Chapter 9

After throwing away everything she no longer needed, Nora started packing her suitcase. She'd once tried her best to make this place feel like home, filling every corner with traces of herself. She used to believe that if Elliot saw her things everywhere, he would always be reminded of her. Over time, he'd eventually accept her, fall in love with her, and never want to let her go. But in the end, none of that ever came true. She had so many things that packing went slowly. By the time Elliot came home that night, she still wasn't finished. He pushed open the bedroom door, and the first thing he saw was the bed completely covered in clothes. His sudden entrance startled Nora. While she was still thinking of how to explain the mess, he asked before she could say a word, "What's all this? Are you going on a work trip?" Nora paused for a second, then turned away to keep packing. Out of his sight, a sarcastic smile tugged at her lips. She'd already quit her job, so how could she possibly be traveling for work? It seemed like it had never crossed Elliot's mind that she might actually leave him, but that was fine by her. She didn't feel like explaining anything, so she just nodded and said, "Yeah." "When are you leaving?" Elliot asked casually, not thinking much of it. Nora pondered for a moment and, for once, didn't hide the truth. "Tomorrow morning." Elliot didn't say anything else. He simply left the bedroom and went to make dinner. He was a great cook, but because of work, he rarely ever cooked for her. Having one of his homemade meals was a rare treat. Lately, though, he'd been cooking much more often—but those meals all seemed to end up being for Claire instead. After dinner, Elliot brought out a gift box and handed it to Nora, who was surprised. He almost never took the initiative like that. She didn't take the box. Instead, she asked him directly, "Is there something you want?" Elliot hesitated for a moment, remembering the way she looked when she walked away, then finally managed to apologize. "I'm sorry for what happened last time." Nora suddenly realized why he was acting so out of character tonight. But she had already made up her mind to let him go. If he wanted to protect Claire, that was his choice. It had nothing to do with her anymore. Her reaction was so calm that it caught Elliot off guard, but then, he remembered what he wanted to say and continued, "Claire's been in a really bad mood lately. I took some time off work so I could be with her for a few days." As he spoke, he kept glancing at her, waiting for some kind of response. But Nora's face was as calm as ever, without a trace of the anger she used to show whenever he wanted to see Claire. She sat quietly across from him, completely at peace. What did he expect her to do now? In the past, no matter what she asked—her birthday, holidays, anniversaries, or even when she was sick or hurt—he never once agreed to take time off to be with her. But now, just because Claire was a little upset, he immediately took time off and offered to be there for her. What more was there to say? "Do whatever you want," she replied nonchalantly. After that, she didn't say anything else. Elliot suddenly got up and hugged her. "Nory, Claire is Professor Reeves' daughter. She hasn't been doing well since he passed, and she's been really shaken up by the hostage incident. Just let me be there for her right now. I'll make it up to you later, okay?" Nora didn't agree or refuse, but the truth was, he wouldn't have a chance to make it up to her anymore. … Early the next morning, Nora had already rolled her suitcase to the door. Elliot even bought breakfast for her. "I'll drive you to the airport in a bit." She didn't say a word, simply sitting quietly at the table and finishing her breakfast. But right as she was about to leave, Elliot glanced down at his phone and, as she had expected, said, "Nory, something just came up. I can't take you to the airport, after all." She didn't even have to guess. It was obviously Claire. Nora nodded and said, "Go do what you need to do." Once she agreed, Elliot left without a second thought. Just before walking out the door, he turned back to look at her. "Let me know when you're coming back. I'll come pick you up." With that, he left for good. Nora watched his silhouette disappear down the hall and said softly, "Elliot, I'm not coming back." She took one last look around the apartment she had called home for six years. She remembered how excited and nervous she had been when she first moved in, and how lost and hurt she felt every time she was left there alone. Now, though, all she felt was relief and freedom as she walked away. Finally, she left a note on the table. "Elliot, we're over. I'm going back home to get married." With everything done, she rolled her suitcase out the door and headed straight for the airport. From now on, Nora would no longer be a part of Elliot's life.