CHAPTER 005

CHAPTER 005

THREE YEARS LATER

The grocery store was busy, the chatter hummed and the carts clinked. Trying to ignore the noise around me, I moved through the aisles looking at my list. This was the last task on my long list for the day, and dinner needed to be made.  

I heard someone say my name and reached for a carton of milk.  

“Sarah?”  

The voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and I froze. Turning, I saw him. Jervis Stone. My heart skipped a beat. I hadn’t seen him in years, but he was the same—tall, confident, with the same easy smile I remembered from high school.  

I blinked in surprise, saying, “Jervis.” “I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said.  

He stepped closer, and said “Likewise.” “How long has it been?”  

I brushed a strand of hair out of my face and said, “Too long.”  

He said, with a warm tone, “You haven’t changed much.”  

I smiled, genuinely, and replied, “Neither have you.”  

He leaned casually against the cart, then asked, “What brings you back to town?”  

'I moved back a few years ago,' I said. “Back in the city, settled.”  

His eyes were kind, but probing as he studied me for a moment. “How’s life been treating you?”  

I said quickly, too quickly, “It’s fine.”  

For a second, his smile faltered. “Fine, huh? “That doesn’t sound too convincing.”  

I paused, not sure how much to tell. “It’s... complicated.”  

He nodded and repeated, “Complicated.” “Yeah, I know the feeling.”  

He paused, like that loaded with questions that hadn’t been asked. He then tilted his head slightly. “Are you married?”  

I said quietly, the word heavier than it should be.  

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but he recovered quickly. He took a moment to respond, “Well,” he said, “how about we catch up?” Let me drive you home.”  

I hesitated, then nodded. “That sounds nice.”  

The groceries were loaded into his car and we set off. The engine hum filled the silence, but at first the drive was quiet. It wasn’t awkward, though. It was comfortable, like an old rhythm you’re slipping into.  

He looked at me and said eventually, “So, are you happy?”  

I turned to look out the window, the question caught me off guard. “I’m... doing okay,” I said softly.  

He didn’t push me, just nodded, his hands tightening around the wheel.  

My chest tightened when we pulled into the driveway. Sleek and black, Rowan’s car sat there and parked like he owned the place.  

“Is that his?” His voice cautious, Jervis asked.  

I said yes, my heart starting to race.  

Neither of us moved, and we sat in silence for a moment. The front door of the house swung open just as I was about to open the door.  

And then I saw them.  

His arm draped casually around Lilith, Rowan stepped out. With her blonde hair gleaming in the sunlight as she leaned into him, she was laughing.  

I caught my breath in my throat.  

Jervis said softly, his hand hovering near mine, unsure if he should touch me, “Sarah.”  

I forced a tight smile and shook my head. I said it was fine, even though I felt like I might shatter.  

He asked concerningly, “Are you sure?”  

I opened the door, already saying, “I’m sure.” “Thanks for the ride.”  

Before he could say more, I stepped out, leaving the groceries in the trunk. My chest tight with anger, confusion, I walked towards the house, my legs feeling like lead.  

The house was eerily quiet, or rather so quietly that no single creak of the wood floor ceased to sound deafening. I didn’t have to search for them. I knew where they were already.  

Upstairs, Lilith’s laughter rang out, and then a sound that made my stomach churn.  

Slowly I was moving, deliberately climbing the stairs. I could barely hear anything else, but her voice was clear, too clear, my heart was pounding so loudly.  

The door to our bedroom was slightly ajar, and I reached it. I didn’t have to push it open to know what was happening, but I did anyway.  

There they were.  

Tangled together in the bed I had slept in for three years, Rowan and Lilith.  

I couldn’t move for a moment. I couldn’t breathe. I felt like I was going to fall and the world seemed to tilt.  

He looked up then, his eyes meeting mine. I thought I saw a flash of guilt on his face for a split second. The cold, detached expression I had grown so used to returned, but it was gone as quickly as it came.  

His voice was calm but firm, so he said, 'Get out.'”  

My throat was tight, and I stared at him. “How could you—”  

He stood and walked towards me, repeating, “Get out.” He moved slowly, deliberately, as if he wasn’t in the middle of betraying me in the most intimate way possible.  

I begged my voice to bit through, to break, “Rowan, please.”  

But he didn’t listen. His hand was firm, but not violent, as he grabbed the door and pushed me back.  

He slammed the door in my face, saying, “Don’t make a scene, Sarah.”  

Lilith’s laughter was sharp and mocking, flowing through the wood like it’d cut into him more than any of his words did.  

I stood there, my hands trembling, staring at the door. I felt like my mind was spinning, I felt like my chest was so tight that just trying to breathe hurt.  

Now what was I supposed to do?