carving was much neater than the first attempt.
The tree had grown tall enough to cast shade now.
But what we had between us had rotted long ago.
I raised my hand.
The workers who had been waiting behind me stepped forward immediately. The shriek of the electric saw split the silence open.
The foreman couldn't help himself. He asked.
"Miss Bellandi, this tree grew so well. Why cut it down?"
I was quiet for a long time.
Then I smiled, just barely.
"Because from the very beginning, it was a mistake."
Things born from lies were never meant to remain.
That night, I did not sleep at all.
After dawn, it would be Adrian Winslow and "Julian Frost's" fifth wedding anniversary.
It would also be the day I left.
I stood on the upper floor of the compound and watched them leave early, heading to the feast-night banquet hall. Before they went, they did not forget to remind me. I was expected to attend. To witness their happiness.
I nodded to their faces.
But the moment their car pulled through the gates, I dragged out the suitcase I had packed days ago.
A notification lit up my phone. The island transaction was complete.