The intercom crackled overhead, announcing my flight. I picked up my small carry-on and walked toward the gate. Once seated, I switched my phone to airplane mode.
I would never receive another message from him.
I stared out the window at the white clouds and blue sky, silently bidding farewell to the city that had held me captive for twenty-five years.
*Goodbye, Matthew James. I never want to see you again.*
At that exact moment, on a highway speeding toward the airport, the last message Matthew typed failed to send. A red exclamation mark appeared next to the text bubble.
The unsent message read:
*"Audrey, Julia Fox and I are only contract spouses. It's business. We can divorce in one year. Just wait one more year, and I can marry you properly. I love you. I really, really love you. I, Matthew James, have never loved anyone else in my life. You won't leave me, right?"*
Matthew stared at the screen, his face draining of color. He slammed the brakes, the car screeching to a halt on the shoulder.
"Get out," he rasped.
Julia Fox, sitting in the passenger seat, looked at him in shock.
"Get out!" he roared, his voice cracking.