Chapter 3

I ended the video call. Braxton's family group chat lit up.

His mother posted nine photos. Caption: *Finally met the Miss Kinsley Braxton's always mentioned. Graceful and poised. No wonder everyone adores her.*

The photos were from a private brunch at Braxton's family home. Kinsley sat beside his mother. Braxton leaned over, putting pastries on her plate.

Braxton's mother messaged me directly seconds later. "Cielo, Miss Kinsley came from far away. We're just being good hosts. Don't overthink it. With me, you need to learn what to see and what not to see. If you still want the Blake family name, don't make a scene over nothing."

I replied, "Mrs. Blake, Braxton and I are done. The wedding is canceled."

She called immediately. Her voice sharp. "Cielo, what on earth is wrong with you? Braxton wants to settle down and marry you. You should feel grateful."

I set the phone on the table. Kept taping boxes.

Her voice pressed through the speaker. Holding back rage. "Kinsley was Braxton's unfinished business from his youth. Everyone has a past. The tighter you squeeze, the further you push him away."

I said, "Then let him go."

Silence. Then a cold laugh. "Cielo. Don't you regret this. I can find you a respectable job in this city. I can also make sure you never find one. Push me too far and it won't just be you who suffers. Think about that rescue shelter of yours."

I hung up. Threw every stuffed animal, every matching mug, every photo album Braxton ever gave me into trash bags.

At the bottom of the closet, I found a gray sweater. Half finished.

I was knitting it for Braxton. His stomach was weak. His hands always got cold in winter.

I pulled the yarn apart. Wool pooled around my feet in loose circles. Looked just like three years of boundaries I'd redrawn and redrawn and redrawn.

The junk removal guy came fast. The older man lifted the bags. "Miss, you sure you don't want any of this?"

I nodded. "None of it. Please clear everything out."

The apartment got emptier. Only the keychain still hung by the door.

Then the door knocked. Twice.

Someone pushed it open from outside. Braxton stood in the doorway with two pink suitcases.

He scanned the living room. Frowned at me. "Why'd you make the place so empty?"

Kinsley peeked out from behind him. Still holding that cat. Her voice small. "Cielo, am I coming at a bad time?"

Braxton pushed the suitcases inside. Said it like it was obvious. "Her apartment had a pipe burst. Not safe for a woman alone to stay in a hotel. She'll crash here for a few days."

I asked, "Which room?"

Braxton shoved the suitcases toward the master bedroom. "Kinsley doesn't sleep well. She'll take the master. You can set up the guest room."

Kinsley caught his sleeve. "Braxton, don't. Cielo will be upset. I can take the couch."

Braxton looked down at her, voice soft with reassurance. "You're not well. Don't put yourself out."

He lifted his gaze to me. Cold. "The place is big enough anyway. You'll be the lady of the house soon. Don't be so petty."

"This isn't my house."

Braxton's brow relaxed. "Good you know. I paid for this place. Arranging a few pieces of furniture doesn't mean you get to make decisions for me."

I reached up and took the key off the hook. Metal cold against my palm.

Kinsley's voice went even quieter. "Cielo, don't misunderstand. Braxton was just worried about me. In his heart, you're still the most important."

I looked at her. "Those movie tickets you posted last night. Good movie?"

Kinsley's eyes flickered.

Braxton stepped in front of her. "Are you done? What does Kinsley owe you?"

I said, "She owes me nothing. You do."

Braxton stared at me. The corner of his mouth pulled into something like a smile. "Here we go again. Cielo, every time you're upset, you pull out the breakup threat. You ever get tired of it?"

I pulled out the black suitcase I'd already packed. The wheels rolled across the floor. Soft sound.

Braxton's smile faded. "Where are you going?"