Chapter 27
730words
The elevator doors opened, and Jude stepped out. He was walking a few paces ahead before turning to look at her. "What's wrong?"
Callista put her phone away and followed him.
When they reached their rooms, which were right across from each other, Callista opened her door but didn't step inside.
"Jude, do you want to come in for a bit?"
Callista then turned around before adding, "What I meant was... should we try being together?"
Jude froze as he was clearly caught off guard. Callista, too, regained her composure and was about to retract her words when Jude beat her to it.
"Yes." He closed the distance between them with quick strides while gently shutting the door behind him.
Trapping her between his body and the wall, his usually composed demeanor gave way to an intensity that made his gaze burn.
"Should we keep going, Cal?" His voice, which was low and raspy, sent a blush up her ears.
She felt a rush of panic but didn't hesitate. "Yes."
Jude chuckled softly, cupping her face before leaning in to kiss her. What began as a gentle touch turned fierce and passionate in an instant, and everything spiraled out of control.
The next morning, Callista was woken up by the ringing of Jude's phone. Half-asleep, Jude answered it, but the conversation quickly snapped him awake.
Callista caught bits of the voice on the other end—it was about setting up a blind date for him.
"I've told you before, I'm not doing blind dates," Jude said hurriedly before ending the call.
Turning to Callista, he looked visibly flustered.
"My family's been really worried that I haven't gotten married yet. They've arranged a lot of dates before. I went to the first one because they tricked me, but I haven't gone since. Please don't misunderstand."
Callista, however, was fully awake now, and her rationality was restored.
She believed him. She also believed Jude genuinely liked her, without conditions.
But she wanted to be selfish for once. She didn't want to risk encountering another Jane in her life. Life had so much more to offer; she didn't need love to feel complete.
"Jude, let's not continue this."
Jude's face paled at her words.
"I'm really sorry, but you should leave," Callista said while lowering her gaze.
"My journey is coming to a close, too."
The room fell silent.
After a while, the door opened softly and then closed just as quietly. Callista felt a faint sting in her chest but let out a long breath.
Yes, she had been tempted, but she loved herself more. She had fought hard to reclaim her life; she wasn't going to give it up to be hurt again.
Picking up her phone, she replied to Jane's message. "Okay."
Just one last time—to close this chapter for good.
…
Callista booked a flight home. Jude had left earlier, and Callista spent the remaining two days traveling alone before flying back.
When the plane landed, she went straight to the restaurant where they had agreed to meet.
Luther was already there, waiting. She wasn't sure how long he had been sitting, but the moment she walked in, he shot to his feet. His eyes locked onto hers.
"Honey..."
He was wearing the custom-tailored suit she had ordered for their first wedding anniversary. But now, his frail frame made the once-fitting suit hang loosely, and his past elegance was entirely gone.
Callista felt no emotion, and certainly no pity. She sat across from him as he nervously handed her a bouquet of purple roses.
"I used to love purple, but now I don't.
"Because of you."
Callista placed the roses off to the side without a second glance, while Luther's eyes turned bloodshot.
"Honey..."
"Luther, if you insist on calling me that, there's no need for us to talk."
Her cold demeanor stopped him mid-sentence.
"Callista," he finally muttered in a trembling voice.
"I tore down the old rose garden and replanted purple roses. I brought over the chef from the honey garlic prawns restaurant and opened a new one right by the house. Whenever you want it, I can get it for you.
"I even redid the fireworks. This time, I'll be there to watch them with you," he said almost desperately.
Suddenly, Callista chuckled.
"Do you think I'd still want those things, Luther?"
