Chapter 6
The sticky note slipped from Hugo’s fingers.
He immediately picked up his phone and called the bodyguard from earlier. The moment the call connected, he asked. impatiently, “Regarding that letter you found, are you sure Katherine wrote it? Where did she go?”
The bodyguard replied, “Mr. Laurent, it’s real. I checked the surveillance footage–Ms. Blake left it at the entrance and then walked away.
“The letter said she was breaking up with you and returning overseas. That’s why I asked if you wanted to go after her.
“But since your heart is now with Ms. Mendes, it doesn’t really matter-‘
“Shut up! What the hell do you know?” Hugo snapped.
”
“Find out which flight Katherine took, right now! I need to go after her!“.
He hurriedly grabbed his coat and rushed toward the door.
But before he could leave, Sophia stirred awake, groggily stumbling after him.
She grabbed onto his arm, pressing herself against him as she mumbled, “Hugo, shouldn’t we spend our wedding night together?”
Hugo shoved her off without hesitation, his voice icy. “Katherine’s missing. I don’t have time for your nonsense. Get out of my way.”
Sophia sobered up instantly, standing there in stunned silence. “You… How could you—”
But Hugo was already speeding toward the airport.
By dawn, the plane landed on the other side of the ocean.
As soon as I turned on my phone, countless missed calls and messages flooded my screen.
It seemed Hugo had finally realized I was really gone.
His texts were frantic, demanding to know where I was, telling me he was coming to find me.
I thought about blocking him entirely. But knowing Hugo’s persistence, he would just switch numbers and keep messaging me.
So instead, I simply set my phone to Do Not Disturb and headed to my university to report in.
I returned to my old life, where I was researching alone, in solitude and peace.
The only difference was that the ever–present figure shadowing me was no longer there.
I was free and unburdened. This was the life I had always dreamed of.
Hugo’s presence had once made me lose sight of my path.
But now, I was back where I belonged.
Still, my colleagues at the lab were oddly cautious around me, avoiding certain topics.
They never spoke about love, marriage, or even death in my presence.
Until one day, I finally asked, “Why do you all keep avoiding me?”
They exchanged glances before someone finally spoke up.
“We heard that your husband passed away. We didn’t want to bring up painful memories.”
1/2
Chapter 6
+15 Bonus
Only then did I remember the casual remark I had made before. It was too late to explain now.
I forced an awkward smile. “Oh, yeah, that. It’s fine–I’m almost over it.”
Just as I finished speaking, a familiar voice rang out behind me. “Katherine Blake!”
I stiffened. Turning around, I saw Hugo storming toward me, his expression dark.
I shot my colleagues an apologetic smile. “I have something to take care of. Excuse me.”
Then, I bolted, but Hugo was right on my heels.
My legs hadn’t fully healed yet, so I quickly gave up running and sat down to rest.
He glared at me, clearly frustrated. “Why are you running? Do you think I’m going to eat you?
“Katherine, how could you just leave without saying a word? Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you?
“Stop being stubborn and come back with me. Victoria said tomorrow is an auspicious day–we should register our marriage
then.”
I looked at him calmly. “I’m not going back with you. Giving up my career for love once was already a foolish mistake. I won’t make the same one again.
“We’ve broken up. There’s nothing to discuss.”
Hugo clenched his jaw, his voice tight with anger. “I never agreed to that!”
I simply replied, “Keep your voice down. Don’t shout–it’s embarrassing.”
