But this was the real me.
I started gathering other things. Not much to pack, really. A few books. Toiletries. A photo of Aiden.
When I finished, I walked to Kirill's desk and pulled out the bank cards he'd given me, stacking them neatly on the surface. Then I took off the necklace and laid it beside them.
These things were too expensive. I couldn't take them. Didn't want to.
As I turned to leave, something pink caught my eye between some files.
My hands shook as I pulled out the envelope. In the fading light, I saw the intact heart sticker sealing it.
No sign it had ever been opened.
It had just been lying there under his papers, gathering dust on the exposed corner.
"Ha..."
A short laugh escaped me. Then another. And another.
I stood in that empty room, laughing until I doubled over.
Of course.
He hadn't even bothered to open it.
What the hell was I to him?
A convenient bed warmer? A shield to deal with Olga? A stray dog that wagged its tail for money?
I took a deep breath, even though it made my lungs ache.
Slowly, I tore open the seal. Unfolded the paper. My handwriting covered it, cramped and earnest.
I read those shy, sincere words I'd written. Tears finally fell onto the page despite myself.
Harper, you're a fool.
I wiped my face roughly, scrubbing away the tears. I wouldn't cry over him anymore. He didn't deserve it.
I grabbed a pen from the holder. At the bottom of the letter, I wrote one final line for Kirill.
"Kirill Orlov is a bastard."
I refolded the paper, slipped it back in the envelope, and placed it on top of the black cards and ruby necklace.
This was the ending.
I grabbed my suitcase and turned around. Olga stood behind me. She'd been there a while.
Her eyes went to the suitcase. A bitter smile crossed her face.
"Harper, have you made up your mind?"
I stopped, looking at this once-imperious woman. My eyes burned. Tears threatened again. Kirill was a bastard, but Olga wasn't. She'd given me something I'd rarely experienced—warmth from an elder.
"Yes, ma'am." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "It's over."
Olga closed her eyes wearily. "This is my fault. I was too stubborn. If I hadn't forced Kirill to marry you, if I hadn't insisted on pushing you together, you wouldn't have suffered like this. Aiden wouldn't have..."
