Ditching Me for His 'Soulmate'? His Loss. Next Stop: My New Life novel Chapter 46

Chapter 6

The moment Rhys learned I had returned to the SLC, he dropped everything without hesitation. He booked the earliest flight he could find and hurried after me, as if the distance between us was unbearable. I had hoped for a quiet refuge—a chance to gather my scattered thoughts, sort through my feelings, and begin anew. But Rhys offered no such respite.

“Yolanda, why did you just vanish without a single word? Do you have any idea how frantic I was, searching everywhere for you?” His voice was sharp, laced with frustration and something deeper—hurt.

In all the years we’d been together, I’d rarely seen him lose his temper. Yet now, his anger seemed raw and genuine, striking me harder than I expected.

“Everyone was waiting for you on that big day! How could you be so selfish?” he demanded, his eyes burning with accusation.

Was this really all because I hadn’t come home the night before? I met his gaze, nodding slowly.

“Yes, exactly because you didn’t come home. If I ask where you were, can you tell me honestly, right now?”

“I already told you! My advisor called me in—there was a data set in the lab that wasn’t matching up. It was urgent!” I tried to keep my voice steady, but bitterness crept in.

A bitter laugh escaped me. “Rhys, I’m starting to think you can lie now as easily as you breathe.”

He stepped closer, his expression darkening. “I left so everyone could save face. Don’t you realize what you’ve done? Don’t you even have a clue?”

“What have I done? My conscience is clear!” I shot back.

SLAP!

Before I could stop myself, my hand connected sharply with his cheek. I’d been holding back since I saw him, but the anger inside me swelled like a balloon stretched too thin—until it finally burst.

Chapter 61

I could feel the curious stares from the people around us, but I no longer cared. Rhys didn’t resist or speak; he simply stood there, silent and still, like a statue absorbing the storm.

When I finally released him, my breath ragged and my heart pounding, he looked utterly disheveled—scratches marred his face and neck.

“Yo, are you done being angry?” he asked quietly, voice hoarse.

“If you’re finished, will you listen to what I have to say?” he added, hope flickering in his eyes.

I met his gaze with a cold, mocking smile. “Fine. Go ahead.”