Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76

But late at night, when the apartment was quiet and I was alone with my thoughts, I’d check my phone. Scroll through my messages. Look for his name.

Julian.

Nothing. Not a single text. Not a call. Not even a fucking enl

Part of me had expected him to reach out. To beg me to come back. To promise things would be different.

But why the hell would he do that? He’s never loved you. Never wanted you for anything more than sex and convenience.

The realization settled over me like a heavy blanket. Cold. Suffocating. Final.

Hed held onto the marriage because of his pride. His possessiveness. His need to control. Not because he actually gave a damtr about me.

And now that I’d left, he was probably relieved. Probably already planning how to explain it to his grandfather. Probably already thinking about Victoria.

Good. Let him have her. Let them be together.

By Friday afternoon-exact

one week after I’d left Julian-the vest was finished.

I’d hand-stitched the lining-champagne-colored silk that would feel soft against Arthur’s skin. Added tiny hidden pockets on the inside because I knew he liked to carry his reading glasses and his pocket watch.

The final touch was embroidering his initials on the inside back panel. A.S. In thread so dark it was almost invisible unless you looked close.

A secret. Just for him.

I held it up to the light, examining every seam, every stitch. It was perfect. The best work I’d ever done.

At least I can give him this. At least I can show him I was grateful for everything he did for me,

Sophia came home late that night, looking exhausted. She dropped her bag by the door and collapsed onto the couch beside me.

“Is that it?” she asked, nodding at the vest.

Tomorrow was the birthday party. Tomorrow I’d see Julian again. Face his family. Pretend everything was fine one last time.

And then I’d be done. Free. Gone.

But first, there was one more place I needed to

Paws & Whiskers Café looked exactly the same as always. Same neon sign. Same cozy warmth glowing through the windows. Same cats lounging in the front display.

I pushed open the door, and the bell chimed overhead.

Marie looked up from behind the counter, her face breaking into a smile. “Elena! Haven’t seen you in forever. Where’ve you been, honey?”

“Busy,” I said, forcing a smile. “Just… life got complicated.”

Marie grinned and leaned in closer, dropping her voice like she was sharing juicy gossip. “Remember that cat who only ever liked you? Milo? Well, he’s got a new best friend now.”

“This ridiculously hot guy-I’m talking flawless fair skin, gorgeous face, broad shoulders, tiny waist. The works.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “He’s back there right now.”