Seven Days to Goodbye (Irene and Stellan) novel Chapter 5

Stellan was still deep in conversation with the other traveler, just about ready to head back, when my phone buzzed with a WhatsApp

message.

It was from Valentina. “Rene, do you really think reliving your old memories with Stellan will win him back? Don’t you know if I call him, he’ll drop everything and come running to me?”

Maybe it was being back in Alaska that made my heart feel lighter, but what once would’ve made my blood boil now just seemed childish and ridiculous.

No wonder, back then, whenever I showed Stellan her messages, he’d just shrug and say, “She’s watched too many soap operas. Why let it bother you?”

Even his tone then had a hint of indulgence.

I shook off the thoughts and typed back, “Your biggest priority right now is to delete every romance app off your phone.”

Then I blocked Valentina for good.

But just as I did, I saw Stellan pause mid–step, pull out his phone, and turn away to take a call.

I silently started counting.

At the 15th second, he turned to glance at me.

0.00%

10:55

Chapter 5

1233 Vounters

Another 10 seconds or so, and Stellan hung up, walked over, and looked like he wanted to say something but couldn’t get the words out.

What was left for me to misunderstand?

My heart felt like it had been tossed into the icy depths of a mountain lake, sinking straight to the bottom.

I thought about confronting him about Valentina’s message, about threatening him with the divorce papers, about demanding he stay.

But I realized none of it mattered anymore.

I steadied my breath, which had started to quicken, and asked, “What’s wrong? Who was that?”

Stellan hesitated, then shook his head with a forced calm. “No one. It’s nothing important.”

It felt like oxygen rushed back into my veins, and I let out a heavy sigh, silently mocking myself for being so pathetic.

I pretended nothing had happened. “Let’s go. I booked us a hotel in

town.

“We still have a full schedule tomorrow.”

Stellan nodded, saying nothing more.

Once we got to town, he bought me a new shawl and a red knit scarf.

That night, we lay side by side on the same bed, not touching.

In the dark, Stellan suddenly said, “Rene, can we just get along for the

20.19%

10:55

Chapter 5

18 288 Vouchers

next few days? No more fighting, please?”

I’d waited so long for a simple, peaceful request like that.

My nose stung, and I answered softly, “Okay.”

True to his word, on the third day of our trip, Stellan took charge- mapping out routes, handling all the meals, and lodging.

He didn’t just revisit our old haunts; he found new adventures for us,

too.

But that night, I heard him on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, talking on the phone for hours.

Every word sounded like a lover’s whisper, gentle and coaxing, meant for someone precious.

Unable to sleep from the pain, I lay awake and listened to every word.

The next morning, we both overslept and didn’t check out until noon.

As I reapplied my makeup in the car, Stellan glanced over. “Rene, did you sleep badly too?”

He hesitated, then tried to sound casual. “There was some bad news from New York last night, so I stepped out to take a call. Did I wake you?”

My hand froze mid–powder, and I looked at him.

He was never a great liar, and right now, he didn’t even try to hide the worry in his eyes.

42.66%

10:55

Chapter 5

288 Voucher

A sharp pain twisted in my chest, but I didn’t ask for details. I just shook my head.

“No, it’s just the pillows at that hotel. Couldn’t get comfortable.”

Stellan didn’t press.

We drove to a small town at the foot of the mountains.

When we visited five years ago, the place was run–down and quiet.

Now, five years later, the town had transformed–bustling with tourists for a local festival.

We settled into a bed and breakfast, and when I heard there’d be a bonfire party that night, I rented a kuspuk and braided my hair.

Stellan changed into a kuspuk too, waiting for me in the dressing

room.

From the mirror, I watched him in that black kuspuk, and one phrase echoed in my mind. “Stern and craglike, like a lone pine standing by itself…”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify