wafted through the air, a reminder of the garden specialist he had hired earlier that day. He fidgeted with his phone, his thum

for hours on end. He could almost see her there, her nose buried in a book, her hair cascading down her

sat down, running his fingers over the worn wood. He missed her. He missed the way she would laugh at his j

a recorded message informing him that the number had been disconnected. He hung up, feeling a sense of loss wash over him. Had

that had been fulfilled. But now that Sophie was gone, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. He paced back and forth in the living room

ught back a flood of memories. He closed his eyes, trying to remember the last time they had spoken. It had been just a few days ago, when the divorce

y that he had loved other women. But they had been married for two years, and he had grown accustomed to having her around. He had grown to appreci

h she had come to mean to him. He had always thought that it was unnecessary, that their marriage was nothi

st. He walked over to the bookshelf, scanning the titles for any clue as to where Sophie might have gone. And then, he saw it. A small, leather-boun

o find some sort of clue as to where Sophie might have gone. And

o know that I will always cherish the time we spent together. I have decided to move on, to st

ld move on from the marriage without a second thought. But now, as he hel

without a second thought. But now, as he held Sophie's note in his hand, he couldn't help but feel a

looked up to see Amy, his childhood friend, walking in. She was beautiful, with her dark, slig

m a warm smile. "I was in the neig

ake. "It's always good to see you, Amy," h

used to sit. "I'm glad that Sophie is gone," she said, her voice fille

nged. "I appreciate your concern, Amy," he sai

e that Edward found annoying. "Whatever you say,

had never seen her as anything more than a friend. He found her atte

never been interested in Amy, had never seen her as anything more than a friend. He

d in control. He had no intention of letting Amy get under hi

airs to his bedroom, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He had no intention

He didn't need anyone else to make him happy, didn't need anyone else to validate him. He was co

s half naked, her body glowing in the soft light of the room. Edward's eyes flicked dow

nd seductive. "I've been thinking abou

still cool and collected. "Is that so?"

yes wide with disbelief. "What the h

ith each step. She took his hand and placed it o

e whispered.

t. He didn't know what to say, didn't know how to react. He had

t he had to make a choice, had to decide what he wanted. But in that momen

o say," he said, his voi

wn his spine. "That's okay, Edward," she said. "You don't ha

it was quickly overshadowed by a sense of confusion and guilt. He didn't know what to do, didn't know how to reac

d began to undress. "Fine," she said, her voice filled with anger.

it's time for you to leave, Amy,"

She sat down on the couch and began to t

ard. "I'm not going to tell you a

ements becoming more frenzied. Edwar

e calm and collected. "My ex-girlfriend is refusing

quickly got dressed. "Fine," she sa

e cry. "How could you do this to me, Edward?" sh

t try to gaslight me, Amy," h

with anger. "Fine," she spat. "You'

y stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her