Backup Girl No More: Adios To My V-Card and My First Love
Chapter 64

49.0 % Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Three days until I left .

I moved through my checklist methodically packing my suitcase , triple checking my documents , activating a new phone number .

Each action was mechanical , necessary , stripping my life down to its essentials .

Then , I drained my bank account , converting the bulk of my savings into euros .

The last thing left to do was replace someone to take over the apartment .

The girl who showed up was warm and full of life , her presence effortlessly brightening the small space .

Her boyfriend was with her , his hand resting easily at the small of her back as they moved through the rooms , exchanging quiet , excited glances .

Are you leaving all the furniture ? she asked hesitantly , her gaze flickering toward the fridge and couch .

They look brand new .

They were .

The old fridge had been a relic and prone to an incessant , grating hum that filled the apartment at night .

It disrupted my already fragile sleep , vibrating presence.Pax had been the one to replace it .

Youre seriously too frugal , Cecilia , he had said , shaking his head as he watched me debate over the price of a carton of eggs .

Then he had laughed , eyes warm with amusement .

You might actually be the stingiest person I know .

Excuse me ? I had tackled him onto the couch in mock outrage .

The cushions had long since lost their softness , reduced to something stiff and unyielding .

Falling onto it had been like hitting concrete .

I had winced , and Pax ever the instinctive protector had cradled the back of my head , absorbing most of the impact himself .

Yeah … this thing is long overdue for retirement .

Fine , I had agreed , rubbing my sore elbow .

Well get a new one .

18:02 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 19 2 % Chapter 10 His brows had lifted in mock surprise .

Wow , the miser is finally learning how to spend money ? This isnt spending this is investing .

In what , exactly ? In our home .

The new couch had been soft , decadent in its comfort .

I had flopped onto it with exaggerated satisfaction , sighing as the cushions embraced me .

This , I had declared , is what luxury feels like .

Now , standing in the same spot , I patted the couch absentmindedly , smiling at the girl .

Its still new , I said .

But I wont be taking it with me , so its yours if you want it .

Her face lit up .

She nudged her boyfriend with her elbow , excitement bright in her eyes .

Wow , thats amazing ! Thank you so much ! So … wed love to take the place , she added quickly .

When would be a good time to sign the lease ? Now works .

The contract was signed , the keys handed over .

We set the official move in date for two days later .

And then , just as we were wrapping up , she pointed at the desk .

Oh , is this your boyfriend ? I turned .

It was a framed photo .

Pax and I.

Captured in a moment that felt like a lifetime ago .

We looked … happy .

Like something that had once been real .

Like something unshakable .

You two look amazing together , she said sincerely .

Is he moving abroad with you ? 19.02 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 49.5 % Chapter 10 A pause .

A breath .

Then , my answer .

No.

Not before .

And certainly not now .

I reached for the forgotten frame , running my fingers absently over the glass .

Then , without hesitation , I tossed it into the trash .

My phone vibrated in my pocket .

Twice .

I pulled it out , unlocking the screen with muscle memory .

A new message .

From Pax .

I frowned , opening it .

An image .

Sunlight streamed through the hospital window , casting golden slats across his hair .

He was slumped forward , head resting against the side of a hospital bed , as if he had fallen asleep mid thought .

Something lodged itself in my throat .

Then , another message followed .

Stolen things will never truly belong to you .

Dont you think so ?