Chapter 76

Chapter 76

As Leanne descended the stairs, she casually mentioned to Laura, “Hey, could you swap out my sheets and comforter later? They reek of booze.”

Laura, ladling out some of the fish chowder she had been simmering in the kitchen, chimed in, “Do you think it’s time to get the cat vaccinated?”

“I’ve already set up the appointment,” replied Leanne, sliding a loaf of bread into the toaster. “I’ll take him for his shots and a check-up this weekend, then I can drop him off at the neighbors’ in Building 12.”

Laura couldn’t hide her pride as she said, “The gentleman over there said he’s worried the kitten might get lonely, so he’s decided to adopt the mother cat too. It’ll be nice for them to keep each other company.”

“That’s great news.”

With the hospital colleagues, Joy’s boss, and Selina’s friends all pitching in, homes for the cats were quickly found.

Leanne couldn’t help but smile, glad for the good turn of events.

The aftermath of last night’s drinking left her with little appetite, yet the food was delicious. Honestly speaking, Laura’s culinary skills were top-notch.

It would be a shame not to enjoy those dishes.

“Could you box these up for me?” Leanne asked.

aura misunderstood and quickly started boxing up, beaming with excitement, “Mr. Curtis

ves my food. He’ll be thrilled!”

Leanne didn’t correct her as she put on her coat and wrapped a scarf around her neck, ready to step out.

That was when Curtis walked in, holding a pale yellow box that seemed to contain some sort of pastries, but Leanne didn’t pay it much mind.

Pulling off his leather gloves, Curtis glanced at her, “Heading out?”

“Yeah,” Leanne said, pulling her beanie down over her ears.

Ever since Curtis had returned from his trip, their conversations were always tense, but today she was surprisingly calm, so much so that it unsettled him. He took off his coat slowly, eyeing her, “What happened yesterday that sent you off to drink alone?”

“It’s nothing,” Leanne muttered, bending down to lace her boots. “Nothing important.”

Crying her heart out had somehow brought her peace.

Chapter 76

The revelation that Curtis had never loved her hit her like a ton of bricks, almost shattering her to pieces. But in the aftermath, she felt reborn.

It was like a storm that had destroyed a city but also cleared the skies above that had been overcast for years.

With the storm gone, the light poured in.

Leanne felt an unprecedented sense of calm and ease.

If Curtis had never loved her, then there was nothing to cling to, nothing worthwhile.

She regarded the three years of wasted time and emotion as nothing more than caring for a stray dog.

Nothing in the world could hurt her now. She was armored, with no vulnerabilities.

Stepping outside, Leanne felt the slight thaw in the air as the past days’ snow had stopped. She stood on the front steps, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath of the crisp air, letting it fill her lungs before exhaling slowly.

The morning sun warmed her face.

Curtis watched her silhouette against the light, feeling that something was amiss but unable to pinpoint what it was.

He wanted to ask more, but Leanne opened her eyes and descended the steps.

“Need a ride? Jake can take you,” he called after her.

“I’ve put off something for too long. It’s time to settle it today,” Leanne said without looking

back.

Laura

tidying the upstairs room, and came down just in time to see Curtis enter

e outside, Leanne drove away with the lunch box.

puzzled, “Wasn’t the food for, you Mr. Curtis? Where is she going with it?”

used, turning to look outside.

– Bentley was already pulling away from the yard.

His expression was complex.

Clearly, the food wasn’t meant for him.

What was she going to do?

Why did that word seem so unsettling?