Chapter 11: A Silent Goodbye
A Hidden Decision
Valerie stooped down, reaching for her suitcase.
She unzipped it, about to pack her things—
When the sound of a car engine rumbled from downstairs.
Then came the voices.
“Mr. Crawford…”
“Mr. Crawford…”
“Mr. Crawford…”
One after another, respectful greetings echoed from the entrance.
Terrence had returned.
Valerie’s heartbeat quickened.
Without hesitation, she shoved the suitcase back under the bed.
She didn’t want him to know she was leaving soon.
Just as she pushed it in, she felt a chill wash over her.
A tall figure stood at the doorway.
Terrence.
An Inevitable Conversation
The warm hallway light cast soft shadows across his face.
Even with exhaustion etched in his features, he looked perfect—as if sculpted from stone.
A man too distant, yet too familiar.
Valerie’s heart skipped a beat before she forced herself to look away.
His sharp gaze locked onto her.
“What are you doing?”
His voice was calm, yet piercing—like he could see through her.
Valerie straightened her back, blocking the suitcase with her body.
“Looking for something.”
Terrence stepped in, not questioning her excuse.
“I’ve been busy these past two days.”
He spoke in his usual detached tone, rolling up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt.
“I just confirmed with Theodore—I have time on the 19th.”
“Let’s go get our marriage license that day.”
He said it as if issuing an order.
Like it was just another business deal.
Valerie’s lips curved slightly, but there was no warmth in her smile.
“The 19th is my birthday.”
For a split second—just a fraction of a second—
She saw a flicker of surprise in Terrence’s usually unreadable eyes.
It was gone just as fast.
“You never celebrate your birthday.”
His voice was neutral.
Valerie clenched her fists.
“I did,” she thought bitterly.
“Just never with you.”
She kept her tone light.
“I have plans that day.”
Terrence studied her for a moment.
Then, with zero emotion, he said—
“Then let’s find another day.”
He tugged at his tie, turning toward the bathroom.
Valerie let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Unmoved
The sound of running water filled the silence.
Half an hour later—
The bathroom door swung open.
Steam billowed out.
Terrence walked in, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist.
Water droplets glistened, tracing down his sculpted chest and eight-pack abs.
In the past, just the sight of him like this would’ve made her blush.
She would’ve reached out, laughing, teasing him, unable to resist running her hands over his skin.
But now—
She didn’t even glance up.
Her eyes stayed glued to her phone.
Terrence paused.
A flicker of confusion crossed his face.
Strange.
Before, she would’ve jumped at the chance to touch him.
Now?
Nothing.
A frown tugged at his lips, but he said nothing.
“Bedtime.”
He switched off the light.
Darkness fell between them—
Thicker than before.
