As I sat in my car, staring at the apartment door, Stella had just walked out of, knowing she was heading straight to my apartment. Good thing I had already packed up.
Still, I felt an unexpected hollowness settle in my chest.
I had spent so much time planning this moment, orchestrating the perfect way to expose Nicolas and make him suffer. I should have felt victorious. I should have been satisfied.
But instead, I felt… nothing.
Or maybe something. Something heavy. Something bitter.
I listened through the mic, waiting for some reaction from Nicolas, some sign of panic, regret, or desperation. But there was only silence.
And then—
A deep, shuddering exhale.
A sound of movement.
Then, something unexpected.
Laughter.
Low at first, then growing louder.
I tensed, gripping my phone
