Chapter 9: The Last Goodbye

Back at the hotel, Derek and Lillian saw the headlines too. Other tourists were zipping up suitcases and arguing in the halls, panic swirling in the air. Rumors buzzed across the internet, growing scarier by the minute.

But instead of freaking out, Derek actually seemed giddy, and Lillian managed a nervous smile.

I stuffed my bag with valuables—passport, cash, watch, jewelry I’d bought Derek for Christmas. I left the rest behind, making it look like I was leaving in a hurry.

Derek watched me pack, and had the nerve to thank me:

"Aubrey, thanks. You’re even helping me pack. I didn’t expect my friend’s info to be wrong. Don’t worry—when I get back home, I’ll find a way to come save you."

I just smiled, making sure my mask stayed in place. He thought I was the loyal, forgiving girlfriend—so easy to manipulate.

Derek kept talking:

"I’ll definitely come back. It’s all my fault for trusting the wrong person. You’re so good—I really didn’t love the wrong person."

I barely heard him over the buzz in my head. I zipped my bag, leaving only the junk behind, and tried to blend in with the other anxious travelers. Just another woman out of place in a foreign hotel, eyes glued to the exit sign.

When the car finally arrived, the street outside was a chaos of honking taxis and tourists arguing in a dozen languages. I feigned nervousness, wringing my hands just so.

Derek shielded Lillian as they slid into the back seat, then turned to me with a look of practiced regret:

"Aubrey, I appreciate all your help, but you don’t have a ticket. Don’t try to squeeze in and cause trouble."

Lillian jumped in, voice high and falsely sweet:

"Yeah, Aubrey, earthquakes aren’t that scary. You’ll be fine on your own."

The door slammed in my face, and for a heartbeat, the city’s noise faded away, leaving only the echo of my own heartbeat. I watched the taillights vanish, and for the first time, the city felt wide open—like maybe my story was finally mine.