“Kiki, please don’t file a report. I beg you. I’ll never ever do this again. Just don’t file it.”
Kiana was silent for a moment, considering whether to file or not.
On the one hand, she wanted to teach this brazen woman a lesson, to show that not everything is forgiven.
On the other, dealing with the police, investigations, statements—was it worth the hassle?
“Fine,” she said finally. “I won’t file a report. But on one condition.”
“What is it?”
“You and Darius never appear in my life again. No calls, no visits, no requests. I’m filing for divorce, settling everything quickly and quietly, and you both disappear forever.”
Ms. Sterling sniffled.
“Okay. Okay. Whatever you say. Just don’t file the report. We have a deal.”
Kiana disconnected the call and handed the phone back to Darius.
He took it with trembling hands, looking at her forlornly.
“You’re really not going to file a report?”
“I’m not,” she answered. “But on the condition that you move out of here today. Take your things and leave—and never come back.”
He nodded without looking up.
“I… I understand.”
Kiana turned and walked into the bedroom to collect her bag.
Behind her, she heard him stand up, walk to the room, and begin stuffing his things into plastic bags.
Half an hour later, he stood in the hallway with two suitcases, pale and defeated.
“Kiki,” he said softly, “I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean it.”
She raised her hand, stopping him.
“Don’t. Just go.”
He nodded, opened the door, and left.
The door closed quietly, almost soundlessly.
Kiana remained standing in the entryway, staring at the closed door.
Inside she felt empty.
Not pain, not sadness—just emptiness.
Like after a long illness when the fever has broken and only weakness remains.
She went back to the kitchen and sat by the window.
Outside, the wind was rustling, chasing gray clouds across the sky.
The day promised to be gloomy.
Kiana pulled out her phone and texted Shauna.
Changed my mind. Not coming over. Everything sorted itself out.
The reply came almost immediately.
Are you okay?
I’m great.
She put her phone away and looked out the window.
Life was going on.
People rushed to work.
Buses rattled at the stops.
Children laughed somewhere in the distance.
