Prologue

One winter evening, amid snowfall, I stepped out of my estate dragging the large luggage along. I headed towards my car parked at the gate, sighing and licking my dry lips as I left behind the life that I knew. I heard frantic footsteps behind me, knowing that he'd run after me and it took me all I had to move forward.

Don't look back.

Don't hesitate.

Don't get distracted.

"Wait!"

Don't stop.

My heart breaks again, hearing his pleading voice desperate for me to stop. I hardened my resolve and plowed onwards, despite my desire to stop, to let him hug me, to let this nightmare be over. However, I wanted happiness and I couldn't live with this pain anymore so I needed a new start. I needed it, for my own sake. For my happiness.

"Please! Wait! Honey!"

I hated it when he called me by that pet name. I hated that he was my weakness, my kryptonite. I hated knowing that I'd drop everything for him, just to be with him. Shaking away any lingering thoughts, I opened the boot to load the luggage in and I went to the driver's seat. He caught up to me just when I shut the door.

"Don't leave me," he cried as he banged his fists on the window. "Please! I love you! Come back! We can talk this out. Please just listen to me!"

I took a shuddering breath, my grip tightening on the steering wheel as I switched on the car's engine. I can't break it down here. My resolve can't weaken any further now. Muttering under my breath to draw in whatever courage I had, I stepped on the gas pedal and drove out of the estate without looking back. 

Goodbye, V.