Chapter 9 After throwing away everything she no longer needed , Nora started packing her suitcase . She'd once tried her best to make this place feel like home , filling every corner with traces of herself . She used to believe that if Elliot saw her things everywhere , he would always be reminded of her . Over time , he'd eventually accept her , fall in love with her , and never want to let her go . But in the end , none of that ever came true . She had so many things that packing went slowly , By the time Elliot came home that night , she still wasn't finished . He pushed open the bedroom door , and the first thing he saw was the bed completely covered in clothes . His sudden entrance startled Nora While she was still thinking of how to explain the mess , he asked before she could say a word , " What's all this ? Are you going on a work trip ? " Nora paused for a second , then turned away to keep packing . Out of his sight , a sarcastic smile tugged at her lips . She'd already quit her job , so how could she possibly be traveling for work ? It seemed like it had never crossed Elliot's mind that she might actually leave him , but that was fine by her . She didn't feel like explaining anything , so she just nodded and said , " Yeah . " " When are you leaving ? " Elliot asked casually , not thinking much of it . Nora pondered for a moment and , for once , didn't hide the truth . " Tomorrow morning . " Elliot didn't say anything else . He simply left the bedroom and went to make dinner . He was a great cook , but because of work , he rarely ever cooked for her . Having one of his homemade meals was a rare treat . Lately , though , he'd been cooking much more often - but those meals all seemed to end up being for Claire instead . After dinner , Elliot brought out a gift box and handed it to Nora , who was surprised . He almost never took the initiative like that . She didn't take the box . Instead , she asked him directly , " Is there something you want ? " Elliot hesitated for a moment , remembering the way she looked when she walked away , then finally managed to apologize . " I'm sorry for what happened last time . " Nora suddenly realized why he was acting so out of character tonight . But she had already made up her mind to let him go . If he wanted to protect Claire , that was his choice . It had nothing to do with her anymore . Her reaction was so calm that it caught Elliot off guard , but then , he remembered what he wanted Chapter 5 2/3 to say and continued , " Claire's been in a really bad mood lately . I took some time off work so I could be with her for a few days . " As he spoke , he kept glancing at her , waiting for some kind of response . But Nora's face was as calm as ever , without a trace of the anger she used to show whenever he wanted to see Claire . She sat quietly across from him , completely at peace . What did he expect her to do now ? In the past , no matter what she asked - her birthday , holidays , anniversaries , or even when she was sick or hurt - he never once agreed to take time off to be with her . But now , just because Claire was a little upset , he immediately took time off and offered to be there for her . What more was there to say ? " Do whatever you want , " she replied nonchalantly . After that , she didn't say anything else . Elliot suddenly got up and hugged her . " Nory , Claire is Professor Reeves ' daughter . She hasn't been . doing well since he passed , and she's been really shaken up by the hostage incident . Just let me be there for her right now . I'll make it up to you later , okay ? " Nora didn't agree or refuse , but the truth was , he wouldn't have a chance to make it up to her anymore . Early the next morning , Nora had already rolled her suitcase to the door . Elliot even bought breakfast for her . " I'll drive you to the airport in a bit . " She didn't say a word , simply sitting quietly at the table and finishing her breakfast . But right as she was about to leave , Elliot glanced down at his phone and , as she had expected , said , " Nory , something just came up . I can't take you to the airport , after all . " She didn't even have to guess . It was obviously Claire . Nora nodded and said , " Go do what you need to do . " Once she agreed , Elliot left without a second thought . Just before walking out the door , he turned back to look at her . " Let me know when you're coming back . I'll come pick you up . " With that , he left for good . Nora watched his silhouette disappear down the hall and said softly , " Elliot , I'm not coming back ." She took one last look around the apartment she had called home for six years . She remembered how excited and nervous she had been when she first moved in , and how lost and hurt she felt every time she was left there alone . Now , though , all she felt was relief and freedom as she walked away . Finally , she left a note on the table . " Elliot , we're over I'm going back home to get married . " With everything done , she rolled her suitcase out the door and hended straight for the airport .