Ch. Mr.chatterbox for her, Mr.Icebox for me? Ice melts and so did my love. 30 Mr.chatterbox for her, Mr.Icebox for me? Ice melts and so did my love. 30

Chapter 9 

“Just one day?” 

I echoed softly. “Six dress fittings, Sean. You missed all six.” 

“Every time, you had time for Emma.” 

“We picked the venue? You had Emma help you choose.” 

“Our wedding menu? Had to fit Emma’s taste.” 

“Invitation designs-you said whatever. Then spent all afternoon picking her birthday gift.” 

“This isn’t one day.” 

“This is five years.” 

“Every single day, you chose her.” 

I said it all in one breath. My chest rose and fell. 

Sean stood frozen. 

Like my words had nailed him in place. 

He opened his mouth. Tried to argue. Nothing came out. 

Because he knew I was right. 

All those moments he’d ignored. All the “little things” he’d brushed off. Now they came flooding back. Drowning him. 

That first photo. Me in the wedding dress. Eyes sparkling. 

He’d been gaming with Emma. Typed back “looks good.” 

The boat. Me seasick. Pale, curled up in the cabin. 

Him and Emma on deck watching seagulls. Calling me a buzzkill. 

Countless nights. My messages lighting up his phone. 

Chapter 9 

“The moon’s so full tonight.” 

“The streetlight’s out. I’m a little scared.” 

“Sean, when are you coming home?” 

He’d either been texting Emma back. Or already asleep. 

Every moment he’d half-assed. Now they were needles piercing his chest. 

Thin. But they cut deep. 

Sean’s shoulders sagged. 

He dragged a hand down his face. 

When he spoke again, his voice broke. 

“Nora, I know I messed up.” 

“I know.” 

“Give me one chance. Just one.” 

“I’ll change. Everything. I swear.” 

“I won’t talk to Emma anymore. I’ll delete her. Block her. Never see her again.” 

“I’ll come home on time. I’ll cook for you. I’ll do whatever you want.” 

“We can… we can start over. Can’t we?” 

He reached for my hand. 

I stepped back. Avoided it. 

“Too late, Sean.” 

“Your promises don’t mean anything to me anymore.” 

“It’s like the almond. First time you forgot? I reminded you. Second time? I was hurt. Third, fourth…” 

“By the hundredth? I stopped counting.” 

“Now? I don’t hope for anything from you.” 

Chapter 9 

“Whether you come home, whether you talk to Emma-none of it matters.” 

“I don’t care anymore.” 

Sean’s hand hung in the air. 

He stared at me. Eyes turning red. 

“How can you not care…” 

“Nora, we’ve been together five years.” 

“Five years!” 

“You’re just… done? Just like that?” 

“Yes.” No hesitation. 

“I’m done.” 

“Sean, I don’t want you anymore.” 

That sentence was the final straw. 

Sean stumbled. Caught himself on the doorframe. 

He dropped his head. His whole body shook. 

A long time passed before he made a sound. Voice wrecked. 

“Then what… what am I supposed to do?” 

“Nora, tell me. What am I supposed to do?” 

“Without you… how do I…?” 

Tears hit the floor. Spread into dark spots. 

I’d never seen Sean cry. 

He’d always been proud. Composed. In control. 

Now he cried like a lost child. 

Once, maybe I would’ve softened. But now? I felt nothing. 

Chapter 9 

Almost found it funny. 

That’s how people are. 

Take things for granted. Only regret it when it’s gone. 

I looked at him calmly. 

Your problem.” 

“Not mine.” 

♡ (0) 

(0)