Chapter 88~ I'm leaving

When they arrived at Nikolai's penthouse, Joane immediately retreated to her room, shutting the door behind her. She leaned against it, taking a deep breath.

She had to keep as much distance between them as possible, no matter how much it hurt.

Nikolai knocked softly on the door. "Sweetheart, can we talk?"

She steeled herself before opening it just a crack. "There's nothing to talk about, Nikolai. I need to rest."

"Joane, please," he pleaded. "I don't understand why you're pushing me away. Just talk to me."

"I'm tired," she repeated, her tone colder. "I need to be alone."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But I'm here if you need anything."

Joane peeped through her door as she watched him walk away, her heart aching. She wanted to reach out, to tell him the truth, but she couldn't.

Not when she would only bring him misery.

The following day, Joane waited for Arthur’s response and kept checking her phone but nothing came up.

Her waiting turned into weeks, and Joane co