Page 89 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

Still worried, I head to the shower to cool oA and get Octavia ready for bed. The shower helped calm my runaway mind as fear began to creep in, adding to my growing worry.

-fter changing into my pajamas, I meet Octavia in the living room. She is still delighted, and her eyes shine on the bracelet. I asked again if Nick had told her anything about his sudden disappearance. She shakes her head and says no.

”Don't worry, Mommy. xe said he would be back,” Octavia says, Gashing me her innocent smile.

I hope so. I hope so.

”Well, alright, Octavia. *et's get you ready for bed.F I spend time with Octavia, reading her bedtime story before returning to my room.

It seems like Nick may not return my call today.

I can as well just get some rest. -s I arrange my pillows to my liking, I see something sticking out from under them.

Curious, I raise the second pillow and see a neatly tucked white envelope. I open the envelope and pull out the paper to read the contents.

Y-TXD WITx MB XR'S 18OTxX8 7V’

It is from Nick; I would know his handwriting anywhere: his writ" ing matches his personality. I can't describe it, but it just does.

I adjust on the bed as I begin to read the letter.

000

My dearest Isabel,

You're the absolute love of my life, and I'll be forever grateful for the love you showed me. I found joy with you, and I had hoped that it would continue forever.

It hurts that I have to break the promise I made to you. I know it is selfish of me, but I have to go. Greenville has nothing else for me. Please don't try to find me. I'll be long gone.

I'm sorry it has to end this way. Take care of Octavia and yourself. Love,

Nick

000

*ots of emotions come Gooding forth. I have never been so scared, heartbroken, sad, and angry all at the same time. My eyes are watering, my breathing is elevated, and my heart feels like it has been stabbed.

God no!

This can't be true; It can't be possible;

Nick can't do this to me.

Not after everything!

In denial, I try Nick's line even though a part of me knows the line

will never connect. Of course, I hear the female automatic voice saying the line doesn't eEist.

7’2 xX*XN 1*9MX

I pick up my pillow and scream into it so I don't wake Octavia. It's cold, but I'm sweaty. I've never been so confused.

Yor some reason, I keep reading and reading, hoping that what I am

reading isn't true. My fears have indeed come alive. I still Hnd it hard to believe that Nick would decide to move on and leave “reenville, leave Octavia, leave me, and communicate all that through a single letter.

A goddam letter!

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