The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 699

But it also thoroughly cleared my head.

Glancing down at Ferris, who was slumped against my knees, I gently pushed him away. "Thank you for sending me the recording, and thank you for comforting me last night. I'm fine now. You can leave, Mr. Sterling."

Ferris stiffened. He looked up, staring at me in absolute disbelief. "Mr. Sterling? Selena, did you just call me Mr. Sterling?"

"Or Director Sterling, if you prefer." I met his gaze directly, taking in his reddened eyes, and spoke softly. "From now on, we're colleagues. And if you don't mind, Mr. Sterling, we can be friends too."

Just not husband and wife.

My relationship with him had truly reached the end of the line. There was no going back.

Tears shimmered in Ferris's eyes, the corners growing even redder. I didn't say another word. With calm determination, I pushed his hands away, stood up, and walked into the bedroom.

That was my stance—gentle but unyielding. I wasn't going to give him another chance.

I busied myself making the bed in the bedroom. I didn't know how much time had passed when a soft click of the front door echoed through the apartment. I stepped out to find the living room completely empty.

Ferris had left.

I turned back to the bedroom to finish tidying up, but for some reason, I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

The bedsheets were slightly rumpled, still bearing the faint indentation of two people lying side-by-side. There was only one pillow—mine, since Ferris hadn't used one last night. The tiny space still carried his lingering scent.

The familiar, crisp fragrance of pine.

But my heart felt as though a piece had been hollowed out.

I crouched down, resting my head against the edge of the bed. My eyes felt hot and damp. I reached up and touched my face—it was tears.