Seven Days to Goodbye (Irene and Stellan) novel Chapter 8

Stellan finished his call and walked over, hesitating. “We should head back.”

I knew he meant back to New York.

The journey had run its course.

So I said, “Alright. Let’s go pack up at the hotel.”

Stellan seemed to have more to say, but I didn’t ask. I just left.

We packed our things and took a different route back to Anchorage.

That night, we found ourselves once again in the city.

After returning the rental car, we had dinner in downtown Anchorage.

Stellan pulled out his phone, checking flight details. “There’s a flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport tonight. We can grab a cab and-”

But I said, “Let’s say goodbye right here.”

I cut him off, my face cold.

“You promised to drive with me for seven days. Now it’s only day five, and you’re rushing to leave? Is your girlfriend throwing a fit?”

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Chapter 8

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Stellan looked stunned for a moment before his expression darkened.

“What girlfriend? I’m going back because-”

“Save it,” I interrupted again.

“Valentina called you at Hatcher Pass. You were already planning to leave then, weren’t you?

“And the night before last, you spent hours soothing her–I heard every word.”

I’d meant to provoke him, to push him away, but the anger was real now, burning through my carefully maintained composure.

No matter how hard I tried to believe he was focused on me these past days, his heart kept wandering.

Stellan stared at me, shocked. “You heard…”

I pulled the divorce papers from my bag, signed them without looking,

and tossed them to him.

“Take these and go comfort her. I’ll finish the trip alone.”

With that, I got up and left the restaurant.

I’d barely stepped outside when Stellan’s voice called behind me, “Irene!”

I stopped and looked back.

Downtown Anchorage was lighting up, tourists lined the street, snapping photos and browsing souvenir stalls.

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Chapter 8

In the fading twilight, Stellan stood at the crossroads of faith and reality, his gaze tangled as he looked at me.

“Rene, come home with me.”

His voice softened. “There are things I’ll explain to you, in time.”

My breath caught, every nerve and bone in my body seizing up.

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I knew he was telling me–in his way–that we didn’t have to divorce.

But it was too late.

Regret crashed over me like a flood, leaving me gasping for air.

I clenched my fists, choking back tears. “No need. Your explanations

don’t matter.

“I swore an oath. I hope you keep your promise.”

Hearing that, the emotion drained from Stellan’s eyes, retreating behind a cold, impassive mask.

He was silent for a long time before speaking in a low voice, “Alright. I’ll go back to New York first. If you change your mind, just let me know.”

He turned and walked away, step by step.

Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of loss swelled inside me.

I knew this goodbye was final–death, not just separation.

Regret hit me hard. I’d said so many cruel things and forgot to give

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