Chapter 4Traded For His Childhood Sweetheart

I dragged myself home at dawn. Declan was in the kitchen, cooking breakfast.

In eight years, he had never cooked for me. Not once. Even when I was pulling double shifts, he’d call me to ask when I was coming home to make dinner.

The smell of bacon and eggs made my stomach turn. I wasn't qualified to eat his cooking. That was a premium subscription feature reserved for Lacey.

I ignored the bowl of porridge he’d set out for me and grabbed a packet of instant oatmeal.

Declan snatched the packet from my hand. "You just got back from the hospital—"

"Declan!" Lacey’s voice drifted from the bedroom. "Come read to me! I want to sleep in a bit longer!"

She poked her head out, looking at me with big, innocent doe eyes. "Sorry, Nora. He’s just so used to babying me. You don't mind, do you?"

Declan dropped the oatmeal packet. "Ignore her," he muttered to me, and walked away.

My phone didn't ring, but his did. Over and over.

"Hello, sir. Regarding the wedding venue... any other specific requests?"

To ensure this bridge was thoroughly burned, I decided to leave them a parting gift.

I sat at the table eating my dry toast. Declan walked in, holding Lacey’s hand.

When he saw me, he dropped her hand like it was hot iron. "She... she gets dizzy in the mornings. I didn't want her to walk into a wall."

I smiled pleasantly. "Good idea. Wouldn't want her to bruise before the big day."

Declan stared at me, stunned.

Usually, I fought for every scrap of affection. I used to start a war if I caught him texting another girl. Now? I was Zen.

"Nora," Lacey said, buttering a piece of toast. "Declan booked a bridal fitting for me this afternoon. It’s a surprise for... well, just for fun. You should come help me choose!"

"Declan, you're crazy," she giggled, hitting his arm. "Making me wear a wedding dress right after I land!"

I shook my head. "Can't. Haven't finished packing for London."

Declan slammed his fork down. "What is wrong with you? She doesn't know anyone here. Would it kill you to be nice for one afternoon?"

I set my spoon down gently. "I am moving to another continent. My flight is next week. I need to pack. Is that valid enough for you?"

Declan deflated slightly. He looked down at his plate. "The flight isn't until next week?"

He was pushing me out the door, yet didn't even know when I was leaving.

When I didn't apologize, his temper flared again. "Nora, you think I’m going to beg you to stay? You think that little breakup speech last night means anything?"

He laughed, a cruel, sharp sound. "Fine! We're done! Happy?"

He grabbed Lacey’s hand and stormed out.

I finished packing. I looked around the apartment and realized there was almost nothing of me here.

I checked Declan’s social media. His pinned post was an announcement for a "Welcome Home" party tonight. A wedding reception in all but name.

My flight was actually today. I’d lied about the date.

I recorded a video message for the happy couple, scheduled it to send, and headed to the airport.

As I sat on the tarmac, my phone began to buzz. Once. Twice. Then a continuous vibration.

"Where are you?! Why did you post that video?"

"It's not what you think!"

"Come back right now!"

I declined the call and powered off the phone.

The engines roared to life.