Pieces of Time

Im coming back. Are you still waiting for me?

The text from my first love came with a picture of a flight ticket from London.

Just ten seconds earlier, I had typed and sent my own reply: Im married.

My husband, Griffin, walked out of the bathroom, fresh from a shower. He saw the screen, and in one swift motion, he snatched the phone from my hands.

Is your jealousy really this out of control? Ive told you, Isabelle is the only one for me. His voice was laced with contempt. I promised I wouldnt divorce you. What gives you the right to grab my phone and stake your claim like this?

I was silent for a few seconds before I said, Thats my phone.

He had his ghost, the one he could never let go of.

But as it happened, I had my own untouchable memory.

My mind went blank for a moment, staring at the message that had arrived just two days ago. After all these years, I still knew his number by heart, but I never imagined Id actually hear from him. A wave of indescribable emotion washed over me.

Just then, the sound of footsteps approached from behind, stopping right at my back. The phone was ripped from my grasp.

Griffin glared at the screen, at the message I had sent ten seconds before.

Im married.

His head snapped up, his eyes filled with disgust. When did you start snooping through my phone? Are you really that insecure? Ive already told you, Isabelle is the only one who has my heart. He continued, his tone sharp and accusatory, I gave you my word that I wouldnt divorce you. Youll always be Mrs. Vance. So what gives you the right to reply on my behalf, to mark your territory?

He was even trying to un-send the message I had sent.

Looking at him, I felt a bitter irony. It was his constant trips abroad after our wedding that had forced him to confess about the idealized love he couldn't forget. He had promised me he wouldn't divorce me, as if it were a favor. Now, the way he spoke made it all sound like my fault.

As his brow furrowed deeper in frustration, I finally broke the silence. The phone youre holding its mine.

What did you say?

He paused, stunned. This time, he looked down and examined the chat window properly. When he saw the name on the plane ticket, he realized his mistake. His expression became unreadable.

Who is Noah Scott? he asked. His fingers tapped a light rhythm on the tabletop, but his eyes were locked on me.

I met his gaze, feeling a prickle of discomfort but refusing to show it.

My ex-boyfriend.

More than just my ex. He was my first love. We were together for four years.

Griffins eyes narrowed slightly. When did he go abroad?

Three years ago, I answered without thinking.

The tapping on the table stopped. He nodded slowly, a thoughtful look on his face. So, less than a year before we got married.

I nodded. The thought of Noah, no matter when, still left a dull ache in my chest.

So whats your plan?

I looked at him, surprised by the question. My plan? Since when did he care about my affairs?

He continued, Hes obviously coming back for you. You need to remember youre a married woman. If this gets messy, you know what my parents will say.

His words were a veiled threat, and it made me want to laugh. Was there anyone better at making things messy than him? Hed shown up late to our own wedding because of Isabelle. Hed flown across the world at a moments notice for her. Hed even plastered her face on every billboard in the city for her birthday.

Who could possibly be more scandalous than him? Everyone in our circle knew my title as Mrs. Vance was just for show. They all knew his heart belonged to someone else.

But what they didn't know was that I also had a memory I couldn't let go of.

I shrugged. I know what Im doing. Werent you the one who told me not to waste all my energy on you?

Griffin was clearly not expecting that response. He just stood there, momentarily speechless.

Ill admit, I couldn't let go of Noah. But Griffin and I were married, and I had genuinely wanted to make it work. I tried everythingbringing him lunch at his office, picking him up from late nights out with his friends.

All it earned me was a frustrated sigh and his cutting words: Cant you find something to do with your life? No matter how hard you try to please me, Ill never have feelings for you. Why dont you just find someone on the side? We can do our own thing, stay out of each others way. Wouldnt that be easier?

His words had left me burning with humiliation.

You have someone else, and so do I, I said now, my voice even. I want to see him again. You said it yourself, right? We stay out of each others way. So lets do that.

His brow tightened instinctively before smoothing out again.

Fine. Do what you want. He paused. If I remember correctly, Noah Scott is with Apex Industries, right?

I nodded.

A short, sharp laugh escaped him. And you really think hes coming back for you?

I looked at him, confused. He was being unusually talkative tonight.

I never thought Noah was coming back just for me. Our breakup hadn't been clean; it had been ugly and painful. I never imagined I would see him again in this lifetime. He was probably just returning to take over the family business.

But the condescending smirk on Griffins face was so pronounced it silenced me.

Apex is on a major upswing. Hes coming back to take the reins. You dont actually believe hes making a special trip for you, do you? Its been years, Audrey. Just because you cant forget him doesnt mean he feels the same. For all you know, hes just looking for a little fun, and youre taking it seriously.

My jaw tightened. I kept my voice neutral. You dont need to worry about that.

Whether hes looking for me or not, thats between him and me. You dont have to talk about him like that.

I had never used this tone with Griffin before. But I couldn't stand it. He could belittle me, look down on me all he wanted, but I would never let him say a single bad word about Noah. I had already hurt him enough when we broke up.

Griffin finally looked at me, his expression serious.

You love him that much?

Yes.

Our eyes met and held. After a long moment, he looked away.

Fine. Its your business.

With that, he walked out of the room. As his back disappeared, I let out a long, slow breath.

Noah still hadnt replied. A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. I typed another message.

Noah, is it really you?

Still no response.

My mind started racing. Did he send the first message to the wrong person? Or was he angry at my reply? The more I thought, the more my heart sank. Finally, I gave up, put my phone aside, and got into bed.

The phone remained silent all through the night.

I lay in the darkness, my eyes fixed on the nightstand where my phone rested. Just as a hint of drowsiness began to take over, the bedroom door creaked open.

Griffin lifted the covers and slid into bed.

I was stunned. Since our wedding day, we had always slept in separate rooms. We only put on a show when we visited the family estate, and even then, hed sleep on the floor.

I could feel his breath on my back, and my spine went rigid. I had no idea what he was thinking anymore.

The next morning, he was already gone to work when I woke up. I picked up my phone and saw a message from my father.

Come home this morning.

I frowned, wondering what was going on. I switched to my texts, but there was nothing from Noah. Not a single word all night. A bitter laugh escaped me. Of course. Id told him I was married; why would he waste his time? Shaking the foolish thoughts from my head, I got up and drove to my parents house.

As I stepped into the living room, I heard voices. My parents were laughing, chatting warmly with someone.

And the other voice

It was so familiar.

My heart began to pound in my chest. I walked further in, and our eyes met.

Noah.

Our gaze held for only a second before he looked away.

My mother rushed over, beaming, and pulled me in. You just woke up, sweetheart? Have you had breakfast?

Seeing her and my father fawning over him, I understood everything. Years ago, they had looked down on Noah, forcing us to break up. Now, with Apex Industries soaring, far surpassing our own familys company, they had invited him here. Their motive was painfully obvious.

I pulled my hand from her grasp, a wave of nausea washing over me.

She pretended not to notice, dragging me in front of him. Noah, you remember Audrey, dont you? Its been a few years!

My father chimed in with a grin. Thats right! You two old friends should catch up. Well leave you to it.

With that, my mother gave me a little push toward Noah and a meaningful look. The message was clear. They turned and walked away.

The silence in the room was deafening. He was sitting, I was standing.

Finally, looking at his face, more mature and defined than I remembered, a familiar ache settled in my heart. I was the one to break the silence. How have you been these past few years?

Fine.

Yesterday I saw your message My voice was strained.

He cut me off, his tone casual. And you replied, didn't you? Youre married. He paused. So what else is there to say?

I stared at him, a thousand words trapped in my throat, but I didnt know where to begin.

Our our marriage isnt like that Its just a business arrangement, I had no choice. He doesnt love me, and I dont love him.

Noahs dark eyes stared straight at me. He began to speak, his voice low. You know, a part of me really hates your parents. The things they said to me back then they looked down on me, thought my familys company was a dead end that would never amount to anything.

But look at us now. My company did alright for itself, didnt it? So well that even though youre married, they still call me over, hoping to use you to get something from me.

He let out another short laugh. Youre a smart girl, Audrey. You knew that, didnt you?

My hands clenched into fists, my teeth digging into my lip. I felt stripped bare, exposed and humiliated. He had every right to hate me. But it was only in this moment that I realized how much I couldnt bear it.

Tears I couldnt control began to fall, hot and shameful. I tried to wipe them away, but I didnt know what to say. The years of pent-up frustration and sorrow erupted all at once.

He watched me in silence as I cried, the tears flowing endlessly.

Finally, he sighed, a hint of helplessness in his voice. What are you crying for? You have everything now, dont you?

No its not like that I choked out, the words broken and incoherent. Why did everything have to be so complicated?

What was I supposed to do?

Just then, a low rumble of thunder sounded outside. Rain began to pour down, a sudden, violent downpour that mirrored the storm in my heart.

Im sorry If my parents contact you again, just ignore them

He stood up, straightening his clothes. You dont have to apologize to me. I wont be coming here again.

He turned to leave. In a panic, I grabbed his arm. He looked down at me, his eyes cold and distant. The look was enough to make me let go as if Id been burned.

Im sorry.

My parents, who had just started down the stairs, saw him about to leave and hurried to intercept him.

Noah, leaving so soon? Its pouring out. Why dont you wait a little longer? my mother pleaded.

We asked Audrey to chat with you. That girl doesnt know how to talk. If she said something to upset you, please dont hold it against her, my father added, shooting a harsh glare in my direction.

A chill ran through me, and I felt so weak I could barely stand.

Noah looked from my parents back to me, a faint, cynical smile on his lips. I have work to do. I should get going.

I quickly followed him out, my parents eyes boring into my back.

Once the front door closed behind us, I faced him. Can you give me a ride home? I took a cab here.

The rain was a torrential downpour. His car was parked in the driveway.

He gave me a curious look. What, youre Mrs. Vance now and he doesnt even get you a driver?

I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. The wind blew raindrops onto my hair, blurring my vision. We stood there in silence, our eyes locked.

Finally, he spoke. Get in.

A flicker of relief went through me. I nodded quickly and followed him. As we stepped out from under the porch, Noah suddenly took off his jacket and draped it over my head before walking unflinchingly into the rain.

The jacket still held his warmth, his scent. For a moment, I let myself indulge in the feeling.

Once we were in the car, he asked, Where to?

I snapped back to reality and typed the address into the GPS. I stared out the window at the rain streaming down the glass.

Your husband wont have a problem with me dropping you off? he asked.

His question felt like a twist of a knife. He always knew how to get under my skin, how to pull at every one of my emotions.