, Because I failed to push him away., He sure has a knack for making a drama out of nothing., But let him live in his little fantasy world if it makes him happy. The deeper he digs into this, the harder he's going to fall in the end., Maybe it's some cosmic payback, or perhaps it's my parents watching over me from the great beyond, feeling sorry for all I've given over the past decade. That's why Conrad can't seem to move on from what we had.,

"Ivan will drop off a new phone for you. Go home and get some rest,

" Conrad said, finally letting go of me., He walked away, his back straight, just like old times., I used to watch him walk away and feel over the moon. Now, it just felt surreal, almost like he was a stranger., As I was heading out, Ivan was already there,

"Ms. Hudson.

", I wasn't his assistant anymore, but he still called me that., It was just a title, and I didn't bother to correct him.,

"Mr. Wagner got you a new phone. It's the brand you like, latest model,

" Ivan said, handing me a bag., I didn't take it, just said,

"No need, just let me use your phone for a bit.

", Ivan froze,

"Ms. Hudson...

", He stopped mid-sentence, catching my eye, knowing full well when I say no, I mean it.,

"So, can I use your phone or not?

" I said, heading for the door.,

"Yes, yes, of course,

" Ivan quickly handed his phone over., I took it, gave Ivan a nod, and he smartly stepped back. I dialed Charlie's number., -Sorry, the person you are trying to reach is currently unavailable., The message made my grip on the phone tighten. Charlie's phone was off. Was he on a plane back home?, I tried my own number, and it rang, but no answer., That didn't make sense., If Charlie was back, my phone should be unreachable too., Maybe he was mad, knew I would call, and deliberately set his phone to block my calls?, The thought crossed my mind, but I immediately dismissed it. Charlie wasn't that petty., Even mad, he'd listen to my side., But why was his phone off?, Suddenly, I was worried and called the hotel he was staying at, only to find out he had checked out., Charlie was gone, but where to, I had no clue., My heart was a mess in that moment., But not being able to find Charlie was a fact, and my being upset wouldn't change that. Ivan was still waiting, and it was too early to disturb anyone else, especially Henry., He had a game today, and he might already be at the venue., With that thought, I returned Ivan's phone and headed towards him., He opened the car door for me, Conrad's personal car, which I had ridden countless times before., I thought I'd never step foot in it again., I didn't make a fuss about not, getting in True detachment isn't et, about Butting off all ties but being, able to face everything about them with a calm heart., But sitting in the car, I realized I wasn't there yet., Everything was just as it had been,, , even the neck pillow t, the passenger seat was still in, place., its, on, That was my neck pillow, for relaxing my neck during our commutes., But we were over, and he was with Haley now. Shouldn't he have gotten rid of my things?, Had Conrad forgotten, or was he holding onto the hope that I'd use it again someday?, Lost in thought, Ivan handed me a box. Looking at the packaging, I turned to him. Ivan just smiled,

"Mr. Wagner's idea.

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