Chapter 6: Goodbye Gifts

After that day, I could tell—something shifted between me and Caleb.

But neither of us talked about Lillian. He didn’t try to explain, either.

He got even more generous—taking me to auctions, buying me anything I looked at. Whatever I wanted, someone would deliver it to my door.

I can’t remember who said it, but someone told me, Caleb treats every girlfriend well. He never gets stingy at the end—whatever you want, he gives. Money, connections, whatever.

It felt like he was closing out a tab at the bar—here’s what you’re owed, now get gone.

The night before his birthday, two contracts showed up at my door—a house in the suburbs, and a car. My hands shook as I held them. I called him, voice trembling.

He picked up fast.

I tried to sound normal. “It’s your birthday, and you’re giving me gifts this big. Doesn’t that feel backwards?”

He just laughed, gentle but a little distant. “What’s the loss? I like you. I want to treat you well.”

Like he was joking, but not really.

I clenched my palm, forcing myself to keep steady. “These are too much. Feels like a dowry.”

He was quiet for a long time.

I pressed my lips together, tears falling before I realized it.

Finally, his voice softened, almost far away. “Aubrey. Don’t overthink. Get some sleep. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night.”

Should I believe him? That he did all this because he liked me, not because he was about to say goodbye?