Broken Engagement, Berlin Escape

ospital bed, I expected a wave of relief, a triumphant feeling of lib

mer together. His arm slung casually around my waist, our heads tilted together, a genuine, easy happiness in our eyes. A pang, sharp

remembered a hiking trip, me complaining about my tired feet, and him, without a word, scooping me onto his back. "I'll carry your burdens, always," he'd promised, his voice earnest, his breath warm a

ch. Every promise. My resolve hardened.

ried a small bag, the scent of sweet pastries wafting from it. "Good morning, sleeping beauty!"

said, my voice flat. I started gathering my few belongings, stu

tering. "Why not? They're

. "Too much stress. Too much rich food. The docto

heer. "Gastritis? Why didn't you tell me? Katelyn, why do you alway

were busy, Graham. You said you didn't want to be bothered."

so caught up..." He trailed off, his excuses sounding

's in the past." My tone made it clear th

when a familiar, shrill voice cut th

it

pose. "Look, Katelyn! Isn't it just gorgeous? I helped Graham pick it out. I have e

d instantly. "Britney, what are you doing here?" His voi

cold without my teddy bear. I accidentally left my favorite silk nightgown at your place, too. I was hoping to pi

c, desperate look, his face draining of color. "Brit

id I say that out loud? So sorry, Katelyn! I'm just so clumsy with my word

s dramatic. She left her... jacket at my place, that's all. She needed somewhere to stay, a friend helping a f

My gaze was calm, unwavering. "It's fine, Graham,"

tion he had expected. He had expected anger. Tears.

I said, my voice detached. "She clearly needs y

arm. He yanked me away from the cab, shoving me into the passenger seat of his own car. My phone, s

ealing, speeding down the street at a terrifying pace. My heart didn't even pound. I felt nothing. Just a hollow, ch

e contorted with anger, his eyes blazing. "Are you trying to kill me, Katelyn?

fusing to let him see any vulnerability. I reached for the door

face close to mine, his eyes desperate. He tried to kiss me. H

lips landed on my cheek, then on my jaw, before he finally pulled back, his eyes wide wi

he car, slamming the door shut. Just then, my phone, still lying on the pavement

the brightly lit screen. He saw the message, a notification fro

ng of realization. His grip tightened on th