Beyond The Lie

Chapter 52: It's Over!

Adeline.

I grabbed my phone on the first ring. "Hello?" I answered, expecting Eryx's voice on the other end. "I'm outside," he said, his deep voice sounding unusually cold. But I knew better than to read into it. With everything that's been going on, I could cut him some slack. "Can you come out?" he asked, his tone still detached. I pushed aside my initial hesitation. He didn't just call; he showed up! "Yeah, sure!" I replied, trying to sound casual despite my growing excitement. The line went dead, and I couldn't help but feel a thrill.

I turned to Emily, who was watching me with curiosity. "Eryx is here," I announced, standing up. "I'll be right back!" I trailed off, not needing to explain further. Emily nodded in understanding.

As I made my way out, I passed by Dad, who was relaxing in front of the TV. He deserved it after working so hard to give us a good life. "Where are you going?" he asked, not looking up from the screen. "Just outside," I replied, slipping out the door.

***

As I stepped outside, I scanned the street, my eyes locking onto Eryx's SUV in the distance. I walked towards it, my heart beating slightly faster with each step. When I reached the vehicle, Eryx was standing beside it, his expression unreadable. I halted in front of him, and an awkward silence fell between us.

The stillness was oppressive, making me feel like I needed to fill the void. "Is everything okay with your father?" I asked, trying to break the ice. Eryx nodded curtly. "It's going on," he replied, his voice flat.

Another silence descended, and I felt compelled to speak up again. I didn't want him to sink into sadness. "I was worried when you didn't pick up my calls," I admitted, trying to ease the tension. "I know you're busy, but—"

Eryx's expression didn't change, but he finally spoke up. "About that..." he began, his voice measured. "The deal is off. It's over. We don't have to pretend anymore." He paused, his eyes locked onto mine.

A beat passed, and my mind reeled. What did he mean? The words hung in the air, making the back of my neck heat up with a mix of shock and embarrassment. No, he couldn't mean that. He must have meant something else. My heart racing, I searched his face for clarification, but his expression remained enigmatic.

"Uh?" I stuttered, my mind reeling from his words. Eryx hesitated, his eyes avoiding mine before he finally spoke up. "That... our arrangement, it's over. What we created, it's... done." His voice was detached, but I sensed a hint of regret. "Thank you for your kindness, and I'm sorry for the trouble I caused you. I'll make it up to you."

My world crumbled around me. End? Just like that? I opened my mouth to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. I blinked rapidly, fighting back tears. My eyes stung, but I refused to let them fall. I looked down, my vision blurring.

Yes... right... it's the end. A tidal wave of emotions crashed over me. I wanted to scream, to yell at him, to demand that it couldn't end like this. But what was the point? I took a deep breath, and then another, trying to calm the storm within me. Slowly, I nodded.

Eryx mirrored my gesture, his expression a mask of indifference. But for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a flicker of sadness in his eyes.

"I'll make sure the media coverage is removed and everything is resolved in your favor," Eryx said, his voice devoid of emotion. I nodded, summoning the strength to meet his gaze. I searched his eyes, desperate to find a glimmer of hope, a hint that this wasn't the end. But there was nothing. No warmth, no love, no affection. Just an empty, dark void.

My heart sank, feeling like it was shattering into a million pieces. "Take Care!," he said, his voice firm, final. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Not that. Please, not a goodbye.