After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 8

He had no clue. Five years ago, while he was busy living his own life, she was across the world, buried in her AI doctorate. He didn’t even know that Resonance AI, the groundbreaking algorithm everyone was raving about, was her work. She’d planned to tell him everything after they got engaged, to finally let him see who she really was.

But Waldo never got the chance to hear any of it.

She had kept her talents hidden because she wanted him to love her for herself, not her résumé. Now, looking back, it all felt like some kind of cruel joke.

“Waldo.” Catherine met his cold stare with a small, icy smile. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.”

The James Group had been searching everywhere for the creator of Resonance AI, waving around blank checks. She’d actually thought about giving him the system as an engagement gift. Now, what a waste. He didn’t deserve any of it.

Catherine didn’t say another word. She headed straight for her bedroom and dragged out a suitcase. This time, she moved quickly, packing only what was truly hers. From the safe, she took the encrypted USB drive with all her important files. She grabbed a few simple outfits. The expensive handbags and jewelry Waldo had bought for her? She didn’t even bother to look at them.

When she walked out, suitcase in one hand and her laptop bag in the other, Waldo’s face finally changed. He realized this wasn’t just one of Catherine’s moods. She wasn’t trying to get a reaction out of him or sulking for attention.

She was really leaving.

The realization hit him hard, cold panic flooding his chest at the thought of actually losing her. But Waldo was too proud to beg, even now.

As Catherine reached the door, Waldo stepped in front of her, blocking the way. He let out a breath. “Shirley was closer to me. She can’t swim, but you can. I thought you’d be okay for a bit…”

Catherine let out a laugh, sharp and bitter. “Sure, I can swim. But that doesn’t mean I can’t drown.”

What a joke.

Once, she would have loved him without a word. Just a frown from him would make her worry. A signature on a piece of paper from him, and she would treasure it for days. Even a second before she hit the water, Waldo had been her whole world.

Now, all she felt was the emptiness of it.

“Waldo, move.” Catherine’s voice was cold, her jaw tight.

He stared at her, stunned by the finality in her eyes. The same woman who, just last night, had promised in front of everyone to love him forever was now walking out like he meant nothing at all.