Page 106 of The Protégé

The house is exceptionally quiet. She has to be home. Her car is parked in the spot next to mine. A sick feeling clenches my stomach. I walk into her bedroom, but I don’t see her. The closet door is ajar. I open it and my heart collapses.

“Kate!” I cry, rushing to her limp body, dangling from a rope that was secured to a steel bar.

I know she’s gone from the look of her pale skin. With trembling hands, I remove the rope from her neck, carry her out to the bedroom, and gather her into my arms. I cry like when my mother died.

Why is this happening to me? Why are the people I love dying? Am I cursed?

Call the authorities,I hear an inner voice call out.

I wipe the tears from my eyes so I can look at the numbers on my phone to call the authorities, giving them my address. They ask more questions, but I don’t hear them. I don’t have the energy to think. I just want to hold on to Kate for as long as I can.

“Please hurry,” I say to them and hang up, turning to my fiancée. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you. I’m so sorry.”

While I wait for the police to show up, I intertwine my fingers with hers. The simple engagement ring gleams from her finger.

Why, Kate?I know it’s a stupid question, but I can’t help but ask it. She must have been devastated that I missed our lunch date. Her depression has gotten worse in the last few weeks.

What kind of fiancé am I?

I glance at the opened bottles of medicine on her nightstand. I’ve seen her moody, but didn’t know it was this bad.

My chest feels like it caves in, andI know that a part of me has died with her.

“I’ll never forget that day,” I said, feeling lighter by sharing this memory with Elena. “I shouldn’t have cancelled our date. She tried her best to fight the internal monsters, but they were too much for her. I wish I could’ve helped her.”

Elena threw her arms over me. “I’m sorry to hear that.” She drew back, her eyes full of emotion. “I think she knows how much you wanted to help.”

“I always wondered what if I hadn’t been out that day. Would she still be alive? The guilt ate at me. The toxicology report showed high levels of antidepressants.”

I saw a part of me in my father, who had always placed work before his family. I had done that to Kate on that awful day.

Elena’s hand rubbed the area below my neck where my necklace had been. “It’s hard to know what goes on in someone’s thoughts. I’ve seen people who always wear a smile, and yet they’re suffering inside. I know this is hard, but you shouldn’t blame yourself.”

“Thank you for listening.”

An understanding smile slid onto her lips. “You’ve worn the necklace for so long. Seems too bare around here.” She brushed her fingers around my neck and collarbone.

“Seven years.” I took her hand and interlaced my fingers with hers. “But it’s time I give myself permission to heal and move forward.” I kissed her fingers. “You inspired me to do that.”

Surprise and honesty gleamed in her eyes. “I tried to be understanding, but it’s hard to see your boyfriend wearing another woman’s ring, you know? I don’t mean to sound petty. I’m just being honest.”

My heart swelled. “I appreciate your honesty. I wouldn’t want you wearing another man’s jewelry either.”

Her eyes brightened. “Oh, I almost forgot this.” She got out of bed and rushed to her purse, searching for something. She found it and brought over a gray box in her hand. “For you.” She placed the box in my hand.

“You proposing to me or something?” I teased.

“Nope. I’m not that kind of girl. Though I’m all about empowering women and all, I prefer a man to get on his knees for me.” She wiggled her eyes, and I knew the horrible event she’d experienced had faded from her mind. “Open it. I made it for you.”

I removed the lid, dropped it to the bed, and held up a masculine bracelet in my hand. It had small leather straps intertwined together, creating an exceptional texture along with the metal accents and a unique clasp. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

Joy burst in me as I watched her put it on. No woman had made me a gift like this. My mother had made me wonderful things, but that was different. I couldn’t explain this happiness enrapturing my entire body. It was like watching a new life form in the dark universe, where a new star just emerged revealing itself to the world.

“What did I do to deserve this special gift?”

She shrugged. “Because you braved the dirty obstacle course with me. I knew it wasn’t your thing, but you did it anyway. That deserves a reward.”

A thought occurred to me. Though I wasn’t thrilled about the mud course, after reaching the end, a sense of accomplishment overcame me. But being with her made it more special.

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