Rhys didn't even show up for my father's burial.

I could only remember my father's last words, his hand gripping mine before his eyes closed for good. "Rhys is a good man. He's an ambitious man, so it's understandable that he's busy with work. I don't hold it against him. Don't you fight with him when you go back."

But, Dad, he isn't busy with the company. He's busy with Penelope.

I wiped away my tears, washed the few dishes in the sink, and put everything away neatly.

The countdown to my departure had begun.

Six days left.

Day One.

I went alone to the office of Julian Sinclair, Rhys's direct superior.

"This is the property transfer application for Rhys Covington and myself. As per the company's senior management regulations, I'm hoping you can approve it as soon as possible," I said.

Julian's hand, holding a coffee cup, froze mid-air. He set the cup down and picked up the document, his eyes scanning it carefully. When his gaze fell on Rhys's signature beside mine, he let out a long sigh.

"You and Rhys always seemed so happy together. How did it come to this? Dividing your assets?"

Yes. How did it come to this?

Mrs. Sinclair had introduced us. He was a rising operations director at Northwood Forestry; I was a project planner for a nonprofit. Everyone said we were a perfect match.

But ever since Penelope returned, all I heard was, "Director Covington is just so devoted to Ms. Croft."

I shook my head, clearing the chaotic thoughts from my mind. "Mr. Sinclair, you can't force feelings. We just want to sort this out quietly."

He said nothing more, simply placing the application in a drawer. "Come pick up the confirmation from my assistant in a few days."

Leaving his office, I walked to a popular cafe in Aspen Creek.

As I approached the counter, my gaze fell on a shelf filled with expensive Geisha coffee beans. In five years of marriage, I had never splurged on a single bag.

Noticing my gaze, the barista, Chloe, smiled. "Just the other day, I saw Director Covington buy several bags of our Geisha. Are you out already? Wow, Ms. Thorne, he really spoils you."

My hand, holding my wallet, froze.

I wasn't even in town a few days ago, and Rhys had never bought Geisha for me.

I remembered Penelope's constant social media posts boasting that she only drank pour-over Geisha. The truth hit me with a dull thud: those coffee beans were for her.

Five years of managing his life, his home, his social obligations, had never earned me a single bag of coffee.

Penelope returned, and she got several.

I couldn't tell if the feeling in my gut was sadness or rage. Facing Chloe's envious smile, I managed a tight one of my own. "One bag, please. I'm buying it for myself."

Day Five.

I picked up the approved documents from Julian's assistant. Then I went straight to the community center where I volunteered to sort out my handover.

The community committee office was quiet.

When I reached my desk, I found my notebook buried under a pile of things that weren't mine. Aromatherapy diffusers, high-end stationery, and luxury brand silk scarves were piled high, occupying every inch of my space.

My notebook was crushed at the bottom. By the time I pulled it out, a permanent crease marred the cover.

A volunteer at the next desk leaned over. "Those belong to Ms. Croft. Director Covington brought them in himself while you were away. He said since you barely use this desk, it might as well be put to use."

That "Ms. Croft" was Penelope.

Just a month ago, she had broken up with her boyfriend and returned to Aspen Creek. Now she was a temporary volunteer here.

I let out a short, bitter laugh, swept all her belongings onto the floor, and began packing my own things.

Just as I was about to finish, a sharp gasp came from the doorway.

Penelope stood in the doorway. And right behind her was Rhys.

"Rhys, look," Penelope’s voice quavered, dripping with manufactured hurt. "My things… they’re all over the floor!"

Rhys strode forward, his first words a cold accusation.

"Audrey, it's just a few things. Since when are you so petty?"

Penelope tugged on Rhys's sleeve, her voice soft and wavering. "I'm so sorry, Audrey. I just thought since you were away, I could borrow a little space. I had no idea it would upset you… It was an honest mistake."

She even bowed her head, a perfect picture of contrition.

Rhys immediately steadied her, his gaze on me sharp and cold. "Audrey, don't push it. Penelope didn't mean any harm. Drop it."

How many times had he gotten angry with me because of her? I'd lost count.

I had no energy for their little drama. I picked up my box and walked toward the exit. But as I passed Penelope, a high-heeled foot shot out, tripping me.

Rhys's eyes widened. He instinctively reached for me, but his hand caught nothing but air.

I crashed to the floor. The contents of my box scattered, and my wrist scraped hard against the rough ground.

Rhys rushed toward me, extending a hand. Then his eyes caught something among the mess. He bent down and picked up two pieces of paper.

"Community Committee Resignation Letter? And this…"

I scrambled to my feet, snatching the papers from his hand. "I've got it. Don't touch my things."

My fierce reaction took Rhys aback, and he just stared. "You're resigning?"

My lips parted, but no words came out. Before I could form a reply, Rhys suddenly laughed. "Wait, if you resign… that frees up a permanent spot on the committee, doesn't it? If Penelope could get that position, she’d finally have a stable job. Then I could stop worrying so much."

The excuse I'd been about to offer died on my tongue. I gave him a long, hard look, then turned and walked out of the office, leaving the rest of my things scattered on the floor.

After submitting my resignation, I was surprised to find Rhys waiting for me at the door, holding my box.

He saw me, pursed his lips, and handed it over. "Your things."

My expression softened slightly. Just as I was about to thank him, he continued, "Could you write Penelope a letter of recommendation? It would give her a better shot at getting hired."

A sudden breeze made my eyes sting. I rubbed them and said softly, "Okay."

Consider it the final payment for our marriage.

Rhys seemed pleased. A smile touched his lips. Then he remembered something. "What about you? What's your next move?"

I turned my head away. "I'll keep doing project planning at another nonprofit."

Rhys nodded, looking relieved. He set the box down and pulled me into an embrace. "Audrey, marrying you was the smartest thing I've ever done. Once things calm down, I promise, we'll go back to your hometown together. We'll finally have that drink with your father."

I leaned against his broad chest, my heart clenching with a pain so sharp it stole my breath.

Too late. It was all too late.

Before Rhys could say more, Penelope drifted toward us. "Rhys, I don't feel well. Let's go home."

Her cheeks were rosy; she didn't look unwell in the slightest. I said nothing and stepped out of Rhys's embrace.

Just as I expected, he released me instantly, his expression shifting to one of alarm. "I'll take Penelope home. We'll talk later."

He carefully draped an arm around her, holding her as if she were made of glass.

I didn't stop them. I bent down, picked up the box again, and on my way past a recycling bin, I threw it in. I no longer wanted anything Rhys had touched.

On my last day, I prepared a barbecue, a farewell for my friends. Most of them were Rhys's colleagues.

As I brought out the last of the grilled corn, I heard a commotion from the backyard.