Chapter 5 I ignored him and pulled out my phone to call the police. I'd barely dialed a few numbers when Dashiell snatched the phone away. His tense body was shaking slightly as he repeated: "You're going on a blind date?" I took a deep breath, about to answer, when Dashiell's eyes locked onto my phone screen. He stared at it for a moment. Then suddenly laughed. He casually tossed my phone onto the couch with a shrug: "Oh, so now you're playing hard to get." "Call the cops? Didn't you beg me to buy all this stuff for you? I paid for it, so I can do whatever I want with it." Dashiell raised an eyebrow with a mocking smile: "Just pick it up and wash it." "You used to treasure this stuff like it was gold." He then glanced down at my phone messages, then straightened his jacket. He walked over like he used to, trying to pinch my cheek. I slapped his hand away in disgust. I expected Dashiell to either argue with me or storm off like usual. But he just smiled meaningfully: "Aurelia, you're making me feel really guilty." He sighed softly: "Seeing you like this... I'm actually starting to regret things." My phone started ringing insistently. Dastuell dropped a casual "See you tomorrow" and walked out. I didn't think much about what he meant. I quickly packed my suitcase and went to a hotel. I'd been torn about whether to take these things anyway-now, like Dashiell, they weren't worth keeping. I thought that was it. From now on, the world would be wide open, and I'd never see Dashiell again. But the next morning at the airport, right as I came out of the bathroom, I heard Thalia's surprised voice: 16:23 Dear Hubby Your Biggest Mistake? Thinking I'd Res Instead of Rum 13 C Chapter N Dashiell, look! It really is your ex girlfriend!" My vision went black I instinctively tried to walk away like a stranger But Dashiell stepped right into my path, blocking me. His lips curved into an amused smile: "It your phone hadn't glitched to that page when we were fighting over it yesterday, I never would've known you'd go this far to follow me." "Giving up your job and everything?" I had no idea what he meant and said flatly: "Move." But then Thalia stepped forward, tugging at my sleeve with a timid voice: "Aurelia, I know you can't let go of Dashiell, but... this is our first trip together." "If you were in my position, you wouldn't want someone interfering either, right?" "You following us like this is really stressing us out." In the busy airport, Thalia's voice had been quiet enough that nobody was paying attention. But then her next words came out louder, with a sob: "We're all adults here. Can't we be mature about this?" You guys broke up already-what's the point of being so clingy?" As soon as she said that, people who weren't in a rush stopped to stare. They looked me up and down judgmentally. Some loudmouth even started gossiping to their friend: Oh snap, front row seats to the drama! I can't believe people like this actually exist." She's pretty, but how could she do something so pathetic?" I get it now-this couple's trying to go on vacation and the crazy ex is literally stalking them... This girlfriend is way too nice. If it were me, I'd have knocked some sense into her already." could see people pulling out their phones. My face darkened and I was about to explode when- Mind your own fucking business." Dashiell spoke first. dis face was red with anger as he snapped at the onlookers: Get a life. You gossip this much and you're gonna turn into bitter old hags!" I'd already rolled up my sleeves, ready to go off, but Dashiell beat me to it. 16:23 Dear Hubby, Your Biggest Mistake? Thinking I'd Beg Instead of Burn 17.89 Chapter & It reminded me of the first time we met, when he'd defended me like this too.... "You okay?" Dashiell took my luggage, looking at me with an unreadable expression. "Since you already bought the ticket, might as well not waste it." Then he took Thalia's hand, explaining gently: Babe. I'm not taking her side or anything. You know I'm completely over her." She just used her looks to seduce me back then, and I made a stupid mistake. Otherwise I would've gone after you from the start." Don't worry, I just feel sorry for her. That's all." 16.23 Door Hubly Your Blowout Mistake? Thinking I'd Bog Instead of Burn 18.1