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 find 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 .

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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 ?