Page 86 of Temporary Vows

“Yes, and that thing you’ve been driving around will be scrapped.”

“But I?—”

“Just take it, Elodie.”

I give him a small smile. “Thanks.”

He turns as if that’s the end of the conversation, and I realize he’s leaving.

“Wait.”

He pauses but doesn’t turn fully. “What?”

I step closer. “Is that it?”

“That’s it.” He looks at me properly. “What’s wrong?”

“I just thought we’d talk some more.”

“About what?” The question is flat, like he truly doesn’t see the point.

I hesitate. And now I can’t think of what I want to talk about. “Well… maybe we could talk like normal people. You could tell me how your day was.” God, that sounds so lame.

His expression doesn’t change. “My day was fine. Good night, Elodie.” He walks away without another word.

And that’s it.

I watch him go.

The door closes softly behind him, but the silence it leaves feels louder than anything else.

I stand there for a moment, the keys still clutched in my hand, staring at nothing.

Is this how it’s going to be?

Just…this?

Business. Terms. Conditions.

I glance back at the box, at the photo album resting inside it.

I think of the version of him from the past that doesn’t seem to exist anymore.

I look toward the door again.

Well, this is what I signed up for.

Chapter 20

Dorian

The aroma of coffee settles in the air, giving the executive break room just enough calm to take the edge off when you need a break. Even if that break comes first thing in the morning, before you’ve even reached your desk.

I lean against the counter and take a sip of my coffee while Levi fixes himself a cup.

The espresso machine hums behind me, low and steady as I gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the city wake up.

“You could have at least told me you asked Elodie,” Levi gripes, cutting me a harsh sidelong stare. “I was right there in the car with you. You had plenty of opportunity to tell me. Instead, I had to find out from Albert.”