Chapter 14 Won’t Let Him Go
Finished
Of course Henry wouldn’t press charges against Chase–after all, the knife that cut him only had his own fingerprints on it. Chase hadn’t even touched it.
The more he thought about it, the more certain he was–Henry understood exactly how someone like Chase could leave a deep impression in Wendy’s heart. That was why he would never allow Chase to stand on equal footing.
They were both men. Chase could understand Henry, but he didn’t agree with him.
There were just two days left until Chase’s flight to Lemuria. This time, there were no issues with the ticket. Every day, he packed up his things, crossing off the days as they passed.
His roommate, a fresh graduate a few years younger than him, spent most of his time rounding with professors or gaming in their shared dorm.
He couldn’t believe Chase didn’t seem to have any hobbies.
“I mean, seriously–don’t you ever get tired of living like this?” His
roommate had just finished ordering skewers. Since they had to stay sharp for surgery, alcohol was off–limits, so they clinked cans of soda instead..
“Hm? Why would I be tired?” Chase rarely ate this kind of food.
He didn’t really have friends. For five years, he’d locked himself inside a tiny apartment with no
one to talk to.
Moving into the dorm had actually been a novel experience.
The roommate shook his head. “You don’t go out. You have no friends. You don’t play games. You don’t even watch movies. It’s always medical journals or case studies. That’s how people go nuts,
man.
Hobbies? Friends?
He’d have those.
Once he left Wendy behind, he’d start a new life. He’d have all of it.
“We haven’t been roommates long, but I think you’re a good guy. Here’s hoping you find a better future–and something you actually enjoy doing.”
They toasted with their sodas.
Henry stayed at the hospital for two days before the doctor cleared him to leave. Honestly, he’d been well enough to go home the moment he woke up, but both Stella and Wendy insisted on
observation.
Stella had brought Joy over to keep him company. She was packing up his things now, preparing to send him home.
Chapter 14 Won’t Let Him Go
Finished
“The house is finished,” Wendy said as she walked back in, having just taken a phone call. “You and Joy can move in right away. If anything’s missing, just let Sam know. She’ll take care of it.”
Henry grabbed her hand. “You’ve done so much these past few days. Let me cook for you tonight.”
“Yes! Daddy’s gonna cook for the pretty lady!” Joy clapped her hands excitedly. “Ma’am, my dad makes amazing food! Once you try it, you’ll never forget it!”
Wendy laughed. “I haven’t forgotten.”
Henry blushed, remembering the past. “Okay, sure, I used to be a pretty terrible cook. But when you’re living abroad, you have to learn fast or it’s nothing but sandwiches every day. I couldn’t take it. Let me show you what I’ve learned.”
“Forget it.” Wendy gently pulled her hand free. “You’re still healing. Cooking, cleaning–your wound might get infected. I’ll drop you two off and head back to the office.”
She turned to play with Joy, while Henry stared at her back, lost in thought.
Everyone kept saying Wendy still loved him–but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. She kept turning him down.
Would she really rather go back to the office than spend a few more minutes with him?
Chase clearly had more of an impact on her than he thought.
He needed to come up with a new plan.
They’d only brought one car. After dropping off Henry and Joy at Riverville Bay, Stella hopped in Wendy’s car, tagging along on her way to meet friends,
On the drive, Stella asked curiously, “Sis, why aren’t you getting back together with Henry?”
Wendy kept her eyes on the road. “I’m married. How could we get back together? Things are fine the way they are–I can see him whenever I want.”
“You can get divorced. And now that Chase is gone, why not be with Henry? Wait–don’t tell me you’ve fallen for Chase?”
The second she said it, Wendy slammed the brakes. Stella lurched forward in her seat.
“Sis, are you nuts?!”
“Chase is gone? Gone where?”
Stella blinked. She was genuinely shocked that her sister didn’t know.
“I came home yesterday and overheard Mom on the phone with Chase. She asked if he’d packed
his flight’s today.
Chapter 14 Won’t Let Him Go
Was he still planning to go to Lemuria?
Study abroad? Join the exchange program?
Wendy frowned. “What time’s his flight?”
Finished
Stella glanced at her phone. “About two hours from now. I heard Mom say Chase doesn’t plan on coming back. Once he finishes school, he’s gonna stay overseas for good. You two-”
“You’re taking a cab.” Wendy pulled over.
“What?” Stella stared at the crowded street. “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to find Chase.”
Who said he was allowed to leave?
Stella stood there, completely confused, as Wendy’s car disappeared into traffic. It took her a long moment to gather herself before calling Chase.
At the airport, Chase had been trying to pass the time with a podcast. Then he saw Stella’s name pop up on his phone.
Aside from Mandy, he didn’t want anything to do with the Quinn family. He let it ring, then declined the call.
Moments later, his phone buzzed again–this time with a message.
“Don’t
Wendy?
say
I didn’t warn you. My sister’s on her way to catch you. If you’re gonna leave, do it fast.”
Chase instinctively stood up. But when he glanced at the ticket in his hand, he froze.
He just had to get on the plane.
Once he got out of the country, he’d be free.
He put on his hat and mask, then moved to a quiet corner near a window–out of sight, but with a clear view. He couldn’t even focus on his podcast anymore. As he sat waiting, almost dozing off, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.
Of course Wendy didn’t come alone. Several people followed behind her. A few of them went straight to the check–in desk.
Wendy stayed where she was, dialing his number.
Chase didn’t answer. He turned his phone off.
Just thirty more minutes.
Chapter 14 Won’t Let Him Go
Finished
She had already stopped him twice. Chase couldn’t understand why Wendy kept doing this.
She didn’t love him. They were divorced. Why was she still so insistent on keeping him here?
When he asked for a divorce, he had it all figured out. Henry was back. Wendy still had feelings for him. They’d finally reunite after years apart, and Chase–he would just be forgotten. A footnote. A mistake.
His chest tightened. His eyes stung.
Why wouldn’t she let him go?
The people Wendy brought were talking to the airline staff. Before long, a few employees rushed. toward the gates, looking for someone. They soon arrived in Chase’s section of the terminal.
He kept his head down, hoping not to be recognized.
“Excuse me–are you Mr. Goodman?” one of them asked.
Chase sprang to his feet and ran.
