Oblivion

“And with Ethan?”

“It’s completely different when I’m with Ethan. I feel like when he’s there with me, he’s really there with me, and present at that moment. The way he looks at me makes me feel like I’m the only thing that matters. But I also haven’t known Ethan for that long. What if what we have is just an infatuation that will die out after a few months?”

“Liv, I think you already know your answer. Just follow your heart. It will never lead you astray. Co

I mulled over A

CHAPTE R TEN

Even though it had only been a day since my birthday, I’d felt as if my whole world had changed within the last twenty-four hours.

Co

A little after seven, I sent Ethan a text.

Me: Hi. He’ll be back in an hour. I’m going to tell him it’s over.

Ethan: What are you going to tell him? Are you going to mention me?

Me: No, I won’t. I don’t want to hurt him anymore than I have to.

Ethan: Okay, that makes sense. Do you want me to stop by? I can wait outside if you need a ride.

Me: Thanks, but I’m okay. I don’t want to run the risk of him seeing you. Besides, I’ll be staying with A

Ethan: Let me know if you need me. I’ll be here waiting…with plenty of eggs. ;)

Me: Okay I will, weirdo. LOL. :)

***

As I heard the front door open, I knew it could only be Co

“Honey?” I heard his voice from downstairs.

“I’m up here in the reading room,” I yelled.

A feeling of dread washed over me as I heard his footsteps coming up the spiral staircase. I took a few deep breaths to try to slow down the violent beating of my heart against my chest. I closed my eyes and mentally ran through the things I wanted to say to him.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Co

I forced a small smile and stood up from the lounger. “Hi.”

“Happy birthday, baby. I’m so sorry I couldn’t get back yesterday.” He flashed me an apologetic smile and handed me a small red Cartier shopping bag. “Open it. I think you’ll like it.”

I stared at the shopping bag and didn’t move forward to take it from him.

As if he didn’t notice my lack of movement, he smiled and reached inside the small bag. “It’s the Cartier watch you’d been eyeing for awhile.” He pulled out a square red box and opened it to show me the stu

“Co

He sighed. “I know you’re probably still upset with me.” His voice was sweet and smooth. He walked over to me and pulled me in for a hug. My body was limp against his embrace and I didn’t hug him back.

“Co

“What is it, baby?”

I met his troubled gaze and felt a pang of guilt shoot through me. “Can we sit down and talk?” I motioned to the large couch in the room.

“Is something wrong? Please don’t be mad about yesterday. I really didn’t have a choice. This is a multi-billion dollar deal, and if all goes well, it’s going to take Brady Global to the next level.”

I shook my head slowly. “No, I’m not mad at you.” I looked at him and felt my face grow hot with anxiety. “Co

He reached for my hand, and I knew he could feel how cold they were against his. “What’s this all about, Liv?”

I forced myself to look him straight in the eyes. “Co

“I don’t understand.” His voice came out with a rushed urgency as he searched my face for an explanation. “So you want to cancel our engagement? Baby, I understand you need more time to adjust. We can just have a long engagement. We don’t need to cancel it just so that we can date and get engaged again at a later date when you’re ready.”

“No, that’s not it.” I frowned, realizing he didn’t understand what I wanted. I drew in a deep breath. “What I meant was, I don’t think we should be together anymore. I don’t think we’re compatible.”

His face twisted with a mixture of pain and anger. “Where is this coming from?” His voice was louder than before.

“Co

“So that’s it? You’re just going to give up so easily on us and leave me?” His words were cold and exact. “I didn’t give up on you when you were in the coma. The doctors didn’t know when you’d wake up, but I stuck around by your side through it all. My love for you never wavered.”

His words were painful to hear and I found myself drowning with guilt.

“I’m really sorry, Co

I took off the emerald diamond necklace from around my neck and removed the engagement ring from my ring finger. “I’m so sorry, Co